Democratic Congressman on Reform: “Psychedelics are Way Ahead of Cannabis”
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a notable shift in the federal legislative landscape concerning controlled substances. Psychedelics, once relegated to the fringes of medical research, are now advancing through the legislative process more swiftly than cannabis. Who would have guessed?
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Advancements in Psychedelic Legislation
Democratic Rep. Lou Correa says psychedelics have gained significant federal legislative momentum, surpassing marijuana reform. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for failing to push meaningful cannabis policy changes before leaving office last month.
Correa, who chairs the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, told Marijuana Moment in a Capitol interview that bipartisan lawmakers are prioritizing psychedelics, advancing reforms to explore the therapeutic potential of substances like MDMA and psilocybin.
Stagnation in Cannabis Reform
Cannabis reform, however, remains stalled. While Correa has long supported ending federal prohibition, he noted the lack of progress. “We’ve been working on cannabis—what, thirty years?” he said. Despite decades of advocacy, substantive results have yet to materialize.
“But the fact that they’re actually talking about it, debating it, tells me we’re way ahead with the psychedelics compared to cannabis,” he said.
Read more on this story at Marijuana Moment.
Comparative Legislative Status
Here is a comparative breakdown of the progress made in psychedelic and cannabis policy:
| Category | Psychedelics | Cannabis |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Legal Status | Classified as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) | Classified as Schedule I, but with ongoing rescheduling review by DEA |
| Research Accessibility | Expanded under the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (2022) | Research remains highly restricted, though some studies receive federal approval |
| Therapeutic Use Approval | MDMA and psilocybin are in late-stage FDA trials for PTSD and depression | FDA has only approved synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., Epidiolex, Marinol) |
| Congressional Support | Bipartisan support for psychedelic-assisted therapy research | Cannabis reform faces divided support, with more resistance in the Senate |
| State-Level Decriminalization | Several states (CO, OR) and cities (DC, Oakland, Denver) have decriminalized | 24 states have legalized recreational use; many others allow medical marijuana |
| Medical Use Recognition | FDA granted “breakthrough therapy” status to psilocybin and MDMA | Cannabis is widely used for medical treatment under state laws but lacks FDA approval |
| Legislative Progress | PATH Caucus pushing for research expansion and veteran access | MORE Act and SAFER Banking Act stalled in Congress |
| Industry and Market Growth | Emerging industry with clinical trials and psychedelic therapy centers | Multi-billion dollar legal cannabis industry with state-licensed dispensaries |
| Public Perception | Increasing acceptance due to mental health treatment potential | Widespread public support for legalization, but stigma remains in some sectors |
| Federal Rescheduling Potential | MDMA and psilocybin expected to receive FDA approval and possible rescheduling | HHS recommended rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, pending DEA decision |
Factors Influencing Legislative Momentum
Several factors contribute to the accelerated legislative progress of psychedelics compared to cannabis. Psychedelics are primarily being considered within the context of medical research and therapeutic applications, which may make them more palatable to lawmakers. In contrast, cannabis reform encompasses broader issues, including recreational use and complex regulatory frameworks, leading to more contentious debates.
Implications for Future Policy
The current trajectory suggests that psychedelics may continue to outpace cannabis in federal legislative developments. This trend could influence future policy decisions, potentially prioritizing medical research and therapeutic applications of controlled substances. However, the evolving public perception of cannabis and increasing state-level legalizations may eventually catalyze more substantial federal reforms.
In conclusion, while psychedelics are gaining legislative momentum at the federal level, cannabis reform remains mired in political challenges. The coming years will be pivotal in determining how these substances are regulated and integrated into medical and recreational frameworks across the United States.
