Medical Psychedelics Working Group
The Medical Psychedelics Working Group is a cross-sector collaboration that includes scientific experts, academics, policymakers, leaders of patient advocacy groups and industry representatives, collectively aiming to create a rational and enlightened approach to psychedelic research and clinical treatment.
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

Professor of Psychopharmacology

Professor of Neuro-psychopharmacology

Co-founder, Heffter Research Institute

Professor of Psychopharmacology

Chair in Criminology

Consultant Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist and Founder Global Drug SurveyÂ

Professor of Psychopharmacology

Clinical Director, Centre for Psychedelic Research

Co-Founder, Heffter Research Institute

Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist

Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist

Psychiatric Registrar

Research Associate, Centre for Psychedelic Research

Associate Professor of Psychology

Senior Research Fellow at the
University of Melbourne

Director, MIND Foundation

Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology & Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Director of Synthesis Institute

Director of Pharmacy, Humankind

Psychotherapist

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

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

Specialty Doctor in Palliative Medicine

Post-doc Centre for Psychedelic Research,
Imperial College London
Policy Specialists

Labour MP, Manchester Withington

Co-founder, International Therapeutic
Psilocybin Rescheduling Initiative

Visiting Professor of Law, QMUL

Senior Policy Analyst, Transform

Senior Advocacy Coordinator, EFNA

Psilocybin Lead, CDPRG

Communications and Engagement Officer
Manchester UniversityÂ

Founder & Editor,
Psychedelic Alpha
Patient Advocates

CEO, Heroic Hearts Project UK

Integration Coach, Heroic Hearts Project UK

Psychiatric Doctor

Operations, Alalaho

CEO, Therapsil

Founder, PsyPAN
Research
2023
2022
2021
Partners
The Medical Psychedelics Working Group is supported by unrestricted educational grants from the following partners: