The Legalization of Psychedelics

I believe questions around the legalization of psychedelics are complicated. As in many aspects of public policy, I am sympathetic to libertarian ideas around individual liberty.

 When it comes to psychedelics, why shouldn’t someone be allowed to take mushrooms in the woods, provided they are not harming others? Or take MDMA at a concert with friends in much the same way many drink alcohol?

But one only has to walk a couple of blocks around most American cities to see the consequences of unbridled drug use. The homelessness and disorder that often stems from drugs has undeniable costs.

 Psychedelics have not shown the addiction profile or the negative externalities of opioids or even alcohol. But they are drugs and very strong tools. I believe the idea that they cannot be recreationally abused or addictive to be a myth, especially MDMA.  

So, I am uncertain if and how it ever makes sense to fully legalize psychedelics. What I completely support is what has been termed the “Medical Model. “

In this model, potential patients would have access to psychedelics only after a thorough intake process that evaluates potential contraindications. A patient could choose to use these tools with trained guides, at a safe dose, in a clinical setting. I believe taking psychedelics in a therapeutic container minimizes both the safety risks and the addiction risks. Physicians could also prescribe small amounts of psilocybin at a time for microdosing.

While I remain uncertain about full legalization of psychedelics, I also believe with the right mindset and in the right setting they can help people in ways no other tools can.