Unraveling the policies, legislations, and regulations of psychedelics in Australia, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, and India.
Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands) July 8, 2025 Ramesh Joga, Sravani Yerram, Jayasri Devi Patnam et al. 5 citations
Countries vary widely in their regulation of psychedelics for medical use. Australia has legalized MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, with a structured prescription system for authorized psychiatrists. Canada and the Netherlands support therapeutic use through regulated clinical trials and limited exemptions under strict controls. New Zealand shows exploratory interest within a controlled framework. India maintains strict prohibitions with severe penalties, despite emerging research indicating potential medical benefits. The analysis draws on government documents, regulatory databases, and peer-reviewed literature, highlighting that Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand have taken pioneering steps, while India's conservative stance creates barriers to exploring medical potential.