BRWN-000096 - Understanding the Legal and Regulatory Landscape of Psychedelics in the US
The legal landscape of psychedelics in the United States is rapidly evolving, characterized by a conflict between federal prohibition and state-level reform, alongside growing scientific interest. In this lecture, we will cover an overview of the legal and regulatory status of psychedelics in the United States, including: (a) a brief history of psychedelics; (b) the federal status of psychedelics; (c) the FDA status of various clinical trials with psychedelics; (d) state regulated psychedelic programs; (e) decriminalization and religious use of psychedelics; (f) regulatory considerations for licensed professionals working in these fields; and (g) the future of psychedelic medicine, law, and therapy.
This is a recorded asynchronous distance learning course.
- Approximate duration: 1 hour
- Registration: $30
- CEs: 1
(contingent on passing a post-test, score of 70% or higher)
Following registration and payment, you will receive an email with a link to view the lecture, print off handouts, and take the post-test. Complete viewing and the post-test at your convenience at any time over the next 30 days.
Questions about online lectures? Please email us at brownprofdev@wustl.edu.
Course Outline
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: All mental health professionals and public health professionals.
Date Recorded: March 3, 2026
Agenda & Timing:
- Brief history of psychedelics - 10 mins
- Federal Controlled Substances Act - 10 mins
- FDA drug approval process and status - 10 mins
- State-regulated psychedelic therapy systems - 10 mins
- Unregulated area and disciplinary issues - 10 mins
- Future of psychedelics - 10 mins
Learner Outcomes
- Describe the current FDA status of psychedelic medications and emerging developments.
- Explain the basic structure of state-regulated systems governing the use of psychedelics.
- Identify potential professional, legal, and ethical risks for licensed therapists considering involvement in psychedelic-assisted therapy
Course Completion Requirements:
The Brown School is an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois.
The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Professional Development, provider #2130, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/24/2025 – 9/24/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 1 clinical continuing education credits.
To earn CE credit, registrants must watch all videos in their entirety, pass a post-test with a score of 70% or higher, and complete and evaluation with in 30 days of registration. Partial credit is not available.
Missouri and Illinois CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown. You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available. ACE CE Certificates, if requested in your evaluation survey, will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.
For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancelation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.