Nevada lawmakers introduce Psilocybin, MDMA Research Bill

Two Democratic Nevada senators introduced legislation last week that would allow research into psilocybin, or psychedelic mushrooms, as well as MDMA, taking inspiration from states like Oregon and Colorado that have legalized such substances.

According to the official legislative summary of the measure, the proposal would “establish procedures for a research organization to obtain approval from the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct certain studies involving certain controlled substances; Decriminalize certain conduct by persons 18 years and older related to psilocybin and MDMA when conducted in connection with and as part of an approved study; Decriminalizing certain behaviors by persons 18 years of age or older involving 4 ounces or less of mushrooms that produce psilocybin or psilocin; and provision of other related matters.”

In simpler English, according to the Las Vegas Sun, it would “decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and MDMA to study their effects on a range of behavioral disorders” and “allow the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services to accept requests from research institutions to use the drugs to treat conditions such as post-traumatic disorders.” stress disorders, depression, anxiety and addictions.”

The bill was introduced by Democratic Senators Rochelle Nguyen and Fabian Donate, both representing Las Vegas.

The bill also has two co-sponsors in the state House of Representatives: Max Carter and Elaine Marzola, also both Democrats.

Las Vegas Weekly reported last fall that Nguyen “has tabled a proposal for the 2023 Legislative Session for legislation to ‘revise controlled substances regulations’ and address issues of decriminalization, regulation and research into psychedelics,” she said at the time ” that it could potentially help with the growing mental health crisis.”

Psychedelics like mushrooms and MDMA have emerged as a new focus for drug reform advocates, with scientists and medical professionals increasingly drawn to their potential therapeutic benefits.

Las Vegas Weekly reported that Nguyen particularly highlighted the example of Oregon legalizing psilocybin in 2020.

Late last year, the Oregon Board of Health finalized the rules for the new psilocybin law, with particular emphasis on access, affordability, and public safety.

“The final rules on the length of administrative sessions have been revised to create a new tier for subperceptual doses. These doses are defined as products containing less than 2.5 mg of the psilocybin analyte. After a client’s first session, the minimum duration for a subperceptive dose of 2.5 mg of psilocybin analyte or less is 30 minutes,” the Oregon Health Department said at the time.

Last year, Colorado voters approved a measure to legalize psilocybin.

This could have triggered a trend in the Bergwest region. In addition to last week’s proposal in Nevada, activists in Utah have also pushed to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

Utah Senate Democrat Luz Escamilla introduced a bill last month that would allow people ages 21 and older with qualifying medical conditions, such as depression or anxiety, to access psilocybin-assisted treatment directly from a psilocybin therapy provider.

“Cannabis has given us a really good opportunity to understand that we can use other natural things… to help us. Now we have to be careful and I think we have really good security,” said Escamilla.

“This is not a free-for-all,” Escamilla added. “This isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for someone who is desperate (for help) with their anxiety, depression and PTSD – which sadly drives many to suicide, I want them to be able to safely access that.” we can regulate.”