DEA’s Case For Scheduling Psychedelics Challenged In Landmark Hearing
In a rarely seen legal battle unfolding in a DEA courtroom in Arlington, Virginia, the future of two key psychedelic research compounds, DOI and DOC, hangs in the balance. The DEA’s move to classify the substances as Schedule I drugs has sparked fierce resistance from researchers, neuroscientists and drug policy reform advocates, who argue that such a decision could cripple promising scientific studies.
In late 2023, the DEA renewed its push to classify DOI and DOC as Schedule I substances, following a previous attempt that was paused in the spring of 2022. While the agency had withdrawn its original proposal, it signaled intentions to approach the issue with greater strength. Now, the dispute has escalated to an in-person hearing, the first of its kind since the 1980s when MDMA was added to Schedule I, with many viewing it as a rematch.
As Psychedelic Alpha reported, the case has attracted little public attention despite the consequences it may have on research. The petitioners, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and neuroscientist Raul Ramos are represented by attorneys Brett Phelps and Robert Rush, who aim to highlight the implications for psychedelic research and public health.
Research At Risk
Opponents of the DEA’s proposed scheduling argue …