What is the current legal status of psychedelic therapy in the United States?

Currently, psychedelic-assisted therapy outside of approved research settings remains illegal in the United States at the federal level. Oregon and Colorado have legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use, with regulations and licensing procedures currently being developed. Other states are considering similar measures, indicating a potential shift towards greater legal access to psychedelic therapy in the future.

Is psychedelic therapy available through the Michigan Psychedelic Center?

• No, psychedelic therapy is not available through the Michigan Psychedelic Center. In the United States, psychedelics are classified as Schedule I drugs, making it illegal at the federal level to use these substances. The University of Michigan strictly adheres to federal law.

• The Michigan Psychedelic Center focuses on research and education related to psychedelic neuroscience and therapy and does not provide psychedelic therapy, recommendations, referrals, or medical advice.
• Federally approved clinical trials offer a potential avenue for accessing psychedelic therapy and can be searched for on the following clinical trials registry: clinicaltrials.gov. You can also check our website for available clinical research at the University of Michigan. All clinical trials at the University of Michigan receive ethics approval and are compliant with all relevant regulations.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine was developed in the 1960s as an anesthetic. At subanesthetic doses, it has anti-depressant properties. Although not considered a “classical” psychedelic because it is not thought to act through serotonin receptors, ketamine does share properties with classical psychedelics like Psilocybin.

Is ketamine therapy legal?

In the United States, ketamine is classified as a Schedule III drug. It is approved for certain indications like the need for anesthesia. It can also be legally prescribed “off-label” for other conditions.

What is esketamine (Spravato)?

Esketamine is a medication derived from ketamine that has been approved by the FDA as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression. It is available in a nasal spray formulation for in-clinic treatments.

For more information about therapy with ketamine, please see: Michigan Medicine Ketamine Clinic.