Policy considerations that support equitable access to responsible, accountable, safe, and ethical uses of psychedelic medicines

• Published in: Neuropharmacology 2022-11, Vol.219, p.109214, Article 109214
• Main Authors: Belouin, Sean J., Averill, Lynnette A., Henningfield, Jack E., Xenakis, Stephen N., Donato, Ingrid, Grob, Charles S., Berger, Ann, Magar, Veronica, Danforth, Alicia L., Anderson, Brian T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hallucinogen; Hallucinogens - therapeutic use; Harm reduction; Humans; MDMA; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine - therapeutic use; Policy; Psilocybin; Psilocybin - therapeutic use; Psychedelic; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0028-3908; 1873-7064; 1873-7064
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109214

There is mounting evidence suggesting psychedelic and entactogen medicines (namely psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]), in conjunction with proper psychosocial support, hold the potential to provide safe, rapid acting, and robust clinical improvements with durable effects. In the US, both psilocybin and MDMA have been granted Breakthrough Therapy designations by the US Food and Drug Administration and may potentially receive full FDA approval with similar regulatory considerations occurring in multiple countries. At the same time, regulatory changes are poised to increase access to legal or decriminalized psychedelic use in various non-medical settings. This review provides a brief discussion on the historical use of psychedelic medicines, the status of the empirical evidence, and numerous significant policy considerations that must be thoughtfully addressed regarding standards-of-practice, consumer protection, engagement of communities, safeguarding access for all, and developing data standards, which supports the responsible, accountable, safe, and ethical uses of these medicines in clinical, faith-based, and other contexts. We provide suggestions for how public health and harm reduction can be supported through a public-private partnership that engages a community of stakeholders from various disciplines in the co-creation and dissemination of best practices and public policies. This article is part of the Special Issue on ‘Psilocybin Research’. •Psychedelics carry notable promise and risk when used as mental health therapies.•Public education and facilitator training are essential for risk mitigation.•Public policies must prioritize harm reduction and best practices.•Successful scaling up of psychedelic therapies requires equitable access.