Utah Representative Submits Bill To Create Task Force for Psychedelics

Rep. Brady Brammer, a Republican lawmaker from the Utah House of Representatives, proposed a bill that will create a task force to research the beneficial potential of psychedelic drugs, as reported by Marijuana Moment.

“Utah has some of the finest researchers in the areas of psychiatry and neurosciences at Huntsman Mental Health Institute,” Brammer said in a statement to KSL News. “This bill seeks to leverage that expertise, along with other experts grappling with mental illness, to review the research results, and if appropriate, make recommendations on how to safely administer these therapeutics under the care of qualified physicians.”

House Bill 167 was introduced yesterday and will create a Mental Illness Psychotherapy Drug Task Force. 

Although the bill does not mention psychedelics by name, it does define psychotherapy drug as a controlled substance that is currently not available for legal consumption and may be able to manage, treat, or alleviate symptoms from mental illness.

Brammer’s bill will also establish the requirements for who will make up the task force which will include the following people

• Licensed psychiatrist
• Licensed psychologist 
• Utah Medical Association representative
• Licensed attorney with knowledge of the law regarding controlled substances
• A civil liberties group representative
• A representative from either a Utah hospital or major healthcare system
• A patient nominated by a patient advocacy group and with knowledge about psychotherapy drug consumption 
• Trauma-focused therapist
• Mental health association representative
• A psychiatric or medical ethicist who is knowledgeable on ethical and legal issues regarding psychotherapy drugs
• A clinician with board certification in addiction medicine 

The group of individuals who make up the task force will also include an executive director and the chief executive officer of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah. 

The House Rules Committee will have a first reading later this year.

Utah is one of many states experiencing psychedelics reform in their legislation. 

In Virginia, legislators introduced two new proposals to decriminalize possession of psychedelics. 

Washington state Democratic Senators introduced a bill to legalize psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, for adults 21 and older. 

If the bill becomes a reality, Utah residents struggling with mental illnesses may soon be able to rely on psychedelic medicine stored in prescription bags.