Legal Psilocybin: Doctor’s Lawsuit for Cancer Patients Set for Summer Argument

Two federal lawsuits concerning access to therapeutic psilocybin are progressing through the courts, each addressing different facets of regulatory challenges.

Ninth Circuit Oral Arguments Scheduled

The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has set oral arguments for August 19, 2024, regarding Dr. Sunil Aggarwal’s appeal. The appeal centers on Aggarwal’s quest to use psilocybin in end-of-life cancer care under state and federal Right to Try (RTT) laws, challenging the DEA’s denials.

Mediation Ordered for Attorneys’ Fees Dispute

Simultaneously, a separate issue involving attorneys’ fees in Aggarwal’s challenge to psilocybin’s Schedule I status is heading to mediation. This mediation aims to resolve financial disagreements between Aggarwal’s clinic, the Advanced Integrated Medical Science (AIMS) Institute, and the DEA.

Legal Landscape and Advocacy

Aggarwal and AIMS argue that RTT laws should allow legal access to psilocybin for terminal patients, contrary to the DEA’s stance. This debate underscores broader state-level support, with multiple jurisdictions, including Washington State and others, advocating for exemptions under RTT laws despite federal restrictions.

Scientific Support and Regulatory Challenges

Scientific studies continue to bolster arguments for psilocybin’s medical benefits, emphasizing its potential in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and existential distress. Despite these findings, federal regulatory hurdles persist, prompting ongoing legal battles and advocacy efforts.

These legal proceedings and scientific advancements highlight the complex intersection of law, medicine, and public policy regarding psilocybin’s therapeutic use in the United States.