Legislators in seven U.S. states are introducing psychedelics bills as they seek to emulate measures that have been approved in Oregon and Colorado.
From state-regulated psychedelic therapy programs to the legalization of Schedule I substances, the spectrum is broad. We can only hope that they will bring a good dose of debate to the table.
Illinois: The CURE Act
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The new Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens (CURE) Act would create a state-regulated psychedelic-assisted therapy program for adults over 18.
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Therapy would be provided by a trained facilitator at a licensed service center.
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It would remove criminal penalties for psilocybin possession, though it does not allow recreational sales.
See also: Is Illinois Next Up To Decriminalize Psychedelics? Lawmaker Introduces New Bill
Specialized cannabis and psychedelics lawyer Joshua Kappel told Benzinga that the fact that the bill came from the legislature itself and thus holds more details on several matters than bills proposed through the initiative process could bring about a slower process since different interest groups get involved.
He says the way the act defines “compassionate use” of natural entheogens does not necessarily mean it is a non-medical model as both ways can often overlap: “The key piece here is that no diagnosis is required – which is necessary when people are using psychedelics for wellness, as in the case of the responsible adult who microdoses to break their reliance on alcohol or in the case of a veteran seeking psychedelic-assisted therapy outside the confines of federal law.”
Virginia: Psilocybin Services And Drug Rescheduling
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The state has two psychedelic reform pieces.
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HB 1513 would legalize psilocybin possession for holders of a health professional prescription for the treatment of three conditions (refractory depression, …