A Petition is advanced for rescheduling psilocybin from schedule I to schedule II
This is a historic step forward and a major milestone in the movement to expand access to Psychedelic-Assisted Care (PAC)
On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) advanced a petition on behalf of Dr. Sunil Aggarwal and the Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute (AIMS) by the National Psychedelic Association’s Advocacy Director, Kathryn Tucker along with co-counsels Matt Zorn and Shane Pennington, to reschedule psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule II. The petition is now under review by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which will conduct a scientific and medical evaluation.
This action represents the most significant step yet in recognizing psilocybin’s therapeutic potential, particularly for patients suffering from conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety.
The Journey To Get to This Point
February 2022
The petition to reschedule psilocybin submitted to DEA.
October 2023
Aggarwal v. DEA: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rules that the DEA mishandled the petition, requiring reconsideration.
February 2025
The DEA advises it is preparing to transmit the petition to HHS, requesting updated evidence bearing on the petition.
August 2025
The DEA formally transmits the petition to HHS, triggering scientific review.
What Those Leading the Change Have to Say
“This action by the DEA is a critical step … especially for Veterans facing PTSD and those nearing the end of life.”
Dr. Sunil Aggaerwal, MD, PhD
“The rescheduling of psilocybin is no longer a question of if, but when.”
Kathryn Tucker, NPA Special Advocacy Advisor
As Featured In
This news is already causing a stir in media outlets dedicated to the psychedelic space. Click on each logo in this carousel to navigate to each related article.
Of all the coverage, this is our favorite quote, so far.
“This isn’t just regulatory housekeeping. It’s a fundamental shift that could redefine the future of medicine, research, and mental health treatment.”
Join the Conversation
Listen to these podcast episodes published by Psychedelics Today,
featuring Kathryn Tucker, where she discusses aspects of these legal cases,
the preparation for them, the challenges faced along the way, and next
steps.
Released on: January 5, 2024
Source: Psychedelics Today
Released on: February 10, 2023
Source: Psychedelics Today
Released on: April 5, 2022
Source: Psychedelics Today
Released on: July 30, 2021
Source: Psychedelics Today
TLDR: Our Friends at The Dales Report summarize what the DEA Advancing Psilocybin for Rescheduling to HHS signifies.
Court Filings, Pleadings and decisions
Relevant submissions, pleadings and court decisions are linked, below for your reference.
Aggarwal v. U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
–
No. 22- 1718, 2023 WL 7101927 (9th Cir. Oct. 27, 2023)(AIMS III) (rescheduling petition)
Why This Matters
Rescheduling psilocybin would represent a paradigm shift in U.S. drug policy:
- Opening pathways for compassionate clinical use under medical supervision
- Providing legal protection for patients and providers under Right-to-Try laws
- Supporting at home treatment for Veterans, cancer patients, and those with treatment-resistant conditions
The National Psychedelics Association (NPA) is proud to be at the forefront of this breakthrough.
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