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Psilocybin Law
The Future of Psilocybin Law
As research continues to demonstrate the value of psilocybin as a treatment for mental health conditions, the law is beginning to evolve accordingly. Both the federal government and state governments are reconsidering their psilocybin laws and regulations, clearing the path for psilocybin medicines and even for eventual recreational use of the drug. Harris Sliwoski is a leader in this exciting and fast-moving area, helping businesses understand the legal landscape and pursue new opportunities with confidence.
Contact UsChanges to the Legal Status of Psilocybin
The loosening of restrictions on psilocybin is moving forward on two fronts. As with cannabis, the first major changes to the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and related drugs have come in the medical context. While it is still illegal to possess, sell or use psilocybin at the federal level, federal criminalization of psilocybin looks increasingly dated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized psilocybin’s potential as a treatment for depression, applying its Breakthrough Therapy designation to two drugs developed for that purpose. Those drugs receiving the Breakthrough Therapy designation — and any others that receive this designation in the future — will benefit from expedited development and review.
This focus on psilocybin’s mental health benefits was the driving force behind Oregon’s legalization of psilocybin in 2020. While prescriptions and doctors’ referrals will not be required, the state is limiting the administration and use of the drug to licensed psilocybin therapy centers. As the first state to permit psilocybin and establish a program for its use, Oregon is an example to states considering their own approaches. Psilocybin treatment centers and the potential for FDA-approved psilocybin drugs present enormous business opportunities for companies, investors and entrepreneurs.
The second path forward for psilocybin is the decriminalization or legalization of recreational use. The next steps on this front are less clear than in the medical context. However, municipal governments are leading the way by downgrading psilocybin as a law enforcement priority. Cities that have done so include:
- Denver in 2019.
- Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., in 2020.
- Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Seattle in 2021.
These moves by local governments across the country signal a growing acceptance of psilocybin use. If psilocybin continues to follow the pattern of cannabis, we may eventually see recreational use decriminalized or legalized at the state level. This would present another set of opportunities for psilocybin-focused businesses.
Get Lawyers Experienced in Psilocybin Laws
Harris Sliwoski is uniquely positioned to assist companies and individuals in this area. We were among the first law firms to establish a cannabis practice and have been leaders in cannabis law and policy for more than a decade. We have built on that expertise and experience as we’ve expanded our psychedelics practice, which raises similarly complex legal and regulatory issues for businesses. We regularly analyze these and other topics on our Psychedelics Law Blog.
We combine our deep understanding of the law with a commitment to providing our clients with advice that allows them to pursue their goals prudently and aggressively. Our services in the psilocybe law space include:
- Providing advice on forming the legal entity best suited to your business’s goals.
- Continuing support with corporate administration and governance.
- Registering and protecting your intellectual property.
- Negotiating and drafting contracts and technology-related agreements.
- Navigating applicable licensing requirements.
- Providing counsel and advice on regulatory matters.
PSYCH LAW BLOG
An intelligent, timely resource for the Psilocybin industry
Harris Sliwoski’s psychedelic business lawyers are more than legal strategists—they are thought leaders: forward-thinking bloggers, educators, writers, and speakers.
We speak to business and trade groups, academic institutions, and government bodies on a variety of psychedelic legal issues, and our lawyers are frequently quoted by global, national, and local media outlets.
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