Earlier this year, Australia’s traditionally conservative drug regulatory authority approved the use of the substance MDMA and psychedelics as support in therapy for, for example, post-traumatic stress and certain types of depression, reports among others BBC.
First country
Australia thus becomes the first country in the world to allow the use of MDMA – also known as ecstasy and psilocybin – as well as psychedelic mushrooms for medicinal purposes.
The hope is that the substances will mean a breakthrough for patients for whom other treatments have not worked.
Tributes and Warnings
Initial access to the drugs will be limited and expensive. Many experts and patients hail the decision and call it a breakthrough.
But major health organizations have also urged caution.
From July 1, the substances will be able to be prescribed by approved doctors.