Scottsdale Research Institute

Actual: Dec 1, 2025

First patient enrolled — Army veteran Nick Jones became the first participant in the whole mushroom trial

Why it matters: First dosing confirms the trial is operational. The group therapy format with whole mushroom in chocolate form is unique among clinical psychedelic trials. 24-participant design across police, firefighter, and veteran populations will test generalizability across first-responder groups.

Watch next: Enrollment of all 24 participants and initial safety data

Actual: Jan 1, 2025

FDA authorized Phase 1/2 trial using whole psilocybin mushroom — first-ever FDA authorization for a whole mushroom product in a clinical trial

Why it matters: FDA authorization for a whole botanical mushroom product (not synthetic or extracted psilocybin) is a regulatory landmark. All prior FDA-authorized psilocybin trials used synthetic (COMPASS/GH Research) or extracted (Filament) forms. The "entourage effect" hypothesis — that other mushroom compounds enhance or modulate the therapeutic response — can now be tested clinically. Dr. Sue Sisley holds the only DEA Schedule I license for farming psilocybin mushrooms for human research.

Watch next: Enrollment completion and Phase 1/2 safety/efficacy data

Actual: May 1, 2023

Arizona legislature approved $5M for psilocybin research; SRI ultimately awarded ~$2.7M

Why it matters: State government funding for a psilocybin trial is unprecedented in the US. Arizona's bipartisan support signals growing political acceptance of psychedelic research. The $2.7M funds the first-ever FDA-authorized whole mushroom clinical trial.