The legal status of psychedelics is evolving from "summary" of How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
As for the legal status of psychedelics, it is currently in a state of flux, shifting slowly but unmistakably in the direction of greater tolerance. In the United States, the FDA has designated psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" for depression, meaning that it is a treatment that may offer substantial improvement over existing therapies. This designation has expedited the development of psilocybin as a prescription medicine. Several cities have decriminalized or deprioritized the enforcement of laws against the use and possession of psychedelics, including Denver, Oakland, and Santa Cruz. Additionally, Oregon has become the first state to legalize the use of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting. These developments suggest a growing acceptance of psychedelics as valuable tools for mental health and personal growth. However, the legal landscape remains complex and fraught with contradictions. While some jurisdictions are moving toward decriminalization and medicalization, others continue to enforce harsh penalties for the possession and use of psychedelics. The federal government still classifies psychedelics as Schedule I drugs, meaning that they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification has hindered research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for decades. Nevertheless, the tide appears to be turning, as more researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers recognize the benefits of these substances when used responsibly and in the right context. The evolving legal status of psychedelics reflects a broader shift in cultural attitudes toward these substances, away from fear and stigma and toward curiosity and openness.
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