Exceptional Stigma: Parallels Between Marginalized Groups and Psychedelic Medicine

Cheung and colleagues argue against the idea that psychedelics are exceptional—that is, that they raise unique concerns about increased vulnerability and diminished autonomy compared to other medical or research contexts. Drawing parallels to debates about genetic exceptionalism, the authors reject the notion that psychedelics require special ethical or regulatory treatment. Instead, they contend that existing ethical frameworks and safeguards are sufficient to address the risks associated with psychedelic use in research and therapy. The paper thus challenges a growing trend in the field and calls for a more measured, non-exceptionalist approach to psychedelic ethics.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Drawing on comparisons to genetic exceptionalism, Cheung et al. (2025) reject psychedelic exceptionalism—that psychedelics raise unique concerns regarding increased vulnerability and diminished aut...