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Proscribed Psychedelic Drugs
14 March 2023
Lead MP
Crispin Blunt
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSMental Health
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Crispin Blunt raised concerns about proscribed psychedelic drugs in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate centres on the failure of global drug policies, particularly regarding psychedelics like psilocybin. Crispin Blunt emphasises the potential of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder more effectively than current treatments. He criticises the prohibitive Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for hindering research on these substances, leading to a significant missed opportunity over several decades. With growing evidence indicating the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies, Blunt calls for policy reform to facilitate access to medical treatments based on psychedelics. He also notes the substantial economic cost associated with untreated mental health issues and advocates for swift government action to support research and therapeutic use.
Warrington North
Charlotte Nichols acknowledges the issue of missed opportunities in mental health treatment due to strict drug regulations, citing personal experiences and supporting calls for evidence-based policy changes.
Government Response
Minister Chris Philp acknowledges the need for research into psychedelics as medicines. He discusses ongoing efforts by his department to review barriers to such research, including commissioning an advisory council to conduct a detailed study on psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and MDMA. Philp indicates a willingness to ease regulatory requirements if evidence supports it, aiming to facilitate easier access to research materials for universities, NHS trusts, and commercial entities. He promises prompt attention to the results of this review to expedite necessary changes in policy.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.