Psychedelics Might Be Legalized Sooner Than You Think

“You don’t hear about it anymore,” John Lennon said in 1980, lamenting how psilocybin mushrooms went underground. “But people are still visiting the cosmos.” Like its psychedelic companions, psilocybin earned its stigma in the Sixties, after which Nixon’s Controlled Substances Act officially prohibited it.

But science is slowly discovering new benefits of the drug, and a grassroots effort hints at the potential for an age of legal mushrooms in America. Since 2004, a dozen clinical trials have demonstrated profound improvements in spiritual wellness, addiction, OCD and depression. One Phase III trial, the final step before FDA approval, could start as soon as next year. “I’m not an expert, but it really looks like this stuff might work,” says Mark Kleiman, a drug policy scholar at NYU. “It needs a lot more research.”

legalize-psychedelicsSupport for legalizing magic mushrooms is low, but the groundswell is real. Brian Normand, 32, is the founder of Psymposia, a campaign to change the climate around psilocybin and psychedelics, part of a wave of new “psychedelic societies” across the country. He first became interested in the promise of mushrooms after he lost his mother to suicide. “I’m passionate about psychedelics as medicine for people with depression,” he says. “It should be available for people who have these conditions.” A marijuana-style referendum is unlikely anytime soon – one Oregon group is mulling an initiative for 2020 – but that’s the playbook. “A health-based, compassionate approach is what’s going to lead the way,” says Normand. “That’s how it changes – very slowly.”

Dănuț Încrosnatu
Dănuț Încrosnatu
As the founder of Sociedelic.com, my passion for exploring the depths of consciousness and enhancing personal growth has led me on an incredible journey, delving into the world of psychedelic compounds, natural medicines, and responsible drug use. I have a burning desire for spiritual growth and mental well-being, and I truly value open-mindedness, curiosity, and self-exploration. With a strong drive for personal development and creative expression, I am fueled by a vision of social change and sustainability. My experimental nature and empathetic personality make me deeply introspective and socially responsible, and I am constantly inspired by the power of art, creativity, and community. :)