In response to executive orders targeting law firms and other challenges to the rule of law and due process, as well as statements by the United States Executive Branch questioning the ethics and integrity of lawyers and judges, the Psychedelic Bar Association issues the following statement:
The Psychedelic Bar Association affirms that its broad mission — to serve the psychedelic ecosystem as “a network of legal professionals operating from the highest standards and ethical considerations”— includes a foundational commitment to uphold the rule of law.
To uphold the rule of law means that everyone — most importantly the government — is accountable to the law; that the courts are independent; and that laws are to be applied fairly and transparently.
Every lawyer in the United States of America, when sworn into practice, takes an Oath to support the Constitution of the United States. The Model Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to lawyers explain that in addition to serving as a representative for their clients, every lawyer is also “an officer of the legal system and a public citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice.” Lawyers “should seek improvement of… the administration of justice” and “should further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.”
Members of the PBA have made an additional ethics pledge to embody the “North Star” principles, which were curated by stakeholders in the psychedelic ecosystem to identify shared values for this emerging field. These values include the intention to “build trust and act with integrity” and “appreciate the gravity” of the choices we make as lawyers. As legal professionals who come from a wide variety of practice areas, perspectives, and backgrounds, PBA members have undertaken unique roles in following these ethical guideposts and upholding the rule of law. At the same time, where laws are shortsighted or unjust — as too many laws regarding psychedelics are — PBA has embraced democratic means of changing them, to ultimately create safe, legal access to psychedelics for all. Zealous democratic advocacy with respect to laws that are perceived as unjust or in need of change is fully within the scope — and arguably compelled by — legal ethics rules and PBA’s pledge. The PBA also offers support to help the psychedelic community understand the bounds of the law. We stand firm in our belief that all people have the right to explore their own consciousness; to access psychedelic substances in the U.S. safely and legally; and to be treated fairly if they use psychedelics.
The PBA is working to develop resources to educate and assist our members and the public regarding the impact of recent Executive Orders and other actions of the federal government relating to immigration. The PBA is also working collaboratively with MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies) to issue educational materials and provide assistance for travelers coming to the U.S. for Psychedelic Science 2025, which should be released soon.
If you are interested in contributing to this effort or connecting with other members around these topics, please contact us or attend any of the upcoming committee meetings.
Psychedelic substances are largely illegal in the United States under federal and/or state laws. Manufacturing, supplying, possessing, or using psychedelics may be punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. The Psychedelic Bar Association does not encourage or condone such activities where they are against the law. The content of this statement does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice by any person.