Majority of U.S. States Expected to Legalize Psychedelics by 2037
A new analysis forecasts that most U.S. states will legalize psychedelics by 2037, reflecting a shift towards bipartisan support for drug reform
Key Points
- 1Majority of U.S. states may legalize psychedelics by 2037
- 2Study by Washington University researchers mirrors cannabis legalization model
- 3Psilocybin and MDMA are key substances in reform measures
- 4State-level legislative reform is a major driver of legalization
- 5Future focus includes healthcare standards and regulatory planning
A recent analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry predicts that a majority of U.S. states will have legalized psychedelics by 2037. This forecast is based on a statistical model that mirrors the trajectory of cannabis legalization across the United States. The study highlights the rapid and varied progress of psychedelic drug reform, which has transitioned from a liberal issue to a bipartisan one
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have conducted an extensive review of psychedelic legislation across U.S. states and cities from 2019 to 2022. This includes tracking the introduction and enactment of laws, as well as voter initiatives. The movement gained significant momentum with Denver's 2019 decision to decriminalize psilocybin, followed by Oregon's 2020 vote to legalize it for therapeutic use, and Colorado's recent approval of broader psychedelic legalization
The study emphasizes the need for consensus on treatment models, healthcare education, and regulatory planning as the movement progresses. It notes that while psilocybin is the most frequently mentioned substance in reform measures, MDMA also appears prominently. Currently, 10 psychedelic-related bills have been enacted, with 32 more actively under consideration across various states
The broader implications of this trend are significant, as the study suggests that state-level legislative reform, similar to that seen with cannabis, could drive the legalization of psychedelics. However, this will depend on several factors, including FDA clinical trial outcomes and DEA decisions regarding the classification of these substances. The study indicates that the integration of psychedelics into medical practice will require overcoming legal barriers and establishing new treatment guidelines
Looking ahead, the study calls for a focus on key healthcare issues, such as setting standards for non-medical acquisition of psychedelics, licensing criteria for prescribers, and establishing clinical infrastructure. It also highlights the importance of addressing potential contraindications and the use of psychedelics in special populations like youth and pregnant individuals. The findings underscore a rapid shift towards broader access to psychedelics, marking a complex yet transformative journey for these substances in therapeutic contexts