Commissioner Adeeba Kamarulzaman delivered the opening remarks at the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Psychedelic Medicine, held at Monash University Malaysia from 30-31 October.

Hosted by the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences in collaboration with the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University Australia, the Symposium brought together academic researchers from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in mental health, and share practical insights for advancing safe, ethical, and accessible psychedelic medicine.

In her remarks, Commissioner Kamarulzaman highlighted how research on psychedelics intersects with broader questions of drug regulation and the international drug control framework, where decades of prohibition have limited scientific inquiry. She emphasized that psychedelic medicine should be regulated with clear medical and ethical standards, ensuring meaningful access for all patients who could benefit, as a way to safeguard health and wellbeing.