A Minnesota Psychedelic Medicine Task Force is urging legislators to create a state-regulated program for legal therapeutic access to psychedelics and decriminalize the possession and use of low amounts of psilocybin. This government task force was established through a legislation signed by Governor Tim Walz into law in May 2024.
Originally, the task force was supposed to examine ketamine, mescaline, salvinorin A, ibogaine, DMT, bufotenine, 2C-B, and 5-MeO-DMT. Following the measure’s amendment, its focus shifted to LSD, psilocybin and MDMA.
Its responsibilities included advising legislators on the medical, policy, and legal issues linked to the legalization of psychedelic medicine in Minnesota. The task force is made up of 24 individuals including agency representatives and legislators as well as other individuals with experience in psychedelic medicine, substance use disorders, mental health, health policy, and veterans’ health who were appointed by the governor.
The panel was required to submit a final report with their recommendations and findings by January 1st.
In its report, the task force also encouraged legislators to allocate more state funds toward clinical research on psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA. In addition to the official recommendations made by the panel, other ideas considered included decriminalization of personal use and possession of LSD and MDMA; commercial legalization of hallucinogenic mushrooms for adults; and a plan to decriminalize psilocybin that would also eliminate penalties around non-commercial sharing and cultivation.
The panel explained that while there were concerns that eliminating criminal and civil penalties would result in adverse events that’d negatively influence public safety and higher abuse rates, evidence from other jurisdictions that had implemented these policies had demonstrated that this was not the case.
They add that the removal of penalties would offer further protection for Minnesotans who wanted to take part in clinical psychedelic programs. Currently, only Colorado and Oregon have legalized psychedelic therapy programs in the U.S.
This report comes about a week before the state’s legislative session begins on January 14th.
Rep. Andy Smith, whose legislation established the task force, revealed in a recent interview that his intention and hope was to work to approve a bill that included the report’s formal recommendations. Other legislators who were part of the task force included Rep. Nolan West and Senators Mark Koran, Julia Coleman, Scott Dibble and Kelly Morrison.
Smith added that the task force would continue serving as a resource for legislators who were considering related measures before it disbands later this year.
The faltering pace at which psychedelic policy reform is happening at the state level suggests that the approach that is being taken by firms like Compass Pathways PLC (NASDAQ: CMPS) to develop FDA-approved medicines from these substances could be the most viable way forward if psychedelic treatments are to become widely available.
About PsychedelicNewsWire
PsychedelicNewsWire (“PNW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on all aspects of psychedelics and the latest developments and advances in the psychedelics sector. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, PNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, PNW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. PNW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from PsychedelicNewsWire, text “Groovy” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
PsychedelicNewsWire
San Francisco, CA
www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@PsychedelicNewsWire.com
PsychedelicNewsWire is powered by IBN