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Medical Psychedelics Working Group

Drug Science publishes peer reviewed research, reports, and articles to provide clear, evidence-based information without political or commercial interference.

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 (CEO).

Scientific Committee

Prof Jo Neill (Chair)

Professor of Psychopharmacology

Prof David Nutt

Professor of Neuro-psychopharmacology

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

Prof Celia Morgan

Professor of Psychopharmacology

Dr David Erritzoe

Clinical Director, Centre for Psychedelic Research

Dr Dennis McKenna

Co-Founder, Heffter Research Institute

Dr James Rucker

Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist

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

Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology & Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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

Policy Specialists

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

Patient Advocates

Keith Abraham

CEO, Heroic Hearts Project UK

Ian Roullier

Founder, PsyPAN

Dr Lauren Macdonald

Psychiatric Doctor

Leonie Schneider

Operations, Alalaho

Spencer Hawkswell

CEO, Therapsil

Reports

an article thumbnail of From taboo to treatment
an article thumbnail of YouGov results

Research

Partners

Supporting Partners

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