About Psychedelics

Over the last 2 years there has been a rise in the interest in investigating the use of psychedelic compounds (Psilocybin, LSD, DMT & MDMA) for medical use especially with regard to aiding in various types of therapy for a range of issues such as PTSD, depression and dealing with addiction issues regarding alcohol, opioids and other substances.

Concurrent with medical interest legislative and legal issues have begun to come into play as cities and states around the country along with advocacy bodies are looking at ways to remove these compounds from existing criminal statutes.

Many lawyers with a background in the maturing cannabis industry are also now applying their skills and knowledge to the world of psychedelics and advising companies, authorities and governments on the paths to de-criminalization, regulation and markets.

A significant development in this new field of law  is the funding of the The Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School. The centre is engaged in a three-year initiative to examine the ethical, legal, and social implications of psychedelics research, commerce, and therapeutics.

Launched in summer 2021 with a grant from the Saisei Foundation, the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR) at the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School will advance evidence-based psychedelics law and policy.

They say…..”Due to their therapeutic and commercial potential, the U.S. market for psychedelics is projected to reach $6.85 billion by 2027, attracting a significant number of for-profit companies and investors. However, despite the proliferation of clinical research centers, increasing private investment in psychedelic drug development, and widespread state and local decriminalization, there is a relative lack of research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of psychedelics research, commerce, and therapeutics.”

For further background please read

New Frontiers in the Law of Psychedelics

Psychedelic Legalization & Decriminalization Tracker

Psychedelics Cases

United States v. Kuch

Judith H. Kuch, who avers she is an “ordained minister of the Neo-American Church”, stands indicted in a seven-count indictment for unlawfully obtaining and transferring marihuana and for the unlawful sale, delivery and possession of LSD. She moves to dismiss on several grounds… Click to see more

State v. Routon

Henry E. Routon appeals the circuit court’s judgment convicting him of one count of conspiracy to manufacture psilocybin/psilocin contrary to Psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogenic substances that are produced by psilocybe mushrooms. Routon contends that the evidence presented in the trial to the court was insufficient to prove that he conspired to manufacture… Click to see more

United States v. Marshall

Two cases consolidated for decision in banc present three questions concerning the application and constitutionality of the statute and sentencing guidelines that govern sales of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Stanley J. Marshall was convicted after a bench trial and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute, and distributing, more than ten grams of LSD, enough for 11,751 doses… Click to see more

United States v. Caseer

Following a bench trial, Defendant-Appellant Daahir Caseer was convicted on May 15, 2002 of one count of conspiring to import cathinone and one count of aiding and abetting the importation of cathinone. The district court sentenced Caseer to two years’ probation… Click to see more

Psychedelics Case Summaries

Psychedelics Law Stories

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