Arizona legislators from both parties have introduced a bill to legalize the use of psilocybin in medically-supervised centers.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Health Committee Chair T. J. Shope, (R), and eight other members would allow the Department of Human Services to license psilocybin assisted therapy centers within the state where facilitators are trained in administering the psychedelic.
This law would expand Arizona’s current research-focused psychedelics laws that provide $5 million annually in funding to support the study of the therapeutic potential for psilocybin, such as for post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) or depression.
The new bill would create an Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board, which would consist of members who are appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. The board would include representatives of the Attorney General’s Office and DHS as well as veterans, first-responders, scientists and physicians with experience in psilocybin.
The board will be responsible for developing training criteria for the staff of psilocybin services centers, making recommendations for the implementation and study of science and policy related to psychedelics.
Members would be required to submit an annual status report by July 31, 2025, and then each year thereafter, on “medical and psychological studies” into the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin. They would also need to develop a “long-term strategy” for ensuring psychedelic assisted therapy is “safe, affordable and accessible” to those 21 years and older.
The medical directors of centers that use psychedelics in therapy would have to complete 132 hours of approved training. This would include lessons on historical and traditional uses of psychedelics as well as safety and ethics. They would also need to learn about facilitation and preparation skills, administration, and integration.
According to the bill cosponsored by Senate president Warren Petersen, DHS must begin accepting applications for psychedelics centres by January 1, 2026. The Department would have to establish rules for the program but would not be allowed to specify eligibility requirements for psilocybin service.
Regulators could also license psilocybin centers that are carrying out clinical trials into the psychedelic that could lead to a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug.
Last week, an Arizona House Committee approved a bill that would prevent the $5 million already designated for psilocybin-research being redistributed due to a state deficit.
The fund was created last year as part of an appropriations package that was signed by the Governor and required research into the potential medical benefits of psilocybin mushroom for a number of conditions.
The first meeting of the Psilocybin Advisory Council, which was created under DHS, took place in November last year prior to an open period for grant applicants.
The money will be given to those who submit proposals that focus on clinical trials aimed at identifying therapeutic applications that may receive FDA approval to treat 13 conditions.
Arizona is one of many states that has worked to promote research on psychedelics in response to the growing interest among the public for expanding access and ending criminalization.
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In Nevada, for example, the joint legislative committee heard expert testimony and public testimony about the therapeutic potentials of substances such as psilocybin in a hearing held earlier this month. Law enforcement officials also expressed their concerns about legalization. However, there was a notable acknowledgment that reforms could be implemented including rescheduling.
A Senate committee in Indiana unanimously approved this bill that would finance clinical research trials for psilocybin assisted therapy to improve mental health.
The Governor of Massachusetts recently promoted the testimony from activists who spoke out in support of her veterans’ bill. This bill would, among other things, create a work group for psychedelics to investigate the therapeutic potentials of substances like psilocybin.
New York legislators recently introduced a bill to create pilot program for psilocybin treatment to 10,000 people. The focus is on veterans and first responders.
On Tuesday, a Missouri House committee examined a proposal that would allow the medical use of Psilocybin within the state as well as mandate clinical trials to explore the therapeutic potential. The Senate cancelled a hearing scheduled for a similar bill.
Missouri Lawmakers hold hearing on Therapeutic Psilocybin Bill
Image by Kristie Gianpulos.
The article Arizona Lawmakers File a Bill to Legalize Psilocybin Service Centers as State Funds for Psychedelics research first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
