Patients with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD could soon gain access to psilocybin and MDMA through authorised psychiatrists following a surprise TGA decision. 

Last week, the medicines watchdog announced it would classify medicines containing the psychedelic substances as controlled drugs (S8) for specific clinical use in treatment-resistant conditions. 

The downscheduling, to take effect from 1 July, is a major reversal from its interim decision and a previous unsuccessful bid to expand access to the drugs, which are currently prohibited substances (S9). 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has cautiously welcomed the move and commended the TGA’s restrained approach.