A joint contribution from PAREA and the Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association (UPRA) is now available on UNODC’s website. Submitted to the Expert Panel established under Commission on Narcotic Drugs resolution 68/6, it draws on Ukraine’s experience to explain what researchers need to conduct studies within international drug-control requirements.
International rules permit scientific use of Schedule I substances under strict conditions. National procedures, however, can leave researchers without a workable route to obtain substances and begin clinical studies. In Ukraine, the submission describes how regulatory barriers have prevented preparations for psychedelic research from translating into studies, despite urgent wartime mental health needs.
PAREA and UPRA recommend that countries publish coordinated procedures covering research authorisation and supply, from sourcing and imports through to storage, clinical use and disposal. Researchers should be able to identify the responsible authorities, required documents, decision timelines and contacts for resolving delays. Technical assistance should prioritise lower-resource and conflict-affected settings and help academic and public-interest researchers navigate these requirements.
The contribution also asks for evidence of whether scientific access works in practice. A voluntary country pilot could record application volumes, processing times, reasons for refusal or delay, and studies abandoned because lawful access could not be secured. A baseline established before 2029 would allow the review to assess progress and identify obstacles that still need attention.
Scientific review and scheduling decisions also need greater transparency. PAREA and UPRA call on WHO to assess the case for reviewing psilocybin and LSD under its existing procedures. They recommend that CND publish reasons when it departs from WHO scheduling recommendations, including the consequences for research and health.
These proposals retain product-quality controls, secure handling, traceability and diversion prevention. Clinical studies must remain subject to independent scientific and ethical review, with voluntary informed consent and arrangements for follow-on care.
Read Making scientific access work under international drug control on the UNODC website.
