Psychedelic retreats raise legal and safety questions.

Psychedelic retreats offer drug-assisted experiences worldwide but are generally illegal under U.S. federal law; officials have directed faster FDA review of psychedelics and researchers report potential harms.

Psychedelic retreats are multiday, drug-assisted experiences offered by hundreds of providers worldwide. They are promoted for psychological healing and personal growth, but researchers report potential physical, psychological and interpersonal harms. Most of the drugs used at these retreats are illegal under U.S. federal law, and many retreats operate in countries where those substances are not restricted. Key points: - An executive order signed by President Donald Trump directs the Food and Drug Administration to accelerate reviews of psychedelics and asks law enforcement to lower restrictions on any psychedelic that the FDA approves. - No psychedelics are currently federally approved in the United States; MDMA was rejected by the FDA in 2024 for PTSD amid safety and effectiveness concerns. - Researchers who surveyed dozens of retreats in JAMA Network Open reported that retreats can carry potential harms despite some safety procedures, and some operators hold programs in countries such as Peru and Brazil where ayahuasca is used. Summary: The growing market for psychedelic retreats has prompted questions about legal status, safety practices and regulatory oversight. Officials have directed agencies to speed reviews, but final regulatory outcomes and broader changes remain undetermined at this time.