Mapping Psychedelic Drug Policy Reform in the United States
The United States is witnessing a transformative shift in its approach to psychedelic drug policy, driven by accumulating evidence of therapeutic benefits. Federally, most psychedelics remain Schedule I controlled substances, impeding legal use and research. However, states and localities are spearheading reform efforts.
Federal Landscape:
– Psychedelics remain federally classified as Schedule I controlled substances.
– Strict regulations limit possession, use, and research, except for tightly regulated studies with DEA approval.
Federal Developments:
– U.S. House includes provisions for psychedelic research in the National Defense Authorization Act.
– Senators introduce the Breakthrough Therapies Act, streamlining research approval for Schedule I substances.
– Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Clinical Treatments (PACT) aims to support psychedelic research and education.
Current Landscape:
– Federal law supersedes state and local laws.
– Psychedelic legalization future remains uncertain.
– Increased research and clinical trials may influence potential rescheduling.
State and Local Initiatives:
– Oregon is the first state to legalize therapeutic psilocybin use (2020).
– Colorado, starting with Denver in 2019, is decriminalizing and moving towards broader legalization.
– California cities (Oakland, Santa Cruz, San Francisco) prioritize psychedelics as the lowest law enforcement priority.
Specific Jurisdictions:
– Arizona has pending legislation for psilocybin research funds.
– California faces varied resolutions and bills for decriminalization and legalization.
– Berkeley decriminalized most psychedelic substances in 2023.
Colorado’s Progressive Policies:
– Passed Proposition 122 (2022) legalizing psychedelics.
– Establishes Natural Medicine Advisory Board and regulated access programs.
– Senate Bill 23-290 (2023) addresses regulatory issues and public consumption.
Legislative Developments in Various States:
– Connecticut explores psilocybin’s medical benefits.
– Georgia proposes studying psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans.
– Hawaii introduces bills to remove psilocybin from Schedule I.
– Illinois introduces the CURE Act for psilocybin use and research.
– Indiana explores the potential benefits of psychedelics in public health.
Iowa’s Legislative Path:
– Multiple bills in Iowa aim for decriminalization and regulated psilocybin use.
– HF459 (2021) was postponed, while HF636 (2021) proposes a Psilocybin Services Act.
– Recent bills (HF480, HF240) aim at decriminalization and rescheduling.
Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Michigan:
– Kansas considers reducing penalties for cultivating and possessing psychedelics.
– Kentucky explores reducing penalties and investing in ibogaine research.
– Maine sees multiple bills, including the Psilocybin Health Access Act.
– Maryland proposes decriminalization and free access to psychedelics for veterans.
– Massachusetts introduces bills for decriminalization and establishing licensing procedures.
– Michigan cities decriminalize and propose statewide initiatives for natural psychedelics.
Minnesota and Missouri:
– Minnesota establishes a Psychedelic Medicine Task Force.
– Missouri aims to reduce penalties for personal drug possession and allows psychedelic use for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New Mexico:
– Montana introduces bills to legalize psilocybin for mental health care.
– New Hampshire explores decriminalization based on religious practices.
– New Jersey reduces penalties for psilocybin possession and proposes the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act.
– New Mexico introduces bills for studying psilocybin for mental health treatment.
New York and Pennsylvania:
– New York introduces bills for psilocybin treatment centers, research, and decriminalization.
– Pennsylvania proposes the Psilocybin Data Act for research and clinical studies.
Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia:
– Rhode Island explores decriminalization and fines for psilocybin possession.
– Texas allocates funds for studying alternative therapies, including psychedelics.
– Utah proposes legalizing psilocybin therapy for specific psychiatric diagnoses.
– Vermont explores decriminalization and the establishment of a Psilocybin Advisory Group.
– Virginia introduces bills for decriminalization, psilocybin prescriptions, and advisory boards.
Washington State and West Virginia:
– Washington introduces bills for legalizing adult use of psilocybin.
– West Virginia explores rescheduling certain drugs.