MAPS Returns to UN Drug Policy Forum After Five-Year Absence
Event summary
- MAPS sends delegation of senior researchers, policy experts, and veterans to the 69th UN CND session in Vienna (March 9-13, 2026).
- Delegation includes representatives from US, Europe, Australia, and Middle East.
- First MAPS participation in CND main session since 2020.
- UN CND passed harm reduction resolution in 2024 under pressure from 60+ countries.
The big picture
MAPS' participation comes as the UN CND faces growing pressure to modernize drug policies amid mental health crises and evidence of harm reduction effectiveness. The organization's return signals renewed focus on shaping international frameworks for psychedelic medicine access and research. With over $150 million raised for psychedelic research, MAPS aims to leverage its clinical expertise in high-stakes policy discussions.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Influence
- Whether MAPS can effectively integrate emerging psychedelic research into international drug control frameworks.
- Policy Momentum
- The pace at which the UN CND adopts evidence-based approaches to psychedelics and cannabis scheduling.
- Global Advocacy
- How MAPS' return to CND impacts cross-border collaboration in drug policy reform movements.
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