A bill to legalize psilocybin therapy centers where the substance can be legally consumed has been passed by a second Senate committee, and is expected to soon be considered by the full Senate.
Dried psilocybin mushrooms.
Senate Bill 1570 has been given approval by the Senate Rules Committee in a 5 to 2 vote. Passage through the committee comes six days after it was passed unanimously by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
The proposed law would legalize psilocybin therapy centers where individuals can come and legally consume psilocybin in a medical, supervised setting, with trained staff constantly available. Licensing for these centers would be handled by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
The measure would establish a Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board, tasked with overseeing training criteria for those working at service centers. The board would also recommend to lawmakers any potential law changes.
The board would be required to submit an annual report on “medical, psychological and scientific” studies related to psilocybin, starting on July 31 of next year. The board would also be tasked with developing a long-term plan for ensuring psilocybin access remains “safe, accessible and affordable”.
If the proposal is passed by the full Senate, it will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Given it’s already been placed on the Senate’s consent calendar for a third and final reading, passage through the chamber appears likely.
