The Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL is issuing a Call for Authors for a Special Edition on Psychedelic Plants & Fungi: Regulatory Landscape, Analytical Challenges, and Quality Considerations guest edited by Sharon Brunelle and Holly Johnson.
Psychedelic compounds are those that produce hallucinations and apparent expansion of consciousness. They alter perception and mood and affect numerous cognitive processes but are generally considered physiologically safe and do not lead to dependence or addiction. Psychedelic plants and fungi are increasingly being investigated for their beneficial health effects, and scientific and medical experts are just beginning to understand the potential of using these organisms therapeutically. Psychedelic mushrooms, for example, are used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes by many indigenous peoples, but also have recognized therapeutic uses including treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and addiction.
In 2020, Oregon was the first US state to legalize a regulatory framework for production of Psilocybe cubensis and the licensing of psilocybin treatment facilities through the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act. Since the passage of the Oregon Act, other US jurisdictions have worked on policies to decriminalize the possession and/or use of psychedelic plants and fungi. In Canada, qualified patients may be granted access to psilocybin-assisted therapy from a licensed provider on a case-by-case basis.
Controlling product safety, quality and dosage is a challenge with natural products. To support scientific and clinical investigations as well as therapeutic treatments, it is important to have reliable methods to ensure safe and effective production and administration of these plants and fungi and their derivative products. Manuscripts considered for this section should include those describing analytical methods or techniques for characterization, identification, and detection of adverse contaminants in a variety of natural materials, supplements, or therapeutic matrices containing psychedelic compounds.
The Call for Authors has been extended through Thursday, July 18. Contact Jennifer Diatz, Director of Publications, for more information or to make a submission.
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