Nevada legislators have introduced legislation to legalize psilocybin, encourage research into the psychedelic, and encourage MDMA studies.
The legislation by Sen. Rochelle Nayen (D), is designed to simplify the process of studying MDMA and psilocybin. It also includes a section that eliminates civil and criminal penalties for adults who possess or cultivate up to four ounces psilocybin.
NEWS
Our state is facing a mental health crisis. We are unable to access potentially life-saving and life-saving treatments due to our current laws. I have just introduced #SB242 in order for Nevada to legalize psilocybin. #nvleg
— Rochelle Thuy Nguyen (@rochellenguyen) March 9, 2023
Researchers would be allowed to apply to the Department of Health and Human Services to study any of the psychedelics. The regulations would require regulators to create rules for the approval of such applicants.
The legislation’s research section also protects participants in such studies from state-level prosecution.
The potential mental health benefits of these substances would be the focus of future research. This could include the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and migraines.
A section of the bill, which goes beyond research, would legalize psilocybin in large quantities for adults aged 18 and over.
It states that possession, consumption, cultivation and manufacturing of psilocybin does not violate any law, ordinance or rule of the State or any political subdivision thereof.
The measure‘s whereas section states that Nevada has a high rate of adults with behavioral conditions. Studies have shown that MDMA and psilocybin are safe and effective in treating a wide range of behavioral conditions.
It states that “Numerous states and local lawmaking agencies throughout the United States have already passed or are currently considering legislation decriminalizing certain conduct relating to psilocin and psilocybin.”
Nevadans should have access to natural medicine that could help with our mental health crisis.
The legalization of psilocybin is an economic development tool that can help our state become a national leader in this field.
— Fabian Donate (@fabiandonate March 9, 2023
As the interest in entheogenic substances grows, Nevada joins a growing number of states that are seeking psychedelics reform.
For example, Vermont lawmakers have recently introduced legislation to legalize psychedelics in adulthood.
A series of bills were also filed by Texas legislators this month that aimed to promote and expand psychedelics research within the state.
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The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill to encourage research into the therapeutic potential of Psilocybin and provide legal protections against prosecution of people with qualifying conditions who have the psychedelic.
The same day, a Rhode Island House Committee held a hearing about a bill that would eliminate penalties for possession and use of psilocybin. It would also allow home cultivation of psychedelic mushroom for personal use.
The three psychedelics research bill passed by the Hawaii Senate and House last week.
Missouri lawmakers approved a GOP-led bill this month that would allow for research into the therapeutic value of certain psychedelics like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin.
These are just a few of the reforms being considered by legislators in this session.
Based on statistical modeling of policy trends, an analysis published last year in the American Medical Association journal concluded that most states will legalize psychotropic drugs by 2037.
