The psychedelics movement experienced both progress and setbacks throughout 2024. Federal and state-level decisions showcased a mix of optimism, resistance, and recognition of psychedelics’ therapeutic potential. While advancements in research and policy brought hope, regulatory pushbacks served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges.
FDA’s MDMA Therapy Rejection Sparks Debate
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) faced sharp criticism after rejecting an application to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for treating PTSD. Despite promising Phase 3 clinical trials conducted by Lykos, the agency raised concerns about the results, leaving many advocates frustrated.
Lawmakers from both parties rallied behind the cause, with 80 members of Congress—including senators and representatives—sending letters urging the FDA to seriously consider MDMA as a treatment option. Bipartisan events, including an art installation in Washington, D.C., aimed to memorialize veterans lost to suicide and highlight the therapy’s potential.
For advocates, this decision underscored the uphill battle in gaining institutional acceptance for psychedelics, despite growing public and scientific support.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Steps Up
Amidst federal resistance, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) made history by allocating $1.5 million to study MDMA therapy for PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This marks the first federally funded psychedelics study since the 1960s.
The trials will be conducted at VA facilities affiliated with Brown University and Yale University. Expected to commence next year, these studies reflect a significant step toward recognizing psychedelics as viable treatments for veterans grappling with severe mental health challenges.
VA’s Under Secretary for Health, Shereef Elnahal, previewed the initiative at a high-profile panel featuring lawmakers like Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Rep. Morgan Luttrell. The announcement was widely celebrated, demonstrating bipartisan support for psychedelics research within veteran communities.
DEA’s Renewed Push Against Psychedelics
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reignited controversy with its efforts to ban two psychedelic compounds, DOI and DOC, under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
This decision comes after years of debate, including proposals that were withdrawn following backlash from the scientific community. Researchers argue that such bans stifle critical investigations into the therapeutic benefits of these substances.
Administrative hearings and a federal court dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the DEA’s scheduling process have further complicated the landscape. For many scientists, the DEA’s stance highlights the tension between policy and innovation in the psychedelics field.
Massachusetts Rejects Legalisation Ballot, But Progress Persists
In a significant setback, Massachusetts voters defeated a ballot initiative to legalize psychedelics for adult use. The measure, which proposed legal possession of substances like psilocybin and DMT, failed with 57% voting against it.
Despite the loss, the state made strides elsewhere. A legislative committee advanced a bill to legalize psilocybin therapy, while a military veterans-focused law was enacted to study the potential benefits of psychedelics. Additionally, local jurisdictions continued deprioritizing arrests related to psychedelic substances, signaling a gradual shift in attitudes.
Colorado’s Groundbreaking Psychedelics Regulations
Colorado made notable progress by finalizing rules for its voter-approved psychedelics legalization law. These regulations include standards for facilitator training, healing centers, and the cultivation of psychedelic plants.
The state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies and Department of Revenue collaborated on this comprehensive framework, setting a precedent for other states considering similar reforms.
Minnesota’s Psychedelics Task Force Charts a Path Forward
Minnesota also made headlines with its psychedelics task force. By October, the group advised lawmakers to consider decriminalization and other reforms in their upcoming legislative session.
The task force’s work is part of a growing trend in states evaluating the therapeutic and social implications of psychedelics, paving the way for incremental change at local levels.
2024 was a pivotal year for the psychedelics movement, marked by victories and defeats that set the stage for future reform. As federal agencies, state governments, and advocacy groups continue to clash and collaborate, 2025 could prove to be another transformative year.
