Washington State lawmakers have approved a bill to legalize and regulate therapeutic use of the psychedelic psilocybin.
During a hearing on Tuesday, members of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee advanced SB 5921 from Sen. Jesse Salomon (D) in a voice vote. It next heads to the Ways & Means Committee.
The legislation would provide for regulated access to psilocybin in a medically supervised environment for patients with qualifying conditions.
The state Department of Health (DOH) would be responsible for developing the psychedelics therapy program and establishing rules for the production and administration of psilocybin.
Qualifying patients for psilocybin therapy would include those 18 or older “whose clinician has determined by their professional judgment that the person has a qualifying condition and is an appropriate candidate for medical psilocybin treatment under the program.”
“The determination of a qualifying condition rests solely with the prescribing clinician, who assumes all associated professional liability, consistent with state law governing medical conduct, malpractice, and negligence,” a Senate analysis states.
“A variety of studies have indicated that psilocybin may have applications relieving a range of behavioral health conditions ranging from substance use disorder, nicotine dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression,” it says.
The proposed Medical Use of Psilocybin Program would take effect starting on July 1, 2028 under the bill.
DOH would be responsible for licensing producers who would “manufacture, process, and package psilocybin products for distribution to approved clinicians,” as well as licenses for clinician participation.
“A producer, clinical, or qualified patient participating in the program and following all rules, regulations, and procedures established by DOH is not subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty,” the summary of SB5921 says. “The program does not preclude a local government from enacting an ordinance to decriminalize acts related to psychedelic substances or from deprioritizing the enforcement of criminal laws relating to psychedelic substances.”
There are also specific provisions stipulating that nothing about the proposed law would prohibit or limit religious rights to utilize psychedelics that as prescribed under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
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Meanwhile, Washington State lawmakers are also considering legislation to legalize the home cultivation of marijuana for personal use by adults.
Under a separate bill introduced last week, short-term rentals like Airbnbs in Washington State would be able to offer guests complimentary marijuana prerolls.
Lawmakers in the state also recently approved a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.
Photo courtesy of Dick Culbert.
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