Washington State Senators Approve Bill To Legalize Psilocybin Therapy For Adults

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.


*— Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug
policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon
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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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Therapy For Adults appeared first on Marijuana Moment.