Psilocybin Licensing and Approval Lawyers
Psilocybin, a key psychoactive component in various types of mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms, is recognized as the most prominent natural psychedelic substance. Despite its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance by the federal government, psilocybin is under clinical investigation and is poised to potentially emerge as a psychiatric medication, marking a significant development since the introduction of Prozac, as noted by The New York Times.
The rise in acceptance of psychedelic therapies within the medical community positions our firm at the leading edge in representing clients in this evolving field of treatment. Echoing the early days of the medical cannabis movement, psychedelic substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine, and DMT are being explored for novel therapeutic applications, albeit within a challenging legal and regulatory framework. Our Firm provides guidance to researchers, manufacturers, investors, clinicians, and other stakeholders navigating the complex landscape created by the overlapping state and federal regulations governing Schedule I controlled substances. We offer support to entrepreneurs in establishing ventures and crafting frameworks optimized for operation within the psychedelic sector. Once these ventures are in place, our regulatory and finance attorneys aid in implementing and funding these enterprises. Clients benefit from our lawyers’ extensive knowledge in complying with the current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards applicable to cannabis and hemp products and how these standards translate to best practices in psychedelic therapies.
Our approach is multifaceted, encompassing the intricacies of regulatory compliance, intellectual property rights, and ethical considerations. We ensure our clients are well-equipped to address the legal challenges associated with the psychedelic industry, from securing patents to navigating the nuances of state-specific regulations. Our expertise extends to advising on clinical trials, ensuring adherence to FDA guidelines and ethical standards in research.
History of the psilocybin industry in the US
The history of the psilocybin industry in the United States is marked by periods of both prohibition and renewed interest, particularly in the context of its therapeutic potential. Indigenous peoples have utilized psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in ‘magic mushrooms,’ for millennia. However, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that Western society began to take notice, following R. Gordon Wasson’s 1957 LIFE Magazine article detailing his religious experience with these mushrooms in Mexico.
This exposure led to a surge in popularity and scientific interest. Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist known for discovering LSD, received a psilocybin sample from Wasson. Hofmann’s team at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals subsequently began producing 2 mg tablets of the substance, primarily for research. Over the next two decades, psilocybin was administered in thousands of clinical trials, exploring its potential therapeutic benefits.
However, amidst concerns over misuse and its association with the growing counterculture, the U.S. government classified ‘magic mushrooms’ as illegal in 1968. By 1970, psilocybin was placed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
The trajectory began to change in 2018 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted psilocybin Breakthrough Therapy Designation for research into its potential to treat serious illnesses. This move paved the way for accelerated development and study of psilocybin-based treatments. Following this, several states and cities initiated steps to decriminalize or deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psilocybin. Denver, Colorado, led this movement in May 2019, with Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, Washington DC, Somerville, Massachusetts, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, following suit.
Recent years have seen an intensification in research into psilocybin’s medicinal properties. As laws continue to evolve, allowing for both medical and recreational use in a controlled manner, psilocybin is increasingly viewed as a substance with significant therapeutic potential. This shift has sparked a surge in interest from academic institutions and investors alike. Leading universities are establishing psychedelic research centers, and substantial investment is flowing into the sector, reflecting growing optimism about the future of psilocybin as both a medical and recreational substance.
Is psilocybin legal in the United States?
Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the United States Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that it is illegal to cultivate, possess, or distribute psilocybin-producing mushrooms for personal or commercial purposes. Federally, there is no legal provision for the recreational purchase or use of psilocybin in any form. However, exemptions exist for scientific research where psilocybin can be used under stringent conditions with a license from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Despite its federal classification, there has been a growing movement towards the decriminalization and medical use of psilocybin. Notably, Oregon became a trailblazer by passing Oregon Ballot Measure 109, which decriminalized psilocybin for mental health treatment in supervised settings. Additionally, certain areas in Colorado, California, the District of Columbia, and Massachusetts have moved towards decriminalizing the use and possession of psilocybin. These regional changes, however, do not override the federal prohibition on the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin.
The DEA’s stance on psilocybin has evolved, particularly in relation to its use in research and clinical trials. Reflecting an increased interest in Schedule I substances for these purposes, the DEA has substantially increased the legal production quotas for psilocybin. For instance, the Aggregate Production Quota (APQ) for psilocybin was just 30 grams annually up until 2020. A significant increase was proposed in 2021, jumping to 1,500 grams, and further increased to a proposed quota of 3,000 grams in 2022. This change indicates a significant shift in the DEA’s approach, acknowledging the need for adequate supply for research and potential drug development.
The DEA’s increase in the psilocybin quota is a response to the growing research and therapeutic trials involving this substance. It also suggests an acknowledgment of psilocybin’s potential medical benefits, aligning with the trend of evolving laws and perceptions regarding its use. The APQ adjustments are critical for advancing research and meeting the requirements for potential new drug products, potentially leading to future FDA approvals.
Psilocybin Research
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, typically has concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 0.4%. While effective doses start at 3-4 mg, clinical studies often use doses between 14 and 30 mg to explore its potential therapeutic effects.
For researchers interested in studying psilocybin, a Schedule I controlled substance, a specific protocol must be followed:
IRB Clearance
The first step is securing clearance from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This is crucial for demonstrating to the public the potential benefits of researching psilocybin.
DEA Approval
After obtaining IRB approval, the next step involves seeking permission from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Researchers must submit detailed documentation outlining the purpose of the study, the quantity of psilocybin required, storage protocols, and other relevant information. The DEA registration process is comprehensive, and researchers can contact 1-800-882-9539 or the Local Diversion Field Office for guidance.
NIDA Approval
Researchers also need to apply to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for access to the substance. This is a lengthy process that includes several stages and ultimately culminates in a site inspection by federal law enforcement.
As ongoing research continues to shed light on the medical benefits of psilocybin, its legal status in the United States could evolve. The pathway to obtaining approval for research involving psilocybin is stringent and well-regulated. Firms like Moriconi Flowers have a track record of successfully guiding clients through the intricate approval processes with the DEA and other governmental bodies.
This overview underscores the complexity and regulations involved in psilocybin research, reflecting the current state of policies and practices in the field.
Psilocybin research and its legal status in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation. As clinical studies continue to illuminate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, there is a growing recognition of its potential benefits in the psychiatric and medical fields. However, this emerging field is navigated within a complex and stringent legal framework, particularly given psilocybin’s classification as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Moriconi Flowers stands at the forefront of this evolving sector, offering unparalleled expertise and guidance to clients engaged in the psychedelic industry. Whether you are a researcher, manufacturer, investor, clinician, or entrepreneur, our firm is equipped to provide comprehensive support. We specialize in regulatory compliance, intellectual property rights, ethical considerations, and navigating the intricacies of state and federal laws.
If you’re looking to navigate the complex terrain of the psychedelic industry, Moriconi Flowers is your ideal partner. Contact us to leverage our expertise and make informed decisions that propel your ventures forward in this promising field. Reach out to us for guidance, support, and representation that aligns with the latest developments in psilocybin research and regulations.
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