A measure that would have enabled physicians to administer psilocybin, sometimes known as psychedelic mushrooms, for the diagnosis and treatment of a select group of mental health issues was blocked by the Republican majority.
This happened in the House of Delegates in the state of Virginia.
Details of the Legislation
According to a report by TV station WRIC, a Republican-led House Courts of Justice select committee moved on Wednesday to oppose the proposal by a score of 5-2. They did it in a fashion that does not preclude the possibility of reconsidering it at a later time.
Virginia GOP Lawmakers Block Bill Legalizing ‘Magic Mushrooms’ For Medical Use—Here’s Why Some States And Cities Support Them https://t.co/FPH7L3LJag pic.twitter.com/MXv0O0Z9Re
— Forbes (@Forbes) January 19, 2023
Del. Dawn Adams, a nurse professional who made an ultimately unsuccessful effort to legalize and regulate psilocybin last year, is the person responsible for introducing this legislation.
The proposed legislation would have authorized medical professionals to prescribe the hallucinogen for ailments, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety associated with the terminal stages of life.
Adams said to the television station that a growing amount of evidence backs the utilization of psilocybin in situations like these.
Adams explained that the legislation would operate in the same manner since a law passed in 2015 that could garner support of Republicans and pave the way for the usage of CBD.
The medical use of “magic mushrooms” is up for debate in the Virginia General Assembly, but the bill is unlikely to pass after a key panel of lawmakers rejected it on Wednesday @8NEWS https://t.co/WuOD7fsZB1
— Jackie DeFusco (@Jackie8News) January 18, 2023
Adams stated they had no intention of attempting to make it lawful. They were only attempting to make it permissible for those individuals who were previously prohibited from doing so.
According to the outlet, throughout the time allotted for public comment, no one voiced opposition to the law; nevertheless, some Republicans stated they were not prepared to support it.
Too Complicated
According to Del. Rob Bell, who served as chairman of the full House Courts of Justice Committee, the issue is far too complicated to be addressed during the brief legislative session that was held this year.
A measure that has not yet been given a hearing in the Senate would constitute an advisory group. It would come with the mission of formulating a strategy for the introduction of therapeutic accessibility to psilocybin services and keeping an eye on federal statutes and regulations.
Other states have also lately moved through legislation that will make it possible to consume psilocybin legally.
Psilocybin mushrooms were first approved for medical usage in Oregon in November 2020, making that state the first in the nation to do so. In 2016, voters in Colorado approved a voter initiative to legalize and regulate psychedelic mushrooms for people aged 21 and older.
The initiative also calls for the establishment of “healing centers” that are regulated by the state, where persons can experience the drug while being monitored.
Do you agree with the decision of the Virginia House committee? Kindly share your thoughts about the mushrooms and the ruling.
