Psychedelics are quickly on the rise in the wake of the nationwide cannabis boom. The stigma against psychedelics comes from a very tumultuous period of experimentation in the early and mid-1900s. However, as research progressed, several medical experts began to view psychedelics as a way to cure or combat certain ailments such as depression, addiction, and anxiety. Although this sounds like a “trippy hippie” practice, it is not. Medical experts are starting to take psychedelics more seriously, and politicians are following suit.
On June 18, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) of Texas allowed bill H.B. 1802, authorizing the study of psilocybin, to pass without his signature. Gov. Abbot also signed other legislation to expand Texas’ medical marijuana program this year as well.
The new psychedelics law will allow Texas’ researchers to study the medical benefits and dangers of psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine. The studies will pertain to use by military veterans in a partnership with the Baylor College of Medicine and a separate medical center that focuses on military studies.
The law also requires that a clinical trial focusing on psilocybin for military veterans with PTSD must be completed.
“Psychedelic medicine has the potential to completely change society’s approach to mental health treatment, and research is the first step to realizing that transformation,” stated Rep. Alex Dominguez (D), who sponsored the bill. “It’s said that ‘as goes Texas, so goes the nation. While states across the country consider how best to address the mental health crisis facing our nation, I hope they once again look to Texas for leadership.”
Texas is following a trend nationwide. Earlier in June, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) of Connecticut signed legislation that mandates the state to complete a study into the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Last year, Oregon passed a historic bill that legalized psilocybin mushrooms and decriminalized the possession of all drugs.
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