FDA Rejects Approval of Psychedelic Drug

Independent Panel Recommends Against Use

Washington, D.C.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday rejected a request from a California drug company to approve the use of a psychedelic drug for treating depression.

The FDA's decision came after an independent advisory panel voted against recommending approval of the drug, known as psilocybin, due to concerns about its potential for abuse and addiction.

"We believe that the data presented at this time are insufficient to support the approval of psilocybin for the treatment of depression," the panel said in a statement.

The FDA's decision is a setback for advocates of psychedelic drugs, who believe that these substances have the potential to revolutionize mental health treatment.

"We are disappointed with the FDA's decision," said Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a non-profit organization that supports research into psychedelic drugs.

"We believe that psilocybin has the potential to be a valuable tool for treating depression, and we will continue to work to bring it to patients who need it," Doblin said.