UK, US and Canadian psychedelic industry groups form strategic alliance

An international coalition of psychedelic industry organisations has been established to enhance global collaboration in the rapidly evolving sector.

Representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States have formalised a partnership aimed at improving information sharing and policy development for psychedelic medicines.

The agreement brings together Psychedelic Industry UK (PsyIndUK), the Canadian Psychedelic Businesses Association (PsyCan) and the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC) from the US.

This marks the first official trilateral alliance of its kind, reflecting the increasing recognition of investigational medicines such as LSD, psilocybin and MDMA as significant areas of medical and commercial interest.

PsyIndUK Co-Founder James Bunn Credit: James Bunn

PsyIndUK Co-Founder James Bunn said: “The formation of this tri-party alliance is a significant step forward for the global psychedelic ecosystem. By pooling our collective knowledge and fostering transatlantic collaboration, we are better positioned to address the challenges and opportunities in this industry.

"It’s vital that we emerge from our silos and build a unified approach that benefits patients, practitioners and businesses alike.”

According to the groups involved, the collaboration will focus on regular discussions about emerging trends, regulatory challenges and business opportunities in psychedelic therapies and research.

With regulatory frameworks developing at different speeds worldwide, the alliance aims to create a more co-ordinated approach to policy and public engagement across the three jurisdictions.

PsyCan Executive Director Liam Bedard said that a key focus of the collaboration will be to ensure that the psychedelic industry maintains high ethical standards.

"The partners will work collectively to call out bad actors and address any emerging issues that threaten the integrity of the field," he said. "By holding each other accountable and fostering transparency, the collaboration aims to promote responsible practices and bolster the industry's credibility.”

By fostering cross-border dialogue, the organisations intend to facilitate progress in areas such as therapeutic accessibility and safety standards.

PMC Founder Melissa Lavasani said: “The United States plays a critical role in driving forward the global movement to ensure legitimate access to psychedelic treatments. By collaborating with our partners in the UK and Canada, we can share best practices, advocate for effective policies and build a unified approach to advancing this industry responsibly.

"Together, we’re laying the foundation for a future where safe, ethical and accessible psychedelic therapies can transform lives worldwide.”

The newly formed coalition has extended an open invitation to other psychedelic industry groups worldwide to join the initiative, highlighting the need for broader international co-operation as the sector continues to expand.