The on-going argument.

There has forever been a dispute between modern day society and the use of beneficial elements which could alleviate problems found throughout human civilisation. What captured my attention this time was the ‘absurd restrictions’ imposed upon scientists trying to progress...well Science. The article focused on the potential medical benefits that can be extracted and utilised from naturally occurring flora. The argument ^[1] was based around the effects that psilocybe semilanceata (or magic mushrooms) has upon calming a region of the human brain in experiments carried out at Imperial College, London. People suffering from depression experience increased activity in this area of the brain and now scientists want to conduct clinical trials using ‘psilocybin’ as a form of treatment for depression. However, Scientists are finding that the ‘red tape’ is extending too far, influencing further afield into industry. Even though trials have been approved by the UK Medical Research Council and funding specified, no company was prepared to go through the rigorous regulatory system to provide a clinical-grade substance and therefore research has stopped even before it had a chance to start.

 

Source: Totally-cuckoo

Where is the problem?

UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies the fungi as a class A substance. Below is taken directly from the UK Government’s website:

 
“Possession: Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Supply and production: Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both.”^[2]

 

No wonder that industry does not want to produce it. The response from the Home Office suggested that the “licensing regime enables legitimate research to take place while ensuring that harmful drugs don’t get into the hands of criminals”. I think the Government has got it wrong once again. Firstly a bit of background – psilocybe semilanceata grows naturally in the UK and can be picked by anyone with sufficient knowledge. There is a free supply of this ‘drug’ growing in fields, but why have ‘criminals’ not made use of this potential ‘cash crop’? It makes me wonder why these criminals try so hard to smuggle, cut and distribute cocaine into this country when they could find alternatives in their backyard. Maybe there is another reason; magic mushrooms are not a desirable drug through society (in economic terms: there exists a small market which is not viable to exploit for economic gain^[3]).

 
What exactly is the UK Government scared of? Are they aware (in which I’m sure they are) of the impacts these outdated laws are having upon modern Industry and Science? Can they fully comprehend the loss to society or do they just demonise substances because of previous outlooks?

Source: BBC - ''I don't support decriminalisation''

I do not propose any solutions to this issue; I merely aim to draw attention as it is hindering the advancement of Science.

 

[1] J. Gallagher, BBC News, 07/04/2013,

[2] UK Government, 07/04/2013,

[3] N. Seivewright and O. Lagundoye, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 07/04/2013,