RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill Monday to decriminalize psilocybin, the hallucinogen found in psychedelic mushrooms.
The bill was introduced by state Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Cranston), and state Sen. Meghan Kallman (D-Pawtucket, Providence), who said they supported decriminalizing psychedelic mushrooms because it will help veterans and other people suffering from mental health disorders.
If approved, the bill would also, contingent on FDA agreement, allow psilocybin to be used as a treatment for chronic mental health disorders.
“This is a step toward addressing mental health treatment in a modern way based on evidence and research,” Potter said. “Psilocybin can be used safely, both recreationally and therapeutically, and for our veterans and neighbors who are struggling with chronic PTSD, depression and addiction, it can be a valuable treatment tool. Adults in our state deserve the freedom to decide for themselves and have access to every treatment possible, rather than have our state criminalize a natural, non-addictive, effective remedy.”
Psychedelic mushrooms have been illegal in the United States since 1970. As President Richard Nixon’s “war on drugs” picked up steam, psilocybin became a schedule one drug — preventing researchers from exploring its therapeutic value.
Some scientists received permission from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct research in the 1990s. Since then, dozens of universities and biotechnology companies have researched the potential benefits for patients with chronic mental illness.
In 2020, voters in Oregon approved the therapeutic use and decriminalization of psilocybin by referendum. Colorado voters followed suit in 2022. Several other states, including New York, New Jersey and Vermont, are considering similar bills.
The bill would allow people to possess up to one ounce of psychedelic mushrooms or grow mushrooms containing psilocybin at home for personal use. It would also require the Rhode Island Department of Health to create rules for the use of psychedelic mushrooms.
The provisions of the bill would sunset on July 1, 2025, unless extended by the Rhode Island General Assembly.
The bill now heads to the Rhode Island Senate where state Sen. Meghan Kallman (D-Pawtucket, Providence) introduced similar legislation (2023-S 0806).
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