Psychedelics for Mental Health
Background
The Psychedelic Society, along with other organisations and individuals listed below, are calling on the UK government to reschedule psilocybin, a compound that has been called a ‘breakthrough’ treatment for mental health.
Recent trials using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety have returned staggering results, with 80% of patients reporting improved wellbeing or life satisfaction for up to six months from just a single dose.
Psilocybin is currently a Schedule 1 substance. Schedule 1 substances are not authorised for medical use and can only be supplied, possessed or administered in exceptional circumstances under a special Home Office licence. This means psilocybin cannot be prescribed by doctors, and that conducting research with it is extremely time-consuming and expensive.
By rescheduling psilocybin from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 or below, research would become faster and cheaper, and doctors would be able to start prescribing the substance when they see fit.
Petition text
To the UK Ministers for Drug Policy and Mental Health,
4 million people suffer from depression & anxiety in the UK1. Research has shown the potential of psilocybin to treat these conditions2, 3, 4, 5, yet it is being hindered by the restrictive Schedule 1 status of the substance. Out of compassion for those suffering from depression & anxiety, we ask that you take immediate action to reschedule psilocybin.
- 1https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-most-common-mental-health-problems
- 2https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/may/17/magic-mushrooms-lift-severe-depression-in-clinical-trial
- 3https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/dec/01/magic-mushroom-ingredient-psilocybin-can-lift-depression-studies-show
- 4http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/magic-mushrooms-ease-anxiety-depression-cancer-patients-studies-a7449186.html
- 5http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/05/17/magic-mushrooms-lifts-severe-depression-in-trial/
Reasons for signing
I am convinced of the benefits of tryptamine based psychedelic compounds, such as Psilocybin and LSD, as well as phenethylamines such as Mescaline and MDMA in the treatment of depression and PTSD. This is by virtue of their compatibility with neurotransmitters in the human brain. I feel we are losing out on tremendous potential for safer treatment in many psychological disorders, given the prevailing negative attitudes to these compounds. It’s time for a change
Brian P. 2 months ago
My personal experience of foraging for mushrooms has brought me to know this remarkable fungi.
As a recreational drug it seems to have no drawbacks, if taken in sensible doses.
Medicinally, I do wonder if SOME patients' own anxiety would clash with the (temporary) mind altering experiences of ingesting psilocybin.
It does seem to be one of the most benign of recreational drugs. And have no doubt, it is used by hundreds of thousands of revellers. Just do a short survey of festival goers, or watch the odd person looking for them in the fields of the UK in October and November.
Joe C. 3 days ago
The evidence is promising so why restrict the research. Anti-depressant drugs are already being used every day but a more effective, not to mention natural, way to cure severe anxiety and depression would lessen the dependency on other more harmful drugs and ease the burden on the healthcare system in the long term.
Ali 3 days ago