APS response to the proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard - ACCS, ACMS and joint ACCS/ACMS meetings, June 2022

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is pleased to provide a response to the consultation regarding the proposed rescheduling of psilocybin(e) and MDMA. The APS welcomes the emergence of safe, evidence-based treatment options to address the shortcomings of currently available medication options for individuals with mental health disorders. Given the recent renewed interest in psychedelic substances as potential treatment options, we have recently released a Position Statement: Psychologists and Psychedelic Assisted therapy which we have attached as an Appendix to this submission. Although we provided ‘no comment’ in Part A regarding the potential  rescheduling of psilocybin(e) and MDMA, a more apt response would be ’a position is not taken by the APS at this time’. It would be premature for the APS to support the use of psychedelic substances without sufficient data regarding the efficacy, safety, potential for abuse, and tolerability of these substances in vulnerable patient populations. The APS anticipates that it may reconsider the position on a regular basis as additional evidence becomes available and is willing to work with the CSIRO and government on exploring this area of treatment.

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