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What Stagnation in Federal Psychedelics Efforts Means for Advocates

Update The State of Psychedelics: Stagnation and Hope The federal government's exploration of psychedelics has made headlines over the past few years, particularly after President Trump assumed office in 2025. Under Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., there was optimism that psychedelics could soon be accessible for therapeutic use, especially amidst the rising tide of mental health issues. Disappointing Progress: Advocacy Groups Speak Out As we approach the two-year mark of the Trump administration, a palpable sense of disappointment pervades the psychedelics community. Advocates were initially hopeful that Kennedy's leadership would usher in swift regulatory changes; however, the current landscape remains frustratingly unchanged. Psychedelic executives and advocacy groups have criticized the lack of concrete strategies and action from federal agencies. Recent discussions among lawmakers, including U.S. Representatives Lou Correa and Jack Bergman, reveal a growing concern about the risk-averse nature of Congress when approaching the topic of psychedelics. Perspectives from industry insiders suggest that legislative inertia could derail progress, particularly as urgent calls from groups like The Mission Within advocate for veterans' access to psychedelic therapies. FDA Insights: Application Volume Increases Interestingly, while legislative movement appears stagnant, a surge in psychedelic drug applications has been noted by the FDA. Director Tiffany Farchione has indicated that her workload has ballooned due to the influx of investigational new drug applications. This points to ongoing interest and research in the field, potentially laying a groundwork for future accessibility. Moreover, Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has highlighted the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment. Her endorsement reflects an increasing acknowledgment of the necessity for innovative solutions in psychiatry. The Federal and State Dynamics of Psychedelic Regulation The complexity surrounding federal psychedelic regulation is mirrored by experiences in cannabis law. As observed by experts during a recent panel at the UC Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, federal scheduling often hampers access—even when states have taken progressive steps toward legalization. This phenomenon has implications for psychedelics as advocates must navigate both federal and state landscapes that don’t always align. Despite a lack of federal progress, some states have begun decriminalizing and regulating psilocybin services, paving a way for broader access that could inspire federal reforms. This “laboratories of democracy” model allows states like Oregon and Colorado to test new frameworks, demonstrating that local reform could eventually trigger federal changes. Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Policies Projecting forward, many anticipate that state-level actions will continue steering federal reforms, mirroring patterns seen with cannabis. Experts posit a dual approach could emerge: one focusing on federal approval for specific medical uses and another championing broader adult use and personal cultivation rights. The recognition that diverse populations may require varying solutions is crucial as we advance toward a more inclusive and thoughtful psychedelic policy landscape. As we reflect on the current state of psychedelics, it's clear that while the road has many challenges, there is also a glimmer of hope—an opportunity for advocates and policymakers to foster a dialogue that prioritizes mental health and substance safety.