Issue 128

Accessing Psilocybin in the UK

A debate on ‘Psilocybin Access Rights’ is expected to be heard in the House of Commons later this month. The session, scheduled for three hours, provides an opportunity for MPs to advocate for the rescheduling of psilocybin to enable better access to the psychedelic medicine.

The enhanced ability to recognise patterns is a property of the psychedelic experience consistently noted in clinical trials.

One’s ability to notice patterns, however, does not need enhancing to notice a sobering parallel between the legacy of earlier research from the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London on psilocybin and the launch of the world’s largest medical psilocybin access and data project, Project Solace.

Both involve British innovation, but in the UK, psilocybin remains subject to the strictest possible scheduling in British law, meaning its enormous potential benefits to public health are under wraps on home turf and reaped exclusively in other jurisdictions.

MICRODOSING LINKED TO IMPROVED COGNITIVE MOTOR SKILLS

In a recent study, microdosing psilocybin was associated with enhanced brain function in those over 55.

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ISSUES CODE FOR PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS

COMPASS Pathways and MAPS PBC submitted a joint application to facilitate access to psychedelic-assisted therapy.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

Tryp Therapeutics closes oversubscribed funding round. The company has raised A$2.4m for its drug development programmes.

MindMed release data from LS D study. Topline results indicate the psychedelic medicine may be effective against major depressive disorder.

The top clinical trials of 2022. A review of significant studies into the efficacy of psychedelic medicines.

Experts call for collaborative policies in psychedelic therapy. In the US, cooperation at the federal and state levels is needed for effective regulations.

Clearmind enters supply agreement with IMP. The company’s clinical trial into alcohol use disorder is expected to begin in Q2 2023.

On Thursday, 6 July, industry leaders will converge at the iconic British Museum for PSYCH Symposium: London 2023.

Tickets on sale for £329 + VAT.

TICKET REGISTRATION

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

A systemic review of ketamine’s anti-anxiety effects. The meta-analysis finds ketamine’s effects are immediate and last up to two weeks.

Decoding the molecular mechanisms of psilocybin. Clinical trial data suggests the psychedelic medicine could treat depression.

REGULATION AND LEGISLATION

Lawmakers in Washington consider session to prevent drug decriminalisation. Senate Bill 5536 failed to pass before the end of session.

Bill to legalise psychedelic medicines expedited in California. Beyond legalising possession, the law would also enable community-based healing services.

Would your organisation benefit from engaging with Europe’s psychedelic medicine community?

Partnership with PSYCH provides the opportunity to engage an audience ready to support the development of psychedelic healthcare.

Previous partners include COMPASS Pathways, Beckley Psytech and Awakn Life Sciences.

For more information and to request the PSYCH media kit, please email grace@psych.global.

REQUEST MEDIA KIT

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

Solving the UK’s mental health crisis. A national effort, mirroring that against climate change, is needed to avert long-term economic decline.

In the US, one in ten high school students have attempted suicide. New data reveals the poor mental health of children and teenagers.