The Missouri House granted preliminary support to legislation Wednesday that might lead to the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms in the future.
The plan, which requires a second vote in the chamber before being sent to the Senate, would initiate research into the medicinal potential of certain psychedelic chemicals, including those found in so-called “magic mushrooms.”
Magic Mushrooms For Depression, PTSD
The House overwhelmingly adopted the bill sponsored by Rep. Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg. The bill still needs to be passed by the House before it can be sent to the Senate.
The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the House Veterans Committee in early March, despite the fact that several of the members felt it was outside of their “comfort zones.” Griffith urged people to look into the “extensive” studies coming out of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness studies on Wednesday.
This measure authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to give grants totaling $2 million for the research, subject to appropriation by lawmakers. The state would work with a Missouri university hospital or medical center run by the US on the project.
Missouri’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The treatment is geared for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use problems, or those in need of end-of-life care.
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Mental Health Cases in Missouri
The federal government is investigating when and how psychoactive substances can aid in the treatment of mental health and substance use issues. In June, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s chief wrote to U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean predicting that the FDA would approve psilocybin for depression treatment within the next two years.
Every year, more than 1,000 people commit suicide in Missouri, putting the state roughly 25% higher than the national average.
Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-O’Fallon, who introduced a similar bill, said the state’s high suicide rate — particularly among veterans — makes it a matter of life and death. He previously told the Independent that waiting for two years or more for FDA approval is a long time.