Legislation that would establish the “Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group” has been passed through Vermont’s full House of Representatives.
Dried psilocybin mushrooms.
Senate Bill 114 was given approval today by the state’s House in a unanimous voice vote. The measure has already been passed through the Senate, but will need to go back for another vote before it can be sent to Governor Phil Scott for consideration, given it was amended in the Senate.
The proposed law would establish the Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group “to examine the use of psychedelics to improve physical and mental health and to make findings and recommendations regarding the advisability of the establishment of a State program similar to other jurisdictions to permit health care providers to administer psychedelics in a therapeutic setting and the impact on public health of allowing individuals to legally access psychedelics under State law.”
The measure states that the Working Group shall be composed of the following members:
- a representative of the Larner College of Medicine at the University
of Vermont, appointed by the Dean; - a representative of the Brattleboro Retreat, appointed by the
President and Chief Executive Officer; - a member of the Vermont Psychological Association, appointed by
the President; - a member of the Vermont Psychiatric Association, appointed by the
President; - the Executive Director of the Vermont Board of Medical Practice or
designee; - the Director of the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation or
designee; - the Vermont Commissioner of Health or designee; and
- a co-founder of the Psychedelic Society of Vermont.
The proposal states that the Working Group shall:
- (A) review the latest research and evidence of the public health
benefits and risks of clinical psychedelic assisted treatments and of
criminalization of psychedelics under State law; - (B) examine the laws and programs of other states that have
authorized the use of psychedelics by health care providers in a therapeutic
setting and necessary components and resources if Vermont were to pursue
such a program; - (C) provide an opportunity for individuals with lived experience to
provide testimony in both a public setting and through confidential means, due
to stigma and current criminalization of the use of psychedelics; and - (D) provide potential timelines for universal and equitable access to
psychedelic assisted treatments.
If the Senate doesn’t concur with the House’s changes to the bill, a conference committee will be established.
For the full text of Senate Bill 114, click here.
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