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Medical Psychedelics Working Group

The Medical Psychedelics Working Group is a collaborative initiative dedicated to promoting evidence-based approaches to psychedelic research and access.

Aim

To create a rational and enlightened approach to psychedelic research and clinical treatment

Objectives

  • Develop and deliver scientific research on psychedelic drugs

  • Provide evidence that supports the removal of psychedelic drugs from Schedule 1 restrictions

  • Work with regulatory bodies to ensure that relevant legislation is enacted to facilitate medical use of psychedelic drugs

  • Promote destigmatisation and improved understanding of psychedelic drugs

  • Provide evidence-based educational resources on psychedelic medicine for doctors, pharmacists, healthcare professionals and the general public

Rationale

We believe that the future of psychedelic medicine is extremely promising, and there is potential for the widespread application of psychedelic drugs within public health models. After witnessing the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, we recognised a need to work collaboratively and proactively with interdisciplinary partners to ensure that psychedelic medicines are developed for UK, EU and worldwide healthcare models.

Current regulations have created serious and considerable barriers to legitimate research associated with Schedule 1 regulations. While existing legislation does not preclude scientific research with these drugs, it does make studies considerably more difficult, time-consuming and costly.

With further research and a greater understanding amongst policy makers, academics, the media and the general public, there is a realistic prospect of regulatory approval for psychedelic medicines. We aim to ensure that medical psychedelics can be used safely in an ethical and economically sustainable manner and demonstrate a potential for lasting therapeutic benefit.

In 2020, we decided to establish the Medical Psychedelics Working Group to break down the barriers of 50 years of medical censorship by creating a rational and enlightened approach to psychedelic research and clinical treatment. The group explores innovation within the psychedelic space with a specific focus on how psychedelics can be integrated into primary and secondary healthcare. Our belief is that evidence-based science, data sharing, and strong partnerships are essential for the success of psychedelic medicines.

If you are interested in joining the Medical Psychedelics Working Group as a corporate partner, please contact Anne Schlag, Drug Science's CEO.

Reports

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Members

Prof Jo Neill (Chair)

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Professor of Psychopharmacology

Prof David Nutt

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Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology

Prof Ceila Morgan

Prof Celia Morgan

Professor of Psychopharmacology

Dr Liliana Galindo

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Consultant Psychiatrist & Affiliated Assistant Professor 

Dr David Erritzoe

Dr David Erritzoe

Director, Centre for Psychedelic Research

Dr Dennis McKenna

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Co-Founder, Heffter Research Institute

Dr James Rucker

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Consultant Psychiatrist & Senior Clinical Lecturer

Dr Sara Tai

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Professor of Clinical Psychology

  • Prof Jo Neill

    Prof Neill 2025

    Professor of Psychopharmacology

    Prof David Nutt

    Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology

    Prof David Nichols

    Co-founder, Heffter Research Institute

    Prof Val Curran

    Professor of Psychopharmacology

    Prof Fiona Measham

    Chair in Criminology

    Prof Adam Winstock

    Honorary Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist

    Dr Liliana Galindo

    Galindo

    Consultant Psychiatrist & Affiliated Assistant Professor 

    Prof Celia Morgan

    Professor of Psychopharmacology

    Dr David Erritzoe

    Director, Centre for Psychedelic Research

    Dr Dennis McKenna

    Co-Founder, Heffter Research Institute

    Dr James Rucker

    Consultant Psychiatrist & Senior Clinical Lecturer

    Dr Mourad Wahba

    Psychiatric Registrar

    Dr Meg Spriggs

    Research Associate, Centre for Psychedelic Research

    Dr David Luke

    Associate Professor of Psychology

    Dr Simon Ruffell

    Senior Research Fellow at the
    University of Melbourne

    Dr Henrik Jungaberle

    Director, MIND Foundation

    Dr Sara Tai

    Professor of Clinical Psychology

    Dr Ros Watts

    Clinical Director of Synthesis Institute

    Roz Gittins

    Director of Pharmacy, Humankind

    Liam Modlin

    Psychotherapist

    Prof Hiroyuki Uchida

    Associate Professor at the Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University, Tokyo

    Dr Jake Hawthorn

    Addiction Psychiatrist and Co-founder of the Scottish Psychedelic Research Group

    Dr Claire Clark

    Specialty Doctor in Palliative Medicine

    Dr Chris Timmermann

    Post-doc Centre for Psychedelic Research,
    Imperial College London

    Erika Salazar

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    Leader of the
    Shanayoy Organisation

  • Jeff Smith MP

    Labour MP, Manchester Withington

    Chris Koddermann

    Co-founder, International Therapeutic
    Psilocybin Rescheduling Initiative

    Rudi Fortson QC

    Visiting Professor of Law, QMUL

    Steve Rolles

    Senior Policy Analyst, Transform

    Tadeusz Hawrot

    Senior Advocacy Coordinator, EFNA

    Timmy Davis

    Psilocybin Lead, CEBDP

    Callum Wood

    Communications and Engagement Officer
    Manchester University 

    Josh Hardman

    Founder & Editor,
    Psychedelic Alpha

    Dr Alex Dymock

    Senior Lecturer in Law, 
    Goldsmiths, University of London

    Prof Oliver Davis

    Arts Faculty, University of Warwick

    Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes

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    Lecturer in the Department of Psychology - University of Exeter

  • Keith Abraham

    CEO, Heroic Hearts Project UK

    Ian Roullier

    Founder, PsyPAN

    Dr Lauren Macdonald

    Psychiatric Doctor

    Leonie Schneider

    Operations, Alalaho

    Spencer Hawkswell

    CEO, Therapsil

Partners

The Medical Psychedelics Working Group is supported by unrestricted educational grants from the following partners:

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Supporting Partners

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Unlimited Sciences
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Blossom logo
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