Psychedelic drug research will increase globally

Significance

Government authorities, including in the United States, are speeding up licensing for clinical trials of these controlled drugs. Substantial philanthropic funding supports psychedelic medicine and campaigns for regulated use of these drugs, including for treatment of PTSD, chronic depression and addiction.

Impacts

• Biotechnology companies expect psychedelic therapies to become mainstream over the next decade.
• Relaxation of drug laws could trigger increased investment in research and development.
• Legal production of psychedelic drugs will have a limited impact on criminal production, which is driven by demand for recreational use.