Psychedelic Society of India, along with other organisations and individuals around the world, are calling on the Indian government to reschedule certain Psychedelics / Entheogens, a natural compound found in hundreds of species of plants that has been called a ‘breakthrough’ treatment for mental health.
Recent trials using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety have returned staggering results, with 80% of patients reporting significantly improved wellbeing or life satisfaction for up to six months from just a single dose.
Psilocybin is currently a Schedule 1 substance. Schedule 1 substances are not authorised for medical use and can only be supplied, possessed or administered in exceptional circumstances under a special Home Office licence. This means psilocybin cannot be prescribed by doctors, and that conducting research with it is extremely time-consuming and expensive.
By rescheduling psilocybin from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 or below, research would become faster and cheaper, and doctors would be able to start prescribing the substance when they see fit.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
(India)
Petition - Decriminalize the use of Psychedelics of Mental Health
To the India Ministers for Drug Policy and Mental Health,
400 million people suffer from depression & anxiety in India. Research has shown the potential of psilocybin to treat these conditions2, 3, 4, 5, yet it is being hindered by the restrictive Schedule 1 status of the substance. Out of compassion for those suffering from depression & anxiety, we ask that you take immediate action to reschedule psilocybin.