The growing research on the treatment of treatment-resistant forms of mental illness with psychedelics such as psilocybin is encouraging.
HorizonMass, Jack Gorsline
Massachusetts policy-makers who support psychedelics recently celebrated a milestone during a Beacon Hill legislative hearing held on 15 July. The event featured four of the twelve psychedelics bills that were filed in this past year. The hearing was highlighted by a historic, first-ever endorsement of psychedelic decriminalization-specific legislation anywhere by a professional psychiatric society: The Massachusetts Psychiatric Society (MPS).
Among the bills addressed at the hearing of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary was H.1726, sponsored by state Rep. Homar Gómez (D), which seeks to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin.
A second proposal from State Rep. Mike Connolly, (D) proposes the creation of a task force on psychedelics to examine equity in access.
Marc Lombardo, state representative (R), introduced H.1858 to lower legal penalties associated with psilocybin. The bill imposes a fine of $100 for amounts under 1 gram. This effectively criminalizes small quantities.
S. 1113, sponsored by Senator Cindy Friedman of the state, directs DPH to develop a medically monitored psilocybin trial program, specifically prohibiting ownership by cannabis industry organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and psychedelic-molecule development companies.
Massachusetts Psychiatric Society is in support of psychedelics legislation
A notable event was the endorsement of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society. The organization represents about 1,400 psychiatrists throughout the state.
The MPS’ Dr. Jhilam Biswas said, “I came here to show the support of our society for bills H.1624 and H.1726 that would allow complaints against individuals for simple possessions of psilocybin dismissed if they meet certain safety criteria. These include being at least 21 years old, not driving, and not endangering any children.
Dr. Biswas explained that society support did not mean a “blanket approval of recreational use of psychedelics,” as it was opposed to Ballot Question 4 last November, which was deemed “too broad and lacking in safeguards” by members. She said: “Although we are aware of promising research in psychedelic medicine in the fields psychiatry & medicine, broad and early access to many substances without caution can be dangerous. It also impacts research.”
Dr. Biswas, on the other hand, described current bills as “a more balanced and responsible approach.” They apply “narrowly” to situations involving adults older than 21 years of age who do not drive and are not endangering any children and whose actions have not caused harm to anyone else. She said, “It allows courts to exercise more discretion while maintaining important protections for public safety and avoiding unnecessary criminal sanctions.”
The MPS acknowledged that there is a lot of research being done on psychedelics as a treatment for mental illnesses.
Dr. Biswas stated, “We are also encouraged by the increasing body of research that explores the use of psychedelics including psilocybin to treat treatment-resistant mental illnesses.” These studies are being led by institutions like the EMC Hospitals and Research Centers in Massachusetts. The early results of these studies have been promising. In her conclusion, she urged legislators to see these bills as “public health opportunities, not just criminal justice reform.”
Mass Healing claims that this is the first branch of American Psychiatric Association to endorse psychedelics law of any sort.
The MPS has recently endorsed a bill that was opposed at the previous hearing on psychedelics last month. Nassir Nassir, the outgoing president of MPS, opposed H.2506, a bill that would have decriminalized possession of up 50 grams dried psilocybin mushroom. He stated he spoke “on behalf of himself and of society”.
Beacon Hill witnesses plant medicine proponents
Graham Moore, former Yes on 4 Campaign Staffer also spoke for the bills. Moore acknowledged that the previous measures “went too much for the people in Massachusetts at the moment.” Advocates praised current bills as being “much better tailored,” and stressed that the people of Massachusetts do not wish to have their lives wrecked over possession.
Moore also refuted any claims about increased health issues in regions that decriminalized the use of psilocybin. She cited Cambridge, Massachusetts, Colorado and even The Netherlands where legalizing psilocybin did not lead to widespread abuse because it was non-addictive.
Timothy Morris is a Billerica resident who, along with fellow advocate and Mass resident Henry Morgan, submitted H.1726 to state Rep. Gómez. At the hearing he expressed appreciation for the entire process. “I’m grateful that we were able to start the ball rolling right after question 4 as well as Dr. Biswas’s testimony in support.”
Morris added, “The fact that Institutions—such as the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society—are beginning to support the decriminalization movement, marks the start of a powerful paradigm shift for related public policy.”
The Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalists’ MassWire service syndicates this article. Donate to givetobinj.org if you’d like to see this type of reporting.