AHPA announces formation of Psychedelic Plants and Fungi Committee

The committee, which will be chaired by Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs, aims to address issues related to the safe use and responsible commerce of lawfully marketed products derived from psychedelic plants and fungi.

Interest in psychedelics is on the rise, particularly with respect to the potential benefits for mental health and wellbeing. The Johns Hopkins University has operated its Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research​ for over 20 years, with a recent paper​ from the Center reporting substantial antidepressant effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy, for example.

“With the emergence of legal psychedelics being professionally used to address major mental health issues, and research finding significant benefits in that context, it’s crucial that the category be developed with experience and deliberation,”​ said Sudberg.

“Given that AHPA's mission is to promote the responsible and sustainable commerce of herbal products to ensure that consumers have informed access to a wide variety of safe herbal goods, it’s entirely appropriate that AHPA’s expertise be utilized to help that sector grow responsibly.”​

Controversial?

While the decision to charter the new committee may be viewed as controversial by some stakeholders, AHPA’s cannabis committee was also considered a controversial development when it was established in 2010 - a decision that has since proved to be prescient given the explosion in the market for cannabis over the past decade.

To hear Michael McGuffin, President of AHPA, discuss the cannabis committee’s creation and impact, please click HERE​.

Currently, there are 18 AHPA committees representing the wide range of AHPA members and interests.