Ethical Complexities and Best Practices in Informed Consent Processes for Psilocybin Services: A Qualitative Study
Neuroethics May 13, 2026 Christina Chwyl, Alissa Bazinet, Adrianne R. Wilson-Poe et al.
Informed consent in psychedelic-assisted services is ethically complex and lacks standardization. Expert recommendations from 36 participants (71% white, 53% female, average 15.2 years of experience in clinical trial, underground, or ceremonial settings) emphasized that consent should be an ongoing process built on a strong therapeutic relationship and client empowerment. Comprehensive disclosure of risks and benefits is needed, including long-term psychological and social changes and the possibility of disappointing experiences. Detailed consent around touch and boundaries is crucial, with explicit boundary-setting before administration and attention to non-verbal cues. Provider training should cultivate deep respect for client agency and experiential learning of relational and boundary skills.