With multiple bills aimed at legalizing and funding psychedelic research are making their way through the US legislative circuit. Here are some of the current proposals in the push for legal psychedelics.
Arizona
House Bill 2486
HB 2486 provides $30 million in grants over three years for research into the medical potential of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms.” The research will focus on studying the impact of psilocybin on 13 different conditions. Including PTSD, depression, anxiety, long COVID symptoms, and substance misuse disorder.
While the bill does not legalize psilocybin, it is hoped that the research will inform future reforms and pave the way for broader access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. The bill also establishes a “Psilocybin Research Advisory Council” to oversee grant applications and make recommendations on psychedelic-assisted therapy, based on current federal and state research policy.
Hawaii
Senate Bill 1454
SB 1454 proposes the establishment of a state working group to investigate the medical and therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. The bill has passed unanimously on the consent calendar.
Senate Bill 1531
SB 1531 establishes a state advisory council to examine state and federal regulations on certain psychedelics; psilocybin and MDMA. The council would also review scientific literature related to using these substances for mental health treatment. The bill has been unanimously approved on consent by members.
Oklahoma
House Bill 2107
HB 2107 permits a research pilot program to explore the potential benefits of psilocybin for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The bill enables universities, institutions of higher education, and research facilities in Oklahoma to conduct research on psilocybin for treating specific ailments.
Texas
House Bill 4288
HB 4288 proposes amending existing psychedelics law to expand the state’s study of psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine therapy for military veterans. The bill would establish new research partnerships and expand the targeted population for the study.
House Bill 4423
HB 4423, seeks to establish a psilocybin research advisory council and a grants program for clinical trials investigating the use of whole mushroom psilocybin for several conditions.
House Bill 4561
HB 4561 aims to establish an “Alternative Mental Health Therapy Research” consortium for investigating psychedelic therapy for veterans, as well as a grants program to create ketamine clinics and enhance veterans’ access to them.
Washington
Senate Bill 5263
SB 5263 establishes a task force to promote psilocybin research and develop a framework for legal access to the psychedelic. The amended bill no longer includes actual provision of psilocybin therapy under supervision. The legislation will now proceed to the House for further consideration.
