Unofficial psychedelic-assisted therapy in Slovenian legal framework

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Psychedelics are banned as Schedule I drugs under UN regulations, and most countries’ existing legal frameworks take the same approach to all prohibited drugs. However, substances such as LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT do not cause widespread social problems such as chemical addiction or death from overdose. Psychedelics are used in specific contexts, often to achieve mental well-being and spiritual growth. Nevertheless, these powerful substances also pose serious risks to the cognitive and psychological health of users that should not be underestimated. The therapeutic potential of psychedelics for treating depression, addiction, and other disorders has been widely discussed in the media, prompting many to experiment with psychedelics in non-medical settings. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reports signs of increased harm associated with psychedelics and emphasises the growing importance of improvements in monitoring capabilities. Monitoring capabilities are also severely limited in Slovenia, as both regulatory institutions and academic research primarily do not focus on psychedelics. Therefore, the specificities of psychedelic use and the risks associated with it must be taken into account if we want to establish effective regimes of legal responsibility, user protection, prevention, scientific research, and access to balanced information.

In this project, we will assess whether the current legal framework in Slovenia regarding psychedelics takes into account the specificities of therapeutic and ceremonial use of psychedelics and responds appropriately to the associated risks and dangers. The perceptions and views of stakeholders are essential for shedding light on the legal framework and its possible shortcomings; Therefore, empirical sociological and legal research into stakeholders’ perceptions of the legal system and strategies for circumventing these shortcomings is an essential part of a comprehensive assessment of the existing regulatory approach. This project will analyse existing legislation (de jure) and the situation in society (de facto). We will examine which regulatory approaches to illicit drugs in general and psychedelic substances in particular promise the most significant harm reduction, establish clear legal responsibility, and ensure the most essential safety for the population. The inadequate regulation of psychotherapy in Slovenia and its consequences for officially unrecognised therapies with psychedelics will also be discussed.

Project Type: Basic research project

Project Code (SICRIS): J5-50170

Duration: 1. 10. 2023 – 30. 9. 2026