On Thursday, a Rhode Island House committee heard a bill that would eliminate penalties for possession and use of psilocybin. It also allows home cultivation of psychedelic mushroom for personal use.
Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Maine) and Senator Megan Kallman, (D-Nevada) introduced legislation last week that would require the state to set rules and regulations for a therapeutic psilocybin programme in the event the federal Food and Drug Administration is rescheduled.
Let’s end decades of wrongheaded and restrictive drug policy! https://t.co/ieTHbecbyx
— Meghan Kallman (@MeghanEKallman March 1, 2023
Potter explained to the House Judiciary Committee that “this is a naturally occurring, safe, and non-addictive substance, which many indigenous cultures have used in their religious practice for thousands upon thousands of years.” Recent clinical trials and studies have demonstrated statistically significant benefits to people with severe, treatment-resistant mental illnesses. They also have fewer side effects than the standard medications.
Research is conclusive. Psilocybin has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of C-PTSD, treatment resistant depression, and anxiety disorders. Let the old taboos go – Rhode Islanders should have access to all of these treatments.
Thank you Senator @MeghanEKallman for your partnership!https://t.co/2j1OqdrMNB
Brandon Potter (@BrandonPotterRI March 2, 2023
H5923 would ban possession and sharing “any compound, mixture or preparation containing less that one ounce (1.oz.)”. The state’s uniform controlled substances law would ban the possession and sharing of “any compound, mixture or preparation containing less than one ounce (1 oz.)”. Psilocybin must be “securely grown within a person’s home for personal use.”
The Judiciary Committee is home to three of the nine co-sponsors listed in the bill, but they did not vote on it immediately after the testimony. This is a common practice in the state.
Potter stated that the hearing was also about correcting a wrong. “Psilocybin remains federally and Rhode Island legal as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is determined to have high addiction potential and no medical use. We know this is not true on both these fronts.
He said that “we know it’s not addictive” and “we know it has a therapeutic purpose.”
The new legislation will be announced in a press release. Oregon, Colorado already have laws that allow legal access to psilocybin. Several other states are currently considering similar bills.
Kallman, the Senate sponsor stated in the release that the use of psilocybin is illegal because President Nixon, more than 50 years ago, associated it with his political enemies.”
She stated, “It’s now to correct that mistake and allow our Rhode Island neighbors with chronic mental illnesses, and all Rhode Islanders to freely use psilocybin responsible.”
Kallman stated to a local ABC affiliate she believed that the state was ready for a reassessment of its position on the substance.
She stated, “To have an open, scientifically-minded, honest discussion about this, this is what we did with marijuana, and we know that this is possible.” “Our cultural approach to drug regulation has not been scientifically based, and it’s high time that this change is made.”
An act by the legislature in Rhode Island last spring legalized marijuana for adults. In December , the first retail stores opened. Since 2006, medical marijuana has been legalized in the state.
The state Supreme Court recently issued guidance regarding how to expunge marijuana records in accordance with the new legalization law.
In 2021, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on legislation that would eliminate criminal penalties for possessing small quantities of drug and replace them by a $100 fine. The governor also signed a landmark bill that allowed safe consumption sites to be established. These are places where individuals can legally use illegal drugs under medical supervision. They also have the opportunity to receive treatment.
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Rhode Island Lawmakers Hearing Bill to Decriminalize Psilocybin and Pave the Way for Legal Medical Access appeared originally on Marijuana Moment.
