Critique of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Psychedelic Therapy Clinical Memorandum, Dated May 2020
Journal of Medical and Health Studies December 31, 2021 Victor Chiruta, Paulina K Zemla, Pixie Miller et al. 4 citations
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) opposes medically controlled access to MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapies, citing safety concerns. However, a review of the RANZCP's references and current literature finds no evidence from the last 70 years that these substances, when administered in controlled clinical settings, cause mental illness or negative health outcomes. Instead, research shows MDMA and psilocybin are safe, non-toxic, non-addictive, and efficacious in such environments, with risks only in uncontrolled use. The RANZCP's position relies on outdated and misinterpreted evidence, and the authors warn that positive media coverage may encourage self-medication, underscoring ethical and social responsibilities.