Psilocybin and LSD generally show low dependence potential. MDMA, ketamine and ibogaine have different risks.
Psychedelic Advocacy Group
The Future of Psychedelic Medicine Needs More Research.
As psychedelic drugs move closer to FDA approval, we're fighting contradictory laws that limit research, treatment options and patient access.
The legal contradiction
One approved drug.
One active molecule.
Different rules.
Upon FDA approval, the approved drug will move to a lower schedule while the active psychedelic ingredient remains stuck in Schedule I - the most restrictive class.
Our mission
PAG is challenging the research barriers and hypocrisy this split could create.
WHAT WE ARE WORKING TOWARD
01More Research.
02More Options.
03More Lives Changed.
The human scale
The need is immense.
Research holds answers.
55.1M
U.S. adults experienced major depression or a substance use disorder in 2025.
Past-year estimate, adjusted for overlap. Not a count of people eligible for psychedelic treatment. SAMHSA 2025 NSDUH
Areas being investigated
DepressionIncluding treatment-resistant cases
PTSDTrauma-related conditions
AddictionAlcohol and tobacco use disorders
Cancer-related distressAnxiety and emotional distress
AnxietyResearch varies
Other conditionsEmerging research
Research areas, not established treatments.
The evidence
Better evidence. Better decisions.
Studies show promise for some conditions. More research must establish who benefits, how treatments work, and what risks remain.
Explore peer-reviewed studiesScreening and monitoring matter. Serious adverse reactions can occur.
Evidence helps determine benefits, risks, dosing and appropriate uses.
The Controlled Substances Act
Five schedules. Different research barriers.
Federal schedules reflect medical use, abuse potential and dependence risk. Schedule I requires special research registration and controls. Lower schedules remain regulated but can reduce barriers. Scheduling does not equal FDA approval.
I
No currently accepted medical use under federal scheduling criteriaPsilocybin, psilocin, LSD, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, mescaline, ibogaine, MDMA, heroin.
Special research registration and controls.
II
Accepted medical use; high abuse potentialFentanyl, oxycodone, methamphetamine, cocaine.
Strict medical and research controls.
III
Accepted medical use; lower abuse potential than I and IIKetamine, buprenorphine, certain codeine products.
Regulated medical and research use.
IV
Lower abuse potential than IIIAlprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam.
Regulated medical and research use.
V
Lowest abuse potential among the five schedulesCertain low-dose codeine cough preparations.
Regulated medical and research use.
Illustrative examples; individual products may be scheduled differently. Sources: DEA scheduling definitions · 21 U.S.C. § 812. Subject to legal review.
Credible voices and evidence
The People Behind the Work.
Meet the researchers and legal experts advancing this work. Verified patient stories will follow with permission.
Scientific perspective
Dr. Matthew Johnson
Research on psychedelic medicine, safety and addiction.
Browse research publications
Legal perspective
Shane Pennington
Legal work on federal scheduling and research restrictions. Dedicated work library coming soon.
Ask about legal work and updatesGet involved
Help make more research possible.
Researchers, patients, clinicians, advocates and supporters: tell us how you can help.