Student presentation examines psychedelics as the next fronteir of drug policy reform

It's opening day for the MLB, but we are mid-season for my Marijuana Law, Policy & Reform seminar as students continue their "take over" of my class through presentations on the research topics of their choice.  As noted many tmes before, prior to their presentations, students are expected to provide here some background on their topic and links to some readings or relevant materials. The second of our presentations taking place in class next week will be looking at psychedelics and the next class of drugs subject to modern reforms.  Here is how my student has described her topic along with background readings she has provided:

As marijuana policy continues to reform and the stigma surrounding it begins to fade, the legality of other drugs has come into question, and the policies behind them have slowly begun to reform as well.  After California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, within the next four years several states followed suit.  The trend of cannabis legalization continued with Colorado becoming the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes in 2014.  This trend of cannabis reform in the last 30 years or so has led researchers, policymakers and everyday citizens to dive into the research of various other drugs that have potential medicinal and recreational use.

The largest group of drugs that has drawn a focus is psychedelics. Psychedelic drugs are a broad category that could encompass anything from cannabis itself to LSD to MDMA.  This presentation will focus on the most common drugs people often think of when it comes to psychedelics – psilocybin (magic mushrooms,) and LSD. As well as two other drugs that have found their way into the spotlight of reform – MDMA (ecstasy,) and ketamine.  My presentation will start with an overview of the drugs above, their medicinal or lack of medicinal purposes, the research surrounding them, and different models of legalization, focusing on the challenges and progress ongoing in various states and cities including Oregon, Colorado and California.

Background reading:

Siegel JS, Daily JE, Perry DA, Nicol GE. Psychedelic Drug Legislative Reform and Legalization in the US, JAMA Psychiatry (Jan. 1, 2023)

Smith WR, Appelbaum PS. Two Models of Legalization of Psychedelic Substances: Reasons for Concern. JAMA (Aug. 24, 2021)

Mapping Psychedelic Drug Policy Reform in the United States (March 14, 2024)

Gael Girón S, Lang B, LeMaster S, Matthews K, McAllister S. Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel.  Comprehensive Report (2021)