Recent explorations into the science of psychedelics and their therapeutic potentialhave fuelled a rapidly expanding discussion on their role in society. Yet, while attention has been focused on their medical use, non-medical use — particularly in recreational settings — has been marginalised in the public debate.

This guide from Transform Drug Policy Foundation aims to address this gap and help inform emerging developments at this critical moment in psychedelic policy evolution. It maps out how the classic psychedelics can be responsibly legally regulated in a post-prohibition world, making concrete proposals for a four-tiered regulatory framework:

• Private use, including home cultivation, foraging and not-for-profit sharing
• Membership-based not-for-profit associations
• Flexible licensing models for production and retail sale
• Regulation of commercial guided or supervised use

Drawing on Transform’s more than two decades of experience in global drug policy analysis and advocacy, this guide sets out recommendations for establishing a just and effective system of legal regulation, addressing challenging questions in the debate including corporate capture mitigation, equity, Indigenous rights, psychedelic exceptionalism, and international treaty law.

“Once again Transform have come up with a well thought out and practical plan for the regulation of another group of currently illegal drugs — in this case psychedelics. Their ideas would be both easy to implement and to engage with and will, if adopted, radically enhance the safe use of these remarkable agents”
Professor David Nutt, Scientific Chair of Drug Science

“This is a timely and needed contribution to the growing debate on the future of psychedelic regulation. The number of jurisdictions making the move towards psychedelic reform will continue to grow and this guide provides answers to some of the key questions on how to achieve it successfully. As a regulator, I value the resources and expertise Transform brings to these critical issues in drug policy”
Dominique Mendiola, Senior Director, Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division & Natural Medicine Division, Colorado Department of Revenue

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