Psychedelics in the Global North

In partnership with the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR) at the Petrie-Flom Center at Harvard Law School is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual panel on Psychedelics in the Global North, the first of a three-part spring series. Future events in April and May will discuss psychedelics in the Global South and the importance of psychedelics to Indigenous communities.

In recent years, the use of psychedelics for research and therapeutic purposes has gained popularity in Europe, Australia, and North America. The legalization of psilocybin in two US states, Australia’s recent rescheduling of MDMA and psilocybin, and Quebec’s support of psilocybin therapy reflect this growing interest (as do hundreds of millions of dollars in private capital flowing into the emerging psychedelic industry). However, despite their scientific and therapeutic potential, the use of psychedelics raises several complex cultural, social, and legal questions.

This international event assembles experts from several continents to explore the most pressing social and legal issues associated with the use of psychedelics in the Global North. Speakers will address topics such as the historical and cultural contexts of psychedelic use, the legal frameworks surrounding psychedelics, the role of psychedelics in medicine and public health, and the potential risks and benefits of using psychedelics.