People are being urged to write to their local MPs calling for research to be allowed into the potential benefits of magic mushrooms for treating serious mental health conditions.
The Psilocybin Access Rights campaign group made a fresh call for people to contact their MPs ahead of international Magic Mushroom Day on Friday.
Currently psilocybin, the active compound found in 200 species of fungi across the world, is designated as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it cannot be prescribed or easily researched.
Yet there is early evidence that it can help alleviate serious conditions including depression, chronic pain, anorexia, addictions, obsessive compulsive disorder and cluster headaches.
The PAR campaign group wants the status of psilocybin to be changed to Schedule 2, which would make it more accessible for patients and researchers.
Timmy Davis, director of psychedelic policy at the centre for evidence based drug policy, said: “We believe the time is ripe for a change in this area - it is the most promising time in over 50 years.
“This is because of the strong Labour majority and the fact that both the Liberal Democrats, who have 72 seats, and the Greens, who have four seats, have pro-drug policy reform manifestos.”
The PAR campaign group is asking members of the public to write to their MPs asking them to sign an open letter to the Home Office calling for the status of psilocybin to be changed, because its current status is a “direct impediment to vital medical and scientific research and patient access.”
To further mark Magic Mushroom Day, international mushroom expert Paul Stamets will visit the UK and speak at the Equinox Festival, a fundraising event for the PAR campaign at a woodland venue near Reading.
Mr Stamets will give a talk about his new book Psilocybin Mushrooms in their Natural Habitat.
