The changing legal landscape of psychedelics in Australia

Peter Hunt AM has been a leading advocate for change to the legal classification of psychedelic medicines in Australia, with the hope that it will revolutionise mental healthcare and outcomes for those across Australia. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jess Feyder speaks with Mr Hunt, co-founder of the organisation Mind Medicine Australia, about psychedelic medicines and the changing legalities in Australia. Mr Hunt discusses the mental health epidemic plaguing Australia and how psychedelic medicines such as psilocybin and MDMA can address the mental suffering of people with treatment-resistant depression, severe post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues. Mr Hunt discusses the legal barriers and complications surrounding access for patients and speaks about the essential role lawyers can play over the coming years. Editor’s note: After the episode was recorded, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that certain psychedelic medicines would be rescheduled (Friday, 3 February) so that they could be used under psychiatric guidance. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!