California May Join States Legalizing Psychedelics
Sep 27, 2023
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The California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering legalizing small amounts of psychedelic drugs. Cato's Jeff Singer discusses the exclusion of physicians, the slow federal response, and Oregon's cautious approach. They explore the risks, controversy, and potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including ongoing research and promising clinical trials. They also discuss the positive impact of psychedelics on patients and the barriers they face in FDA approval and pharmaceutical industry support.
California is considering decriminalizing small amounts of psychedelic drugs, potentially opening up new treatment options for mental health disorders.
The pharmaceutical industry may have concerns about the use of psychedelics as an alternative to ongoing medication due to the inability to patent many psychedelics.
Deep dives
California's potential legalization of psychedelic drugs
California is considering decriminalizing the possession of certain small amounts of psychedelic drugs. The state legislature passed a bill that would decriminalize psilocybin and psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT. However, they have not addressed the issue of allowing psychedelic-assisted therapy or licensing facilitators. The governor has yet to decide whether to sign the bill.
The potential of psychedelics for mental health treatments
Research suggests that psychedelics hold promise in treating mental health disorders. A recent phase two clinical trial found that a single dose of synthetic psilocybin led to significant improvements in major depressive disorder symptoms. This raises the possibility of using psychedelics as an alternative to multiple medications for depression. However, the pharmaceutical industry may have concerns about a drug that reduces the need for ongoing medication. Additionally, many psychedelics cannot be patented, which could deter pharmaceutical companies from investing in their production.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is mulling legislation that would legalize possession of small amounts of multiple psychedelic drugs. Cato's Jeff Singer discusses the implications for medical practitioners.