Magic Mushrooms legalizations efforts are happing across the United States, and at the Federal Level.
The only thing that Democrats and Republicans seem to agree on these days is the medicinal properties of magic mushrooms. Both sides argue that psilocybin therapy has shown promise in helping patients with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
In January, lawmakers sent a bipartisan letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration urging the agency to allow patients with terminal illnesses access to psilocybin therapy. The letter, led by Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), was also signed by Republicans Tom Garrett (VA) and Matt Gaetz (FL).
Congressional lawmakers, military veterans and state legislators also sent letters to the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in February, urging him establish an “interagency taskforce on the proper use and deployment of psychedelic medicine and therapy.”
Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, a top HHS official, responded in May confirming that the FDA is in fact
“Thank you for your letter to Secretary Becerra in which you recommend the establishment of an interagency Federal Task Force to develop and lead a public-private partnership that can address the myriad of complex issues associated with the anticipated approval by the FDA of MDMA for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and psilocybin for the treatment of depression within approximately 24 months.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was asked to respond on the Secretary’s behalf. SAMHSA agrees that too many Americans are suffering from mental health and substance use issues, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that we must explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies to address this crisis. SAMHSA also agrees that the use of psychedelic medicines will require a broad-spectrum interdisciplinary stakeholder approach to effectively tackle the complexity of issues that stakeholders anticipate will arise with their introduction.”
The task force would be responsible for researching and advising on the safe and effective use of psychedelics, as well as developing policies around their legalization.
More recently, on July 26th, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced legislation which, if passed, would remove the obstacles specified by the Controlled Substances Act as pertains to Schedule I drugs when they are used by doctors and patients pursuant to the provisions of the federal Right to Try law.
Companion legislation is also expected be introduced by Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Nancy Mace (R-SC).
“This legislation gives patients the power to choose alternative options like psilocybin or MDMA when facing a life-threatening condition. We know these chemicals have the potential to save lives, and today is an important step forward in medical progress.” – Rep. Mace
In conclusion, it’s clear that magic mushrooms are the only thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on. They are able to set their differences aside and come together to support this powerful medicine. This also goes to show that mushrooms have the potential to bring people together and change the world for the better.
