Minnesota is forming a psychedelic task force to prepare for possible legalization. The panel’s first meeting was not held by the deadline of August 1 and appointments are running behind schedule. However, the legislator who spearheaded its creation is not concerned about the delays.
Gov. Tim Walz , a Democratic legislator, has signed the psychedelics law into law as part of an omnibus package for health and human service. The bill creates the Psychedelic Medicine Task Force, which would advise lawmakers on “the medical, legal, and policy questions associated with the legalization psychedelic medicines in the state.”
As of today, only 20 of the 24 positions in the body are filled. This is despite a legal requirement that they be filled no later than July 15, 2015. A mandate was also not met to hold a first meeting before last Monday.
Scott Smith, a Minnesota Department of Health spokesperson, told Marijuana Moment that the task force should be as complete as possible before the first meeting. “At the first meeting the members will elect a chairman and any other officers they deem appropriate,” Smith said. “We’re also hiring staff to support the task force’s work.”
The members are currently planning to meet for the first time in early autumn and intend to present a report with preliminary findings to the legislature by February 1, 2020.
The application portal for the #MN #psychedelics Task Force is now open!
Apply here: https://t.co/JqdESffFIk#rochmn
Rep. Andy Smith June 28th, 2023
According to the law, this body must “review existing studies in the scientific literature regarding the therapeutic efficacy psychedelic medicines in the treatment mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic disorder. It will also need to review any other mental conditions or medical conditions where psychedelic medications may be an effective treatment.”
The plan will address “statutory changes required for the legalization psychedelic medicines” as well as “state and local regulations of psychedelic drugs.”
The task force must submit its final report, including findings and recommendations, by January 1, 2020.
In a Saturday phone interview, Rep. Andy Smith (D), a sponsor of a bill that created the psychedelics Task Force this session, and who was appointed by the House Speaker to serve on this body last week said: “The political goal is to really try to make it a bipartisan effort–to make this as legal as responsibly as possible.” This is from the standpoint of educating and informing leaders and politicians about these issues, as well as to the general public.
Smith has said that he will personally introduce legislation regulating psychedelics after the 2024 elections, in which he hopes to see the Democratic majority expand.
He stated that the bill that will result from the work of the task force will focus on criminal justice reform. It will also leverage the experience of tribes that have a long history with certain psychedelic drugs. He expects Minnesota to be different from other states who are moving forward with various legalization models.
According to the website of the secretary, there are still vacant positions for the bodies. These include a nominee from the governor, two tribal representatives, and a nominee for the health commissioner.
Senators. Kelly Morrison (D), Julia Coleman (R) were both appointed by the bipartisan Senate Leadership. Rep. Nolan West was also appointed by the House Minority Leader. He served as on the bicameral Conference Committee which finalized Minnesota’s newly-implemented marijuana legalization legislation.
I am looking forward to being a part of the new Psychedelic Medicine Task Force. @KariDziedzic appointed me to advise the state legislature on legal, medical and policy issues related to the legalization of psychoedelic medicine. #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/WbyifHq9IU
Kelly Morrison (@Morrison4MN July 24 2023
“We see a lot first responders who suffer from PTSD,” said Sen. Kelly Morrison, of the Star Tribune. She was one of those who carried the psychedelics bill in her chamber. If this could help people recover and cope with PTSD, it would be revolutionary.
Smith, a House member, stated that he is not worried about the delays in forming the task force. He said that while “nobody likes delays,” “this is a time where delays are great” as it shows that officials have been busy implementing the other victories that the legislature has achieved on a number of issues during this session, including the legalization marijuana.
He said that the state of Minnesota is doing a lot to help Minnesotans.
Kurtis Hanna is a drug reform advocate and lobbyist, who worked on this legislation. He told Marijuana Moment, on Friday, that “it is understandable the first task force for psychedelic medicines is being delayed, until almost all the appointments are finalized, since one of tasks at the initial meeting is to elect the chairperson and officers.”
He said that if the public was upset because the meetings had not yet begun, he encouraged them to contact any Dakota or Ojibwe tribal members in Minnesota they might know and ask them kindly to apply for a job on the taskforce as soon as possible. “Their perspectives and voices on psychedelic medicines are much needed but the state has received only three applications for these two positions.”
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Although the initial meeting and appointments have been delayed, the fact that on Thursday the Health Department posted a job description for a “Temporary Psychoactive Medicine Advisory Taskforce planner” is another indication that officials are working towards implementing the law. The job describes that the employee would plan and coordinate the task force’s activities and provide administrative assistance.
Originally introduced as a separate bill, Smith’s legislation on psychedelics would have required that the task force examine mescaline (and other psychedelics) such as bufotenine (5-MeO-DMT), 2C-B (2C-B), ibogaine (and other ketamine derivatives), salvinorin-A, and DMT. The bill was changed in committee so that it only focused on psilocybin MDMA, and LSD.
The mayor of Minneapolis , late last month , issued an executive ordnance that criminalized possession, use, and cultivation of psychoedelics as the city’s least important law enforcement priority. This order also prevented local resources from aiding federal and state efforts against these substances.
has become legal in Minnesota for adults over 21 to possess and grow cannabis. While traditional retailers will likely take a year to be licensed, a tribe in Red Lake was able open a store that attracted plenty of visitors.
On Tuesday, another Minnesota Law went into effect that legalizes the possession of drug paraphernalia and syringes, as well as testing for controlled substances, residue, and residues.
The omnibus bill signed by the Governor included provisions for safe drug consumption areas, as well as the creation of the psychedelics Task Force. This is another major victory for harm-reduction advocates.
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The post Minnesota’s Psychedelics task force takes shape, but key appointments and first meeting delayed appeared initially on Marijuana Moment.
