A key committee in the North Carolina House of Representatives has voted to approve legislation that would spend millions to research psilocybin and MDMA.
The House Health Committee voted today to pass House Bill 727, filed by Representative Edward Goodwin. The proposal would establish a $5 million grant program designed specifically to research the medical and therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, and MDMA (sometimes referred to as ecstasy).
The program would be overseen by a newly-created Breakthrough Therapies Research Advisory Board. Starting in August of 2024 the Department of Health and Human Services would be required to accept grand applications from research entities and academic institutions that demonstrate a capability of conducting clinical trials on those 21+.
“This bill is not decriminalization, and it is not for recreational purposes”, says Representative Goodwin. “It is simply a research study to get information that we will need when these drugs are available for proper implementation.”
The measure mandates that all MDMA studies involve military veterans, first responders and health professionals with PTSD, as well as those who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. All research on psilocybin must focus on treating those with depression or anxiety disorders.
House Bill 727 has now been referred to the House Appropriations Committee. Passage in that committee would allow it to receive a vote by the full House.
