By reMind Staff —

For the second time in as many months, the Drug Enforcement Agency has dropped a proposal to add more psychedelic compounds to its list of banned substances.

On Friday, the DEA announced it was retreating from its effort to place the hallucinogens 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, which would not only outlaw the, but also make it extremely difficult for researchers to study their possible therapeutic value. The decision came after the biotech firm Panacea Plant Sciences and Emory University challenged the proposal.

“The DEA has withdrawn their rule-making for the psychedelic phenethylamines DOI and DOC. It looks like a temporary respite, however, as they mention a possible amended rule-making to come.” said David Heldreth, CEO of Panacea.

The agency did not provide a reason for the decision, but it marks the second time this summer it has reversed course on psychedelics. In July, the DEA withdrew its bid to ban five tryptamines, as well.

First synthesized in the 1970s, DOC and DOI were described by legendary chemist Alexander Shulgin as causing a psychedelic state similar to LSD, but longer-lasting and more energetic.

Panacea challenged the proposal on procedural grounds, filing a motion that called on the DEA to hold a public hearing to defend its plan after more than 600 people sent messages during a public-comment period. Instead of agreeing to a hearing, the DEA dropped the matter altogether.

“DEA is withdrawing the proposed rule, terminating all proceedings related thereto, and will be publishing a new proposed rule using an amended procedure,” the agency said in a public notice.

“For now, Panacea Plant Sciences will take the win and prepare for the next round,” Heldreth said. “Thank you all for the support as we continue to fight for access and the end to the drug war.”