For the first time in US history, Missourians will have access to research opportunities exploring possible medical benefits of psychedelics.
Missouri legislators have given the green light to a GOP-sponsored bill that encourages exploration into the restorative potential of psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine.
The House Veterans Committee took a historic step last week when they unanimously voted to approve HB 1154, proposed by Rep. Dan Houx (R).
The bill is part of two proposals seeking reform in how veterans are treated and heard. Houx praised the treatment during the hearing, noting its capacity to significantly alter lives with few sessions and extensive research backing the efforts up.
Chairman Dave Griffith (R) expressed surprise at how profoundly the parameters of discussion had shifted. “If you had told me five years ago that I would be chairing a committee and considering a bill about psychedelics for veterans, I would have thought you were crazy,” he said.
This speaks volumes that such “out-there” discussions can now even approach reality and trigger meaningful change.
HB 1154, if adopted, would achieve the following:
The proposed measure would allow the state Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in exploring the potential therapeutic advantages that psychedelics, like psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine, could have on conditions such as PTSD, severe depression, substance misuse disorder and those undergoing end-of-life care. Through this partnership between research entities studying these promising alternative therapies for serious medical issues can be studied more effectively than before!
To adequately evaluate the medical potential of these substances, the department must undertake a clinical trial and thoroughly analyze existing scientific findings.
HB 869 was also discussed
The committee also discussed HB 869, a bill from Rep. Tony Lovasco (R) that aimed to provide those who use psilocybin to treat certain conditions an affirmative defense against prosecution; ultimately however, the members decided not to consider it.
Even so, according to Marijuana Moment, Houx declared his commitment to work with Lovasco on a floor amendment to account for some of what he wants the bill to achieve.
Houx pointed out that while Lovasco’s measure was “too far” for his preferences, his own bill is “a little bit tighter”. With Houx’s commitment and Lovasco’s dedication towards his bill, there is potential for it to still pass in a revised version when considering future amendments.
In an effort to help those suffering from serious mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression and terminal illnesses, Lovasco’s proposed HB 869 aims to provide therapeutic access to psilocybin.
The bill would not legalize the substance, but instead create affirmative defenses against criminal prosecution for those who possess it in specified amounts.
Individuals would be allowed to have up to four grams of psilocybin as well as medical professionals who could potentially help with its treatment.
Furthermore, DHSS would hold regulatory responsibility in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
In this time of crisis, Lovasco’s vision may provide a much-needed lifeline for sufferers looking for a way out of their dark journeys.
Already in 2023, we are seeing incredible progress when it comes to psychedelics policy reform. Across the United States, more than a dozen states have proposed laws that would decriminalize – or even legalize – multiple psychedelic substances such as ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin. What’s more remarkable is that lawmakers appear increasingly open to exploring the therapeutic powers of these drugs.
To find out more, check out: MORE AND MORE PSYCHEDELIC REFORM BILLS IN THE PIPELINE THROUGHOUT UNITED STATES
