Securing a DEA research registration is a critical step for researchers and organizations working with psychedelics, classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), in clinical trials. This federal requirement, outlined in 21 CFR part 1301.18, establishes a controlled distribution system to ensure that only authorized handlers manage these substances. The process involves meticulous record-keeping, stringent security measures, and adherence to protocols approved by both the Investigational New Drug (IND) application and the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Maintaining a “closed system” of distribution to prevent misuse and diversion, the complexity of obtaining a DEA license, especially for Schedule I substances, necessitates navigating various challenges.