Psychedelics in Brazil: Advances, Challenges, and What You Need to Know About Regulation

The regulation of psychedelics in Brazil remains quite restricted. The only exception is ayahuasca, which is permitted for religious and, indirectly, therapeutic use, following regulation by the National Drug Policy Council (CONAD) in 2010. Other substances, such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, are classified as controlled by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which prevents their regular clinical use. However, interest and research into the therapeutic potential of these drugs are growing, with expectations of regulatory changes for psychiatric treatments.

Recent bibliographic research highlights bioethics and safety

A study published in July 2024 analyzed 28 national and international scientific articles to understand the bioethical aspects of the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Based on premises of Latin American bioethics, the research divided the results into three main axes: freedom of scientific investigation; consent, autonomy, and respect for vulnerability; and equality, justice, and equity in access.

The study reinforces that bioethical issues are central to ensuring that the use of psychedelics is safe, accessible, and beneficial, protecting potential patients from harm.

Resumption of scientific research and technological advances

Scientific interest in psychedelics has been growing since the beginning of the century, after years of stigma associated with the “war on drugs.” Current research utilizes advanced technologies, such as neuroimaging, and rigorous methods, including randomized controlled trials, considered viable for this area.

To avoid ethical and regulatory barriers, research focuses on less stigmatized substances, such as psilocybin, following strict safety protocols to prevent adverse effects. The results are promising in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, migraines, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Informed consent and protection of vulnerability

The study highlights that no research or intervention should occur without the informed and voluntary consent of participants, who should be able to revoke it at any time. Autonomy is fundamental, but it must be recognized that mental health, socioeconomic, and educational conditions can affect the capacity for consent.

In the case of psychedelics, the challenge is greater: the effects vary widely and can induce states of increased suggestibility, which requires extra care in the information and consent process. Additionally, it is essential to monitor participants during and after the use of substances to ensure safety and well-being.

Specialized follow-up: the role of therapists

In clinical contexts, psychological support during the use of psychedelics is mandatory, although there is still debate about the best way to provide it. Therapists must be specially trained to conduct these sessions, respecting the patient's integrity and avoiding undue interference, especially in light of susceptibility to suggestion.

The relationship between therapist and patient requires care with power dynamics and diversity, particularly with underrepresented groups, such as the Black and LGBTQ+ populations. Proper training of professionals is seen as a key point for the safe advancement of therapies.

Access challenges and social justice

Despite the effectiveness and speed of treatments with psychedelics indicated by studies, access remains restricted. The traditional clinical model requires the presence of specialized teams, which raises costs and limits the availability of treatment, which, in Brazil, is mainly restricted to ceremonial contexts or scientific research.

Criticism is also directed at the protocol that requires the simultaneous presence of therapists of different genders, as it reproduces family and sexist conceptions and does not consider the diversity and preferences of patients.

The study emphasizes the importance of diversity among therapists and in the psychedelic science movement, currently predominantly made up of middle-class white men, to ensure that benefits reach everyone.

Perspectives for Brazil in the face of the international scenario

While countries like the United States and Canada advance in the regulation and approval of the therapeutic use of psychedelics, in Brazil, the regulation of psychedelics for medicinal use is still restricted and cautious, primarily advancing through clinical research and judicial decisions that challenge regulatory rigidity.