Psychedelic research, regulations, businesses, and patient access continued expanding this month. The federal government is still dragging its feet on compassionate psilocybin use. However, the FDA made incredible strides by ratifying MDMA treatment for PTSD. On a state level, psychedelic support is growing among citizens, while activist organizations fight for decriminalization and legalization initiatives. Amid this political landscape, psychedelic corporations are forging ahead and gaining powerful venture capital funding in the process. Here we review the top psychedelic news stories, research, and milestones for May 2022.
Oregon’s Psilocybin Training, Testing, and Product Rules are Out
Oregon passed the Psilocybin Services Act in November 2020. Now the state’s Health Authority is finally putting the framework into place. Just last week, Oregon regulators published the first round of final rules establishing allowable psilocybin product types, facilitator training requirements, and laboratory testing protocols for safety and quality. The program is wildly unique. Unlike cannabis legalization, which started with medical use, Oregon’s psilocybin program expands access to all adult residents without prerequisites. Oregon’s groundbreaking law is the first of its kind nationwide and will undoubtedly set a standard for the third wave of psychedelic acceptance.
Protesting the DEA in Support of Terminally Ill Patients’ Rights
On May 9th, Virginia activists protested outside DEA headquarters for the right of terminal cancer patients to use psilocybin. Protestors insisted that federal agents allow people to treat end-of-life anxiety and depression based on the 2018 Right to Try Act. The Act, signed by Donald Trump, allows terminal patients who exhausted traditional remedies to access alternative, unregulated therapeutics. At the demonstration, police arrested 17 protestors, while the DEA refused to speak to anyone, including cancer patients. However, following the event, the DEA responded by saying the Right to Try Act did not provide exemptions for banned drugs listed on the Controlled Substances Act, including psilocybin.
