Where To Find Legal Psychedelic Therapy
Psychedelic therapy is a changing legal landscape. Here’s a current overview of legal options to pursue psychedelic therapy and find a psychedelic therapist or guide.
What Psychedelics Are Legal - And Where
Currently across the US, ketamine is the only legal psychedelic that is used for mental health conditions. Ketamine is a legal, safe and effective treatment for depression and other issues. We offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, which pairs oral ketamine with the guidance of a licensed therapist. Ketamine clinics and infusions centers offer intravenous and intramuscular administration of ketamine, usually with no therapist. At-home ketamine programs offer oral ketamine that’s done at home possible with a “guide” who is not a mental health professional.
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) Decriminalization
Several cities and states have recently decriminalized certain psychedelic substances, plants and fungi. This means that, while not legal, the substances have a low priority for local city and state police departments. Here is a list of cities that have decriminalized psychedelics:
Denver, Colorado (2019)
Oakland, California (2019)
Santa Cruz, California (2019)
Washington, D.C. (2020)
Somerville, Massachusetts (2021)
Cambridge, Massachusetts (2021)
Seattle, Washington (2021)
Ann Arbor, Michigan (2021)
Legal Medical Psychedelic Programs in the US
In 2020, Oregon voters approved the Psilocybin Services Program, which will offer legal and licensed psilocybin therapy in centers regulated by the state. Wile magic mushrooms remain illegal federally, within the state of Oregon psilocybin therapy will be legal and accessible via this state-run program. The first centers, facilitators and legal growing facilities are expected to become available in late 2022.
Overseas Options for Legal Psychedelic Therapy
Outside of the US, there are options for legal psychedelic retreats. From Costa Rica, to Jamaica and Brazil, people from all over the world are beginning to travel to experience psychedelics for their own healing. However, due diligence and vetting is strongly advised. Overseas retreat centers vary in reputation, safety, and participation with mental health professionals. Psychedelics, which powerful tools for healing, can lead to a vulnerable and impressionable state of mind. Reports of abuse, dangerous situations and even deaths call for caution.
I Want To Try Psychedelics, How Do I Find a Guide?
If you are in a decriminalized area and decide to use psychedelics on your own, it’s recommended to find a trusted guide and follow best practices for safety. Most guides work “underground” and require a personal connection or referral. Some psychedelic guides are beginning to operate more openly. Regardless, preparation and integration with a licensed therapist who is familiar with psychedelics for therapeutic purposes is strongly recommended. This is a service we offer, in addition to ketamine therapy.
The Future of Psychedelic Therapy
Decriminalization efforts continue across the US. For medical programs, a ballot measure in Colorado (the Natural Health Medicine Act) will offer voters a psilocybin program similar to the one rolling out in Oregon.
Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA are currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for depression and PTSD. FDA approval is expected to come in 2023-2024. If the FDA approves these as medicines, they will in theory become legal to use with a prescription. However, the federal government needs to work with the DEA to make sure psychedelics users are not prosecuted, or the substances could be removed from the DEA’s schedule of illicit substances. If MDMA and psilocybin become legal to use in conjunction with therapy, we will be ready to offer it.