Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R), the governor of Iowa, has vetoed the bill which would have permitted doctors to prescribe an immediate form of psilocybin if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the substance.
Reynolds announced on Wednesday that she had vetoed a few bills. She said in a statement the legislation approved by the lawmakers “gives up the state’s authority to classify products based on the FDA officials.
The measure, HF 383, passed the Senate in April on a 47–0 vote after clearing the House 92–0 in February. If enacted, it would have reclassified the a form of psilocybin known as “crystalline polymorph psilocybin”—also known as COMP 360—in the event of FDA approval, allowing doctors and pharmacists to prescribe and dispense it in the state.
Similar measures were considered by other states this year, including Colorado—where Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed it into law—and Virginia, where it was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).
Reynolds’s veto declaration of Iowa measure read: “I acknowledge and respect the expanding body of scientific research regarding the possible therapeutic benefits of psilocybin to treat mental illnesses such as depression or PTSD.” However, Reynolds’ veto statement of the Iowa measure said, “I recognize and respect the growing body of research into potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD.”
“Psilocybin You can also check out First, The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us. FDA Approved rescheduled You can also read about how to get in touch with us. You can also find out more about the following: DEA Then, You can also find out more about the following: State The following are some examples of how to use Iowa Think about it Rescheduling,” he added. The bill’s provision for the legalization of Psilocybin in states before federal actions are reviewed and federal guidelines and safety measures prepared creates uncertainty and risks misuse.
Reynolds framed the veto action as “not a dismissal of the emerging science or the sincere advocacy behind this legislation” but instead as “a call for a more deliberate and Iowa-centric approach—one that engages state and federal partners, provides time to review any clinical studies and federal changes, and builds a framework for any future therapeutic access that is clear, safe, equitable, and medically sound.”
Along with sending HF 383, the state legislature also looked at HF 978, which was a much more comprehensive psilocybin law. That GOP-led proposal, which House lawmakers passed 84–6 in April, would have legalized psilocybin use for up to 5,000 patients through a state psychiatric treatment program. Since April, the Senate has not taken any action on this proposal.
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It is unclear whether FDA will approve either substance. It was criticized last year when it denied a request for MDMA to be used in PTSD therapy.
Some advocates and stakeholders hope the tides will change under Trump’s administration. The president nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who supports psychedelic reforms, to be the secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees FDA.
Other states weighing reform around psilocybin this session included Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Missouri.
Iowa lawmakers considered this year legislation which could have increased the number of dispensaries for medical marijuana in the state.
Republican state elected officials are opposed to legalizing adult-use of cannabis, even though advocates argue that it could generate significant revenue for the state.
DEA Judge Denies Agency Request to Block Witnesses in Hearing Contesting Proposed Psychedelics ban
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