Rhode Island lawmakers have again introduced a bill that will exempt psilocybin (the main psychoactive compound in psychedelic mushroom) from the state’s controlled substance laws, legalizing home cultivation and possession for personal use. Sharing psilocybin—the main psychoactive compound in psychedelic mushrooms—would also be permitted under the bill.
H.5186 allows the possession of “any mixture or compound containing less that one ounce” The possession of less than 1 ounce (1oz) of psilocybin is allowed as long as the substance was “securely grown” in a residence, or shared by one individual with another.
This change will only last until July 1, 2020, after which it will expire. The state attorney general will have to inform the leaders of both the House of Representatives and Senate of “the number of violation issued” for possession, cultivation or distribution of Psilocybin, and the Director of the State Department of Health must report the status of federal scheduling of this substance.
The bill introduced by Rep. Brandon Potter and his nine cosponsors also stipulates that in the event the federal government redeclared psilocybin as a controlled substance, the Department of Health of California “shall develop rules and regulations for the cultivation and distribution of the drugs, along with their medical prescription,” including making them available to residents of the state.
This measure is specifically referring to rescheduling done by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drug schedules are typically the responsibility of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
FDA already approved psilocybin as a breakthrough therapy for treating certain types of depression.
The H.5186 bill would go into effect July 1, this year if it is approved.
This is not the first instance that lawmakers have looked at such a plan. The measure is a revised version of last year’s H.7047, also from Potter, as well as a similar bill in 2023 that passed the House on a 56–11 vote, but did not move forward in the Senate before the end of the session.
—
MEDCAN24 tracks hundreds of marijuana, psychedelics, and drug policy legislation in state legislatures this year. Patreon members who pledge at least $25/month gain access to interactive maps, charts and a hearing calendar.
Discover more about the marijuana bills tracker. Become a patron on Patreon and you will have access.
—
In Rhode Island the Cannabis Control Commission published nearly 200 pages of proposed regulations in preparation for the state’s burgeoning adult-use marijuana industry.
In terms of other developments on drug policy in the state late last year, the organizers unveiled the United States’ first official state-endorsed safe consumption location for illegal drugs. The facility—located in Providence—stems from a 2021 bill creating a pilot program for overdose prevention centers (OPCs) in the state.
Overdose prevention centers are controversial but academics and advocates of harm reduction have applauded them as a way to reduce the number of drug-related fatalities and help people connect with services such as treatment for substance use disorders.
The mayor of Providence, Brett Smiley (D), said during the ribbon-cutting event that “people with substance abuse disorders are going to use.” What’s unique here is the fact that people with substance abuse disorders will use, said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley (D) at the facility’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Brown University’s researchers are closely following developments.
Brandon D.L., professor of epidemiology at Brown University said: “The aim is to determine how OPCs function in the United States.” Marshall said in a university post about the project. If they’re working, why are people so grateful for them? How do they help people get connected to treatment for addiction and care? What are the best ways to integrate them into a community hard-hit by America’s drug overdose epidemic? These are some things that we would like to explore.”
Marijuana companies tell Senate GOP Committee of their difficulties in obtaining financial services before hearing on debanking
MEDCAN24 would not be possible without the support of readers. Consider a Patreon subscription if our marijuana advocacy journalism is what you use to keep informed.
