The DEA is proposing drastically increasing the amount of cannabis and psychedelics that are produced for medical research. The psychedelics it’s proposing producing at higher levels include psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and DMT. The proposal would increase production starting next year. The DEA would double the amount of cannabis extracts that are produced for research.

“Based on the increase in research and clinical trial applications, DEA has proposed increases in 3,4- Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, Dimethyltryptamine, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Marihuana, Marihuana Extract, Mescaline, Psilocybin, Psilocyn, and All Other Tetrahydrocannabinols to support manufacturing activities related to the increased level of research and clinical trials with these schedule I controlled substances,” the DEA wrote.

Sheila Vakharia, deputy director of the Department of Research and Academic Engagement at the Drug Policy Alliance, told Cannabis News Box that this is a positive development.

“This is excellent news. It clearly shows they recognize and are planning to respond to the high demand for these substances for clinical research,” Vakharia said. “I think this is reflective of broader conversations that are happening in the public right now, with more people interested in exploring alternative substances to treat a number of medical issues.”

Vakharia said that having more of these substances available could encourage more researchers to study the possible uses of these drugs. When it comes to cannabis, researchers often say that they have trouble getting access to the drug for federally approved research. Though greater access to these drugs is a positive step, Vakharia said there is still more the DEA could do to improve research conditions.

“The DEA has other impacts on whether or not this research is conducted – including the costly and burdensome registration and regulatory requirements of the researchers and institutions in order to be approved to conduct this research and handle these substances for research,” Vakharia said. “So while it is positive that more of these substances will be made available, we must acknowledge the other barriers that may restrict the research or deter researchers from conducting these trials.”

All of the drugs that the DEA is making available have shown some therapeutic benefits. The benefits of cannabis is widely known, but MDMA, for example, has been shown to be useful for treating PTSD. Psilocybin has been shown to be useful for treating depression. More research will help us understand how these drugs could help people.