Ministers have been urged to open up access for scientists to psilocybin, the chemical compound in magic mushrooms, to allow research into its potential therapeutic benefits.
Psilocybin, a Class A drug and a psychedelic, is currently being trialled as an alternative treatment to several mental illnesses including depression, anorexia and addiction.
Scientists believe that psilocybin could help to alleviate symptoms of mental illness as it can trigger positive biological changes in the brain. It is thought that psilocybin helps brain cells to reorganise their structure and function in a way that helps them to connect better. This can help patients to feel more connected to their own identity, or their family and friends.
Psilocybin is currently classed as a Schedule 1 drug – substances that have no medicinal value and are subject to stringent controls. It is illegal to use recreationally and distribution can lead to a seven year jail sentence.
All research involving controlled substances currently requires a Home Office domestic license, but Schedule 2-5 substances being trialled in universities and hospitals are exempt.
A report released by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) last week proposed easing controls on trials using Schedule I substances, including heroin or LSD.
It found that the process of applying for a licence to use a Schedule I drug in trials could take up to a year.
Trials also require extensive paperwork and licences are only valid for three months, which is usually not enough time to organise shipments of drugs.
Campaigners have urged ministers to make psilocybin a Schedule 2 drug, allowing it to be prescribed to people who could benefit from it immediately, including former British soldiers with PTSD who travel abroad for treatment.
Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North and chair of the Centre for Evidence Based Drug Policy, said: “We have high hopes that the government will now urgently work to break down barriers to research into LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and other drugs with the potential to be transformative treatments for anxiety, severe depression and PTSD.
“These barriers are so high at present that they are stifling UK research.
“We also need to see a route to patient access where appropriate, most pressingly for psilocybin.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We welcome the ACMD's report and will consider the findings carefully.”
In a letter to the ACMD before the report was published, Home Office minister Chris Philp said that the Government must “maintain the right balance between access for legitimate research whilst minimising the risk of harm, diversion, and misuse of controlled drugs”.
