New York legislators have come up with several bills which are seeking to decriminalize use of psychedelic substances across the state. The bills were introduced late last week. Psychedelics is currently considered a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, however, emerging studies have been pointing towards the many potential medical uses of psychedelics.
Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, is sponsoring two bills in which one is seeking to create a psychedelic research institute and a program for researching therapeutic use of psychedelic substances as a treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and addiction.
“With the opportunity to positively affect the lives of millions suffering with mental health and addiction issues, this bill will decriminalize psilocybin and allow further research into the study of the drug and its beneficial uses for treatment,” said Rosenthal.
The second bill sponsored by Rosenthal is seeking to change the legal status of psychedelic drugs like MDMA, DMT and psilocybin in New York. Similarly, Assembly member, Pat Burke, is sponsoring another bill which is seeking to legalize the medical use of psilocybin.
If the bill sails through, medical practitioners will be able to get training to administer psilocybin therapy as a treatment option.
“The FDA recognizes psilocybin therapy as substantially better than present treatment options. Establishing a widespread route to provide New Yorkers with this medical treatment would be a monumental step forward in providing mental health care to improve lives,” said Burke.
