Rhode Island Lawmakers Introduce Magic Mushroom Bill

Rhode Island Lawmakers Introduce Magic Mushroom Bill

If the federal government approves psilocybin, a pair of Rhode Island legislators hope the state is ready to reap the benefits.

The bill under consideration would “decriminalize the use of so-called ‘magic mushrooms’ statewide.” According to local news station WPRI, But it says “[hinge] Based on whether the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) will approve psilocybin as a treatment for chronic mental disorders.

“Veterans and many others in our community suffer from chronic illnesses. [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]depression, and other mental health disorders that can be completely debilitating,” Democratic State Rep. Brandon Potter was quoted by WPRI. “We should give them the freedom to try all the tools available. and should not criminalize natural and effective remedies.”

Potter, along with State Senator Megan Cullman, also a Democrat, is sponsoring the bill. It’s familiar territory for Potter.

last year, Potter introduced the bill Psilocybin would also have been decriminalized, but there was no provision for FDA approval in that legislation.

According to WPRI, This year’s proposal states, “The Rhode Island Department of Health should regulate psilocybin’s use as a treatment if it is approved by the FDA.”

“Psilocybin is not addictive,” said Kalman. WPRI“It occurs naturally, and people have used it for recreational and medical purposes for thousands of years.”

“It’s illegal because over 50 years ago President Nixon associated it with his political opponents,” she said. Added“It’s time to undo that mistake and give our neighbors who suffer from chronic mental illness, and all Rhode Islanders, the freedom to use psilocybin responsibly.”

Mushrooms and other psychedelics are quickly emerging as the next frontier for legalization advocates.

Oregon legalized psilocybin treatment in 2020 after voters approved a ballot measure. Two years later, voters in Colorado did the same.

Changes in legislation coincide with changing attitudes towards drugs.

A 2020 poll by research firm Green Horizons found that 38% of American adults believe psilocybin mushrooms should be legal, at least in certain circumstances.

“When it comes to psychedelics, there are a lot of similarities to the movement to legalize cannabis. In both cases, education is paramount,” says Adriana Waterston, senior vice president of insights and strategy at Green Horizon. said at the time. “Psychedelics, like cannabis, have long been bound by a negative and highly stigmatized image. As research into psychedelics continues and evidence of its benefits grows, we can expect support for legalization to continue.”

A poll found that 25% of Americans believe psilocybin mushrooms should be legalized in limited circumstances.

As pointed out by WPRI“Current federal law classifies psilocybin as a Schedule 1 drug alongside fentanyl and cocaine, while Rhode Island law classifies hallucinogens in the same category as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.”

Alexandra Solorio
Introducing Alexandra, an accomplished cannabis writer who has passionately pursued her craft for a decade. Through a decade-long journey, Alexandra has cultivated a profound connection with the cannabis world, translating her expertise into captivating prose. From unraveling the plant's rich history to exploring its therapeutic marvels and legal evolution, she has adeptly catered to both connoisseurs and newcomers. An unwavering advocate, Alexandra's words not only enlighten but also advocate responsible cannabis use, establishing her as an indispensable industry voice over the past ten years.

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