Drug Policy: From Illegal To Medical

Researchers and physicians have revisited compounds once associated as sources of harm as medicines and tools for healing. 

Oregon hit the news November becoming the first US state to legalise psilocybin therapy. With growing research into the usefulness of psychedelics in treating a vast scope of mental health disorders, will other states and countries follow the lead? What risks do we face with these substances legalised on a capitalised market, or in the hands of big pharma? 

With radical changes in cannabis laws over the past decade, what can we learn from medical cannabis? With this evidence, how can we best frame our approach to legalising other psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin? And how do we better ensure equal access for all patients to cannabis and other psychedelic medicines, free from the harms of stigmatisation and geographical and financial barriers?

As the medical evidence for such drugs increases amidst the growing psychedelic renaissance, the policies surrounding illegal substances are being questioned and redefining laws. Joining for this highly relevant and transformative conservation exploring the future for repurposing illicit drugs is a varied panel, including MP Crispin Blunt, policy director Natalie Ginsberg, patient advocate Abby Hughes and psychiatrist Dr Chloe Sakal.

This panel will be part one of our two-part series on drug policy. With a new generation of drug policy reformers and psychedelic researchers, we want to shine a light on the healing powers of banned substances, consequences of prohibition and explore the future of the war on drugs.