Policy Considerations for Psychedelics in Research and Medicine – What’s Next on the Schedule?
Journal of Science Policy & Governance July 2, 2026 Matthew Boehm, Oriana Mayorga
Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and DMT show promise for treating mental health conditions, with the FDA granting Breakthrough Therapy designations for several uses. Despite this, most remain Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating no accepted medical use and high abuse potential, which imposes strict regulations. Over 150 active clinical trials are assessing their safety and efficacy, and federal research agencies, bipartisan congressional activities, and state-level reforms support their medical applications. A recent Executive Order calls for federal reforms to accelerate research and access, including timely rescheduling after Phase 3 trials. Rescheduling could reduce costs and administrative barriers while maintaining safety. The article outlines potential paths for rescheduling various Schedule I psychedelics given emerging clinical applications.