The startup space in psychedelics refers to companies that are focused on developing and commercializing products and services related to psychedelics and other mind-altering substances. This includes psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT, as well as non-psychedelic substances such as marijuana (weed) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Biggest Categories in Psychedelics
-
Therapeutic Psychedelics: Companies in this area are focused on developing and commercializing psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. Examples include Compass Pathways and Atai Life Sciences.
-
Microdosing: Low-dose psychedelics and support for microdosing practices. Numinus and HigherMind are some startups in the space.
-
Cannabis and CBD: Developing and commercializing products and services related to marijuana (weed) and CBD. Leading startups include Curaleaf and Green Thumb Industries.
VCs Investing in Psychedelics
-
DCVC: DCVC is a venture capital firm that invests in startups in the psychedelics space, among other areas. The firm's investment thesis is centered on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and their ability to disrupt traditional approaches to mental health and wellness.
-
Breakthrough Ventures: Breakthrough Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in startups in the psychedelics space, among other areas. The firm's investment thesis is centered on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and the growing interest in this area among consumers and healthcare professionals.
Regulation of Psychedelics
The regulation of psychedelics varies by country and can range from being completely prohibited to being allowed for medical or therapeutic purposes only. In the United States, psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they are illegal for all purposes. However, there have been recent efforts to decriminalize or legalize psychedelics for therapeutic purposes in some jurisdictions. The regulation of cannabis and CBD also varies by country, with some jurisdictions legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes and others prohibiting it altogether.