Psychedelic Research Boom Excludes People of Color, Critics Warn

Flanked by Joe Rogan—one of psychedelics’ most prominent celebrity advocates—and a group of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) loyalists, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to expedite access to psychedelics for clinical research and treatment.

The use of naturally occurring and synthetic hallucinogens dates back to Neanderthals, yet these substances have long been marginalized in mainstream medicine. Historically dismissed as “club drugs,” they were often deemed clinically valueless or even harmful.

Psychedelics’ Ancient Roots and Modern Stigma

The executive order marks a pivotal shift in psychedelic policy, but critics argue the movement risks replicating past inequities. Despite their deep historical and cultural significance, psychedelics have been systematically excluded from medical and research frameworks, particularly for communities of color.

Historical Context and Medical Bias

Psychedelics like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) and MDMA have been used for millennia in Indigenous and spiritual practices. However, their criminalization in the 20th century—rooted in racial and political biases—fueled decades of prohibition and stigma.

“The war on drugs wasn’t just about drugs; it was about controlling marginalized communities,” said Dr. Monnica Williams, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Ottawa. “Now, as psychedelics gain legitimacy, we must ensure this ‘revolution’ doesn’t repeat those same patterns of exclusion.”

Who Benefits from the Psychedelic Boom?

Proponents of the executive order highlight its potential to revolutionize mental health treatment. Conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety have shown promising results in clinical trials involving psychedelics. However, the majority of research participants to date have been white, raising concerns about the generalizability of findings.

• Psilocybin trials: Over 80% of participants in recent studies have been white, according to a 2024 analysis by Psychedelic Science Review.
• MDMA-assisted therapy: Phase 3 trials for PTSD treatment included only 10% participants of color.
• Access barriers: High costs, lack of culturally competent providers, and geographic disparities limit participation for people of color.

Calls for Inclusive Research and Policy

Advocates are urging policymakers to prioritize diversity in psychedelic research and treatment. Organizations like the Black Psychedelic Equity Network and Psychedelic Medicine Association are pushing for:

• Funding for studies focused on communities of color.
• Training programs to increase diversity among psychedelic therapists.
• Policy reforms to address historical inequities in drug enforcement and medical access.

“This is a moment of opportunity, but also a moment of reckoning. If we don’t intentionally include marginalized voices, we risk creating a psychedelic renaissance that only serves the privileged.” — Dr. Monnica Williams

What’s Next for Psychedelic Access?

The executive order is expected to streamline FDA approval processes for psychedelic therapies, but its impact on equity remains uncertain. Without deliberate efforts to center marginalized communities, the psychedelic revolution may deepen existing health disparities.

As the field evolves, stakeholders emphasize the need for accountability to ensure that the benefits of psychedelic medicine are accessible to all—not just those who can afford it.