National Institutes of Health psilocybin research speaker series: State of the science, regulatory and policy landscape, research gaps, and opportunities.
Dan Xi, Ann Berger, David Shurtleff, Farah Z Zia, Sean Belouin
Neuropharmacology June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109467
Summary
In a groundbreaking shift, the NIH hosted its first-ever speaker series focused on psilocybin research, bringing together 26 leading experts to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine. The series examined current scientific evidence, regulatory frameworks, and emerging opportunities in psychedelic research, marking a significant step in mainstream medicine's acceptance of these compounds. Key discussions centered on psilocybin's potential for treating mental health conditions, while addressing safety protocols and policy considerations.
Abstract
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a seminal first ever psychedelic drug substance-focused speaker series, from April 22 to June 10, 2021, titled the "NIH Psilocybin Research Speaker Series." This speaker series provided evidence-based scientific information to the public and the scientific community. Its aims were to assess the current state of the science, the regulatory and policy landscape, as well as to identify gaps in knowledge and understanding, ultimately serving to define future research needs. The highlights of the lectures and discussion from 26 national and international distinguished experts served as the basis for this Special Issue of Neuropharmacology. This article is part of the Special Issue on "National Institutes of Health Psilocybin Research Speaker Series".