The approval of MDMA and “magic mushrooms” for certain medical conditions by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has received a mixed response, with Australia’s peak psychiatric body saying further evidence is needed to determine the drugs’ long-term safety and efficacy.
From July 1, MDMA (ecstasy) and psilocybin can be prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression by authorised psychiatrists in Australia following the reclassification of the two drugs in February (pdf).
According to the TGA, both drugs were reclassified from a schedule nine listing to a schedule eight listing, meaning they can be prescribed by authorised psychiatrists along with control measures. These control measures include having a human research ethics committee approve each case and using treatments alongside psychotherapy….