Biden administration plans for legal psychedelic therapies within 2 years

As the medical community explores alternative therapies to treat mental health crises, it appears the White House is getting on the same page. According to a federal letter from the Health and Human Services Department shared with The Intercept, the government expects regulators to approve MDMA and psilocybin treatments within the next 2 years.

MDMA and psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) are believed to be potentially groundbreaking treatments for both PTSD and depression, respectively. In May, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam Delphin-Rittmon wrote a letter to Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), on behalf of the US Health Secretary, saying that these treatments must be explored.

“Too many Americans are suffering from mental health and substance use issues, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and we must explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies to address this crisis.”

While there’s no concrete evidence that pharmaceutical companies are currently exploring psychedelic treatment options, a bipartisan bill was introduced last month to allow terminally ill patients to access Schedule 1 drugs for treatment, indicating a shift in Washington’s approach to these substances.