Should Utah legalize ‘magic mushrooms’? Bill would create psychedelic task force

Stock image | Photo by Yarygin/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah lawmaker wants the state to consider legalizing psychedelic drugs — sometimes referred to as “magic mushrooms” — for those with certain mental health issues.

Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 20, 2020 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

“We need effective tools to treat mental illness. If psychedelics can be helpful and safely administered, we need them in our toolbox,” bill sponsor Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, said in a statement to KSL.com.

Brammer noted that Johns Hopkins University in 2000 received federal regulatory approval to begin researching psychedelics. Since 2006, the organization has published numerous articles on its research that show the potential effectiveness of psychedelics in treating PTSD, severe depression, addiction, and distress caused by life-threatening diseases, Brammer said in the statement.

“Utah has some of the finest researchers in the areas of psychiatry and neurosciences at Huntsman Mental Health Institute,” he added. “This bill seeks to leverage that expertise, along with other experts grappling with mental illness, to review the research results, and if appropriate, make recommendations on how to safely administer these therapeutics under the care of qualified physicians.”

Read the full story here:  KSL News.

Written by ASHLEY IMLAY, KSL.com.


Check out all of St. George News’ coverage of the 2022 Utah Legislature here.

For a complete list of contacts for Southern Utah representatives and senators, click here.

Copyright KSL.com.

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