The authors write: “The most restrictive scheduling of psychedelic compounds reinforced misinformation and stigmatization, and directly contributed to a scientific stagnation by detracting scientists from conducting research on these substances.”
Psychedelic Health (UK) reports
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) need to play a more active role in psychedelics, say MEPs.
In two letters seen byPsychedelic Health, a cross-party group ofMEPs has expressed concern over the lack of progress with the medical use of psychedelics in the EU.
Stating that this stagnation is creating a disadvantage for millions of Europeans affected by mental health conditions and substance use disorders, the MEPs have called on regulators to move faster on psychedelic healthcare in Europe.
The authors of the letters are urging the EMA to play a more active role in the advancement of psychedelic research and to work more closely with the EMCDDA.
The letters follow recent developments in Australia, which has made moves to increase access to psychedelic therapies for patients. The country will reclassify psilocybin and MDMA to enable prescribing by authorised psychiatrists from July 1, 2023, and the substances will be rescheduled from Schedule 9 of the Poisons Standard, which is prohibited substances, to Schedule 8, which is controlled drugs.
