An Overview of Decriminalization Efforts in Regard to Psychedelic Plants in the United States, 2019-2020

Abstract

This paper examines the recent developments made in psychedelic-related drug policy in the United States. The paper gives an overview of the decriminalization efforts made at the state and local levels. The paper also looks at the historical, cultural, political, and public health factors that have shaped psychedelic policy throughout American history and into the current day. Lastly, the paper shares some concerns about discrimination and unequal access present in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

Keywords: psychedelics, decriminalization, drug policy, psilocybin, entheogens, mental health, psychotherapy