Psychedelics approved for medical use in Canada
Health Canada’s change to federal regulations makes restricted drugs psilocybin and MDMA more realistic alternatives to patients suffering life-threatening mental illnesses.
Drugs & Entheogens
This archive covers progress in drug policy reform, psychedelic-assisted therapy, harm reduction, and the science behind entheogenic substances. From clinical trials to legal milestones, these stories track how researchers, policymakers, and communities are rethinking humanity’s relationship with mind-altering compounds.
Malta becomes first E.U. nation to legalize cannabis
Malta has become the first European Union country to legalize personal cannabis cultivation and use, with parliament passing the bill 36 to 27. Adults can now grow up to four plants at home and carry small amounts without facing criminal charges, while regulated nonprofit associations will handle distribution. Minors found with cannabis will be referred to care or treatment rather than arrested — a quiet but meaningful shift toward treating drug use as a health matter, not a crime. With Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland moving in similar directions, Malta’s vote signals that laws once considered politically untouchable are being reimagined across Europe, opening space for more humane approaches to drug policy worldwide.
New York City opens the U.S.’s first safe injection site
The sites, intended to reduce overdose deaths, will serve as a safe place for drug users to inject heroin and other drugs under the supervision of medical professionals.
New Zealand becomes first country in the world to fully legalize drug checking
The new law allows individuals to test the safety of illicit substances at festivals and other locations without the fear of legal repercussions.
Luxembourg first in Europe to legalize growing and using cannabis
Luxembourg legalized home cannabis cultivation in October 2021, allowing adults 18 and over to grow up to four plants at their primary residence — becoming the first country in Europe to take this step. Possession of up to three grams was downgraded from a criminal offense to a misdemeanor, with fines dropping from as much as €2,500 to as little as €25. Justice Minister Sam Tanson framed the change as harm reduction, aiming to pull everyday users out of an illegal supply chain she described as full of “misery.” The government also signaled plans to channel future revenue from regulated sales into prevention, education, and addiction care. It’s a quietly significant moment for European drug policy — a small country choosing public health over prohibition, and giving its neighbors something concrete to learn from.
Psychedelics linked to lower heart disease and diabetes risk in new study
“The findings suggest that lifetime classic psychedelic use is associated with lower odds of having had heart disease or diabetes in the past year,” lead study author and Oxford sociologist Otto Simonsson.
Seattle decriminalizes possession and cultivation of psychedelics
The City Council voted unanimously to decriminalize the non-commercial possession and cultivation of many psychedelics for “religious, spiritual, healing, or personal growth practices.”
Los Angeles County is dismissing 60,000 cannabis convictions
The dismissals aim to reverse the racial injustices of drug laws as many of the cases are those of people of color disproportionately incarcerated for drug offenses.
New Jersey automatically expunged 360,000 cannabis cases this summer
Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law in 2019 facilitating a process for the review and vacation of the criminal records of those previously convicted of low-level marijuana offenses.
Thailand releases inmates following ‘Kratom’ decriminalization and erases their criminal records
Over 10,000 offenders and inmates are being released from prisons following the legalization of the plant “Kratom” in Thailand. Legally, these prisoners will be considered as having never committed an offense.