It looks like the mushroom season in Iowa has finally arrived.
By Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch
Iowa House approved legislation on Monday that will allow the state to use psilocybin (the psychoactive substance found in “magic mushrooms”) for the treatment of mental illness through a psychiatric program.
House File 978, passed 84–6, would establish a Psilocybin Production Establishment Licensing Board within the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), operating in a similar fashion to the existing Medical Cannabidiol Advisory Board that oversees Iowa’s medical cannabis program. The board will grant licenses to produce and administer products containing psilocybin for people in Iowa with specific mental health issues.
It also includes new rules for accessing the substance. For example, it limits who can use psilocybin to 5,000 people and restricts those who are older than 21.
Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, the floor manager of the bill said that “it’s not something I am into.” He said that after learning about the efficacy of psilocybin for treating post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), he believes the program will benefit people in Iowa suffering from PTSD, such as military veterans, police officers, and other groups.
The bill, he said, requires that people receive psilocybin under psychiatric supervision in a controlled environment. He said that in this setting, people can “relive their trauma” and reduce the effects of PTSD. Wills believes that this treatment could reduce the suicide rate of veterans, as well as other people suffering from PTSD.
Wills told reporters that “right now, there is no option for these vets, or these people who have PTSD, but to remain on these mind-altering and life-altering drugs throughout their lifetime.”
While several states have decriminalized the use of psilocybin, Oregon and Colorado are currently the only states with medical psilocybin programs.
Rep. Larry McBurney, D-Urbandale, said that he supports the bill to assist veterans in obtaining mental health care after they return from service. McBurney, a veteran of the Iowa Air National Guard who had been deployed 3 times, said he has PTSD.
McBurney: “I didn’t have a clue where to go, like many veterans throughout California and the United States.” I didn’t have any idea what my options were, so it took me a long time to figure out what was best for me. I would like to make sure that veterans from all over the state can take advantage of this opportunity.
The House approved an amendment Monday that allows the Board to expand the list of illnesses for which psilocybin can be prescribed. It also permits the addition of more psilocybin-based compounds as they become available.
Wills explained that the amendment had been added to the act so the Board could make the psychiatric therapy available when it can be proven effective. Wills noted that “promising early studies” showed psilocybin could be an effective treatment to help people recover from addictions related alcohol or opiates.
Wills explained that by removing PTSD from the equation we are allowing this board to take decisions. “The first thing we do is remove PTSD from the equation because peer-reviewed study or peer reviewed data has proven that it works. As these other illnesses, these other things [are studied] If you can prove it, the board will add your proof.”
Rep. Jeff Shipley of Birmingham (R) advocated in previous sessions for similar measures relating to the legal usage of psilocybin.
“[It] He joked that “it looks like it’s mushroom season in Iowa,” as the House approved the bill. Our love and prayer are for everyone who is chasing the morel mushroom, but more importantly, we are praying and loving those with intractable mental conditions.
He praised this measure for opening up a method of mental health care that in Iowa has demonstrated “tremendous promises” when it comes to the management of psychiatric illnesses like PTSD.
“The state of Iowa has a lot of responsibility in ensuring Iowans not only have access to mental health treatments, but they have access to treatments that are actually effective—treatments that will actually alleviate the symptoms that patients are suffering from,” Shipley said. House File 978 will help the state of Iowa fulfill its obligations.
This measure will be considered by the Iowa Senate.
Iowa Capital Dispatch was the first to publish this story.
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Image courtesy Wikimedia/Mushroom observer.