Federal legislation that would protect state laws legalizing psilocybin is gaining renewed interest as Massachusetts may soon become the third state to do so.
Dried psilocybin.
House Resolution 5592, officially titled the “Validating Independence for State Initiatives on Organic Natural Substances (VISIONS) Act,” was introduced last September by Congressmembers Robert Julio Garcia (D-CA), with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) as a co-sponsor. The bill aims to protect state laws on psychedelics by amending the federal Controlled Substances Act, allowing for the use of certain psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, under state regulations without federal interference.
“Current federal law lags behind the growing body of evidence that suggests that the psychedelic treatment that psilocybin offers can provide relief for those suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders”, says Congressmember Garcia. “Here in the U.S. we have countless military and law enforcement veterans who have seen their lives improve thanks to these groundbreaking treatments. The potential benefits of psilocybin have been overlooked for years and my aim is to protect the areas and states that want to delve into the real progress this treatment can offer for people in their communities.”
Though introduced nearly a year ago, proponents of the measure are continuing to attempt to garner support for the measure, including seeking additional cosponsors. The measure has garnered renewed interest given voters in Massachusetts will have the opportunity this November to make their state the third to legalize psychedelics such as psilocybin.
“For too long, the federal government has perpetuated a broken system that has denied patients access to the therapeutic potential of psilocybin,” says Congressmember Blumenauer. “It is time for the federal government to get out of the way of states like Oregon who are making progress.”
If passed, the VISIONS Act would represent a significant shift in federal policy, aligning with the increasing number of states that have decriminalized or legalized psychedelics, or are considering doing so. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
