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The psychedelics industry is quickly gaining momentum across the U.S. as lawmakers work to further the reform and development of the industry through the introduction of relevant bills and votes in four additional states.
These include Utah, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Missouri.
A Steadily Growing Industry
These latest developments do not surprise me as the industry has steadily been growing and gaining more interest in recent months, calling for more significant action and federal reform. Even in Hawaii, traditionally known to have strict policies against drug usage, they recently passed a bill to promote research into psychedelics, namely psilocybin and MDMA.
This increase in activity across several states can be attributed to two main factors, though there may be others.
In the first case, there has been increasing curiosity surrounding newer and varied forms of therapeutic treatments, for instance, the use of entheogenic substances such as psilocybin. Secondly, many are calling for decriminalization when it comes to the possession of natural plants and fungi.
This boost in interest is further backed by the analysis of a report published by BrandEssece Market Research in January, which revealed a growing global psychedelics market. The report also noted that the market is expected to double by 2030.
The Latest Developments
Here are the recent developments taking place for each of the states mentioned earlier:
Utah
The Democratic Minority Leader in the Senate, Luz Escamilla, put measures in place to legalize the use of psilocybin therapy for adults. Therefore, all patients 21 years and over would be able to receive treatment with psilocybin in a clinical setting to treat several illnesses, including depression, PTSD, and treatment-resistant anxiety. It will also be made available for those in hospice care.
They have also put controls in place regarding production facilities and providers under the Utah legislation. Facilities producing the mushrooms will be regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). At the same time, the registration of psilocybin medical providers and therapy providers will be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Iowa
Iowa State Representative, Jeff Shipley, is working to bring back a bill that will remove the psychedelics psilocybin and psilocin from the list of controlled substances established by the state and have them legalized.
Though he raised this matter two years prior, in 2021, the bill did not advance. Nonetheless, it has contributed to the discourse on the decriminalization of psychedelics.
Though his attempts at policy change in 2020 were defeated in a floor vote, Shipley is determined and hopes to work with a subcommittee on the bill in the near future.
New Hampshire
Now, stepping away from the usual outcome of events is New Hampshire. A New Hampshire House committee did not support a bill intended to have the psychedelic DMT removed from the state’s list of controlled substances and another to have the Controlled Drug Act revoked altogether in a 14-6 and 17-3 vote, respectively.
Though the legislation will advance to the floor as stipulated in the state’s rules, this current move makes it unlikely that this will be enacted.
On a brighter note and in a separate instance, representative Kevin Vervile filed a bill in January to have the possession and use of psychedelics legalized by adults 21 years and older. This bill would also allow for reduced penalties for the possession and manufacturing of LSD by those under 21 years old.
Missouri
Earlier this month, Republican senator Holly Thompson Rehder introduced a bill intended to promote research into the therapeutic use of alternative medicine and therapy, such as ketamine and MDMA, for the treatment of PTSD, depression, hospice care, and more.
The legislation proposes that three major organizations carry out the research. The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), a Missouri-based hospital operated as well as a medical center currently run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.).
They would be expected to conduct clinical trials to help determine the effectiveness of psychedelics and alternative treatment options and review existing literature on the topic.
Subsequently, any reports will have to be done and submitted by DHSS.
Though not all news has been promising, there’s a lot of positive development in the industry. Now you’re up to date on what’s happening in the psychedelics industry across America and can make your own informed opinions and add to the conversation.
