Influencing policy change: re-scheduling psilocybin in order to enable research and trials into its use as a mental health treatment

Public summary

Psychedelic plants and fungi such as psilocybin have shown potential as a therapeutic for mental health conditions. UK research in the area however is being held back by the status of psilocybin as a schedule 1 substance, making it most closely controlled.

Our research has demonstrated that whilst UK research is possible, the schedule 1 status of the drug creates significant financial and bureaucratic barriers that in practise discourage research.

Professor Neill contributed written and oral evidence to Home Affairs Committee's inquiry into Drugs on the barriers of schedule 1 status to research. The committee reported in August 2023 recommending "the UK Government urgently moves psychedelic drugs to Schedule 2 in order to facilitate research on the medical or therapeutic value of these drugs".

In December 2023 the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) published recommendations citing the Home Affairs Committee Report .

In July 2025, the government responded saying it agreed in principle to ACMD recommendations that "research using Schedule 1 Controlled Drugs in universities and hospitals be exempt from the need to apply for a Home Office domestic licence and instead to operate in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs" and "that clinical studies using Schedule 1 Controlled Drugs with relevant HRA and MHRA approvals be exempt from the need to apply for a HO domestic licence and instead to operate in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs."

Professor Neill continues to advocate for a change of policy.

Category of impact	Health and wellbeing, Policy
Impact level	Engagement