Bipartisan and bicameral legislators have introduced a new bill to create a pilot program for psilocybin in Wisconsin.
Sens. Jesse James (R), Dianne Hesselbein, Nate Gustafson and Clinton Anderson are the sponsors of the bill. The legislation would explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in the treatment for post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) by veterans.
The University of Wisconsin at Madison would facilitate the pilot program. already operates a multidisciplinary research division on psychedelics that was launched in 2021.
Veterans with PTSD who have been diagnosed as treatment-resistant and are older than 21 years old would be eligible for the program. Psilocybin will need to be administered through the existing FDA pathways, which have designated the psychedelic drug as a breakthrough therapy.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of legislation to create a psilocybin pilot program for veterans with PTSD alongside @SenJesseJames @RepAnderson45 @RepGustafson https://t.co/50EgccI8w8
— State Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (@SenHesselbein) November 9, 2023
Gustafson stated in a press release that Wisconsinites, and especially veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD deserve to receive the best care possible. “I’m proud to work across party lines to introduce a bipartisan measure to create a pilot program for medicinal psilocybin to honor our duty to our veterans who have selflessly served this country,” Gustafson said in a statement.
The bill would establish a fund for medicinal psilocybin treatments to support research. An initial allocation of $100,000 would be made. The university could accept charitable gifts and donations to expand the fund.
Within six months after the completion of the study, the university’s board would be required to present the findings to the Governor and the legislators.
The mental health of veterans is extremely important. In a press statement, Anderson stated that we should all be in agreement on increasing treatment options for veterans with PTSD. “I am proud of this bipartisan legislation to support those who have served our country.”
“The mental well-being of our veterans is extremely important.” We should all be in agreement on the need to increase treatment options for veterans suffering from PTSD. Rep. Anderson said, “I’m proud of the bipartisan bill that supports those who have served our country”. pic.twitter.com/8dxwV4hwck
State Representative Clinton Anderson 9 November 2023 HTML0
On Thursday, sponsors circulated a memo to co-sponsors to bolster their support. They wrote to colleagues that psilocybin has “shown immense promise” in relieving those who suffer from mental health conditions including PTSD.
“Studies such as the one at NYU documented significant improvements in quality of life among PTSD patients treated by psilocybin,” said they. Patients reported an increased level of engagement in external activities and higher energy levels. They also reported improved family relationships and better work performance. These findings highlight the potential benefits of Psilocybin Therapy in addressing mental health needs for our veterans.
The memo asks for responses by November 17 from legislators interested in becoming co-sponsors.
Wisconsin is one of the few states that has a psychedelics law. It’s a bipartisan issue in many states, but it hasn’t been pushed in Wisconsin yet.
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Wisconsin Democrats have been pushing cannabis legalization, including Senate Minority leader Melissa Agard (D), as neighboring states have enacted the reform (most recently Ohio). The Republican leadership, however, has so far only floated a limited medical cannabis bill.
This is despite economic findings that legalization would generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue in Wisconsin.
Madison could be a better place for psychedelics. Psilocybin legislation has been passed in conservative states such as Texas and Oklahoma, as legislators from both sides of the aisle were compelled to act by the research on the therapeutic potential for substances like psilocybin.
The psilocybin bill is still in its initial phase. Sponsors are working to create a larger coalition of supporters before the bill goes to committee.
Below, you can read the text for the Wisconsin psilocybin Research Bill and co-sponsorship memorandum:
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The post Wisconsin Lawmakers Bipartisan File Bill to Create Psilocybin Pilot Program for Military Veterans with PTSD first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
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