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.

Sign

Supporting organisations

If your organisation supports this campaign, please let us know.

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. 7 days ago

I want to see society move forward, not backwards when it comes to regulations... and I want to see an end to using drugs as scapegoat to take attention away from other issues. Psychedelics have the power of change us - they need to be accessible.

Caroline K. 1 day ago

Naturally-occuring compounds like psilocybin have great potential for dealing with mental health

Sam 2 days ago

Because I believe in the power of healing with psychedelics.

Alexandra L. 2 days ago

I think it’s a massive injustice to not allow people to explore the possibilities of their life. So many of the worlds great thinkers, scientists and entrepreneurs have used these. We know the threat to religion is another element particularly in the US. It’s up to individuals to take responsibility for their own lives.

Stephanie C. 2 days ago

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Carol 2 days ago

I have experienced a lifetime of mental health problems and if payschadelics have the potential to treat these I think this should be fully explored.

Natalie H. 2 days ago

I did LSD and it has improved my mental health

Olivia K. 3 days ago

I have a deep belief that the use of psychedelics in a responsible and guided fashion would aid us towards the paradigm shift that we clearly need in this world of disconnected individualism resulting in the staggering mental health epidemic we are faced with. The need to aid those suffering and to help unlock the compassion and connectedness within so many to help them heal.

Michelle N. 4 days ago

Anxiety and depression are epidemic and existing medications only aim to treat the symptoms, without even acknowledging any root cause, and they don't even work well at doing that. We need research into new treatments and ways of supporting people to heal and grow.

Helen 4 days ago

I am signing because, I have suffered with depression and anxiety all my adult life and have tried numerous anti-depressant which have not worked. I would like to approach my problems with an alternative, natural substance and although I haven't taken psilocybin, I have researched it, read and watched video reviews and believe it may be a way forward in helping people like myself to pick up the pieces and overcome a very sad life.

Sorcha J. 4 days ago