3 More U.S. States Move Toward Plant Medicine Legalization
It’s been a big week in plant medicine news as 3 different States introduced legislation that either legalize or decriminalize plant medicines in the U.S.
Here’s the breakdown:
Oklahoma
Oklahoma lawmakers introduced a bill (HB2107, introduced by Rep. Daniel Pae) which would authorize clinical trials for the medical use of psilocybin.
Specifically, it would allow research facilities and universities registered both with the State itself and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control to conduct clinical trials of psilocybin and psilocyn for patients over 21 who are suffering from:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Treatment-resistant/refractory depression
- Treatment-resistant/refractory anxiety
- Treatment-resistant/refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- Early-stage dementia
- Palliative care
- End-of-life care
- Opioid use disorder
- Moderate to severe chronic pain
And it specifies that the research organizations performing these trials should…
- Report on the therapeutic efficacy of using psilocybin or psilocyn in the treatment of these medical conditions
- Review the current literature regarding the safety and efficacy of using psilocybin or psilocyn in the treatment of the medical conditions, as well as the access that people have to it.
- Examine the science of cultivation, synthesis, extraction, and processing of psilocybin and psilocyn
Next Steps:
The bill is set to be introduced on or soon after February 6, at which point it will be referred to a committee where it will need to be approved my majority vote before moving forward in the legislative process.
Full Article: tenthamendmentcenter.com
Massachusetts
Meanwhile, Massachusetts lawmakers introduced 2 bills to end arrests for Ayahuasca, Mescaline (San Pedro), Magic Mushrooms, and Ibogaine!
This comes after several cities in the state voted to decriminalize magic mushrooms and other entheogenic plants, which is something we’re starting to see more and more of these days.
Notably, while decriminalization measure like this are really encouraging steps in the right direction, they don’t allow for magic mushroom retreats since the ‘distribution’ of substances is in a different category than the ‘possession’ of them.
That is, these two Massachusetts bills specify that they would provide for “The possession, ingestion, obtaining, growing, giving away without financial gain to natural persons 18 years of age or older, and transportation of no more than two grams” of the plants.
Never fear though Bay Staters, legalization is generally not far behind!
The Massachusetts Senate bill (SD949) – called “An Act relative to plant medicine” – was introduced by Sen. Patricia Jehlen, and it’s corresponding twin (HD1450) was introduced in the House by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa.
Full Article: bostonherald.com
Arizona
Last but not least HB2486 was introduced in Arizona which, if passed, would provide funding for competitive research grants for clinical trials of magic mushrooms to treat mental health conditions including:
- PTSD
- Long COVID-19
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- End-of-life distress
- OCD
- Substance abuse and addiction disorders
- Eating disorders
- Chronic pain
- Inflammatory disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Seizure disorders
- Other degenerative disorders
Notably, it specifies that, when looking for participants for the trials, they should should prioritize veterans, first responders, frontline health care workers and people from underserved communities in choosing volunteers.
HB2486 is refreshingly bipartisan; introduced by Republican Rep. Kevin Payne and backed by Democratic Reps. Jennifer Longdon and Stacey Travers, along with Republican Sen. T.J. Shope.
Full Article: tucsonsentinal.com
It’s important to note the lawmakers who have put their names on these bills, to recognize their efforts, and to say “Thank you!“
The country needs a great deal of healing, and it’s always a breath of fresh air to see us moving in the direction of legalization of plant medicines that never should’ve been made illegal to begin with. Hurray for progress!
Until next time,
Tim G.
AyaAdvisors.org
