All The Psychedelic Legislation Changes Coming in 2022

Quick 2022 may seem so far, but there are a lot of exciting things coming up to look forward to. In this, the beginning portion of the year, we are perfectly poised to both look back on what was achieved the previous year, as well as everything that is set to be accomplished in the coming months. And, excitingly, when it comes to psychedelic legislation, it is looking like a lot. 

Most of these cases on the horizon are based in the US. Here campaigns usually take place at a state level. This means change can happen locally without the task of petitioning the whole country. State level, so far, is still not easy! But many are turning towards the bright psychedelic future — creating far reaching waves that governments all over the globe can’t help but feel.

Even in the UK for example, where psychedelics are still preposterously lumped together with substances such as heroin and cocaine, the government is set to ‘consider’ the growing calls for legalization. Changes are coming. But unfortunately it’s a whole lotta paperwork, and the tackling of decades of misinformation that has to be faced first. 

However, these upcoming legislations are enough to bring a smile to even the most pessimistic psychonaut! (If such a thing exists…)

Canada Grants Psychedelics For Therapy

Now this legislation actually came into effect over a month ago now. But, it heralded in the year the way we would wish it would go on. Since January the 5th Health Canada’s Special Access Programme (SAP) has granted physicians the right to request that their patients have access to currently illegal psychoactive substances that have been found to have vast healing benefits. These include psilocybin and MDMA for psychedelic assisted therapy, key new treatments for those who have terminal or life-threatening conditions.

Decisions to allow usage will be judged on a case-by-case basis. However, as well as the small but needy demographic it will serve, this change also signals to the wider population that the Canadian government is definitely taking psychedelics seriously. Surely this is just the beginning…

Washington State Lawmakers Considering Psilocybin Legalization

There’s a hot new Senate Bill in Washington State. And, it goes by SB 5660, or Washington Psilocybin Services Wellness and Opportunity Act. It is currently being considered by legislators, and what it aims to do is legalize the “supported use” of psychedelics. This means that anyone could access psilocybin, whether they had a medical diagnosis or not. Access would only come however, under the guidance of a facilitator or from a licensed service center. 

SB 5660 is exciting, and not just because of the access it could grant. It will also help to fight stigma and rebalance the damage caused by overzealous drug laws of the past. It will prohibit employers from discriminating against employees who use the psilocybin service, offer government support for small businesses and will begin a Social Oppertunity program. 

California Aims To End The Criminalize of Psychedelics and Legalize Cultivation

In 2021, Senate Bill 519 was introduced in California by state Senator Scott Weiner. It passed in the California Senate, and is now eligible to progress this year. But what does the bill entail? Well, it would end penalties for the use and possession of psychedelic substances and the cultivation of natural psychedelics (‘entheogens’ if you’re fancy!) like psilocybin mushrooms and truffles as well as plant-based DMT. A sweet little cherry on top is that if you have a previous conviction for possession of any of these substances, it could be struck from your record. 

Senator Weiner states;

“Decriminalizing psychedelics is an important step in ending the failed War on Drugs, and we are committed to this fight.”

Michigan Senators Support Legalizing Psychedelic Cultivation and Possession 

Last year, in September, the senators of Michigan introduced Senate Bill 631. This bill would legalize cultivation, possession and delivery of psilocybin, DMT, mescaline and other plant-based psychedelics.  If the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety passes the bill it will move up to be considered by the state senate. Senator Jeff Irwin explained;

 “These substances are relatively safe and not prone to abuse. Let’s stop wasting time and money making more victims of the War on Drugs.”

Additionally, although production for commercial sale would remain illegal, the bill will allow psychedelic and spiritual counselors to ask for a “reasonable fee” for their work.  

Colorado Is Pushing Two Proposals To Expand Decriminalization & Accessibility

Lucky Colorado voters might get two decriminalization proposals on their ballot this year. The first, Initiative #49 would be put in place to stop local governments from banning licensed healing organizations. It would also set up an advisory board for natural medicine in the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. The board’s role would be to guide the licensed healing centers that will grow, manufacture, distribute and sell ‘natural remedies.’ And under this bill the definition of ‘natural remedy’  will expand to include psilocybin, ibogaine, DMT and mescaline. Hurrah!

The second, Initiative #50, is to fully decriminalize psilocybin and any other plant or fungus controlled substance. This way it will stop organizations like the FDA taking control of these substances. 

Florida Bill Wants To Legalize Psilocybin For Mental Health

About a year ago, Michael Grieco, the Florida House Representative, brought forward the Florida Psilocybin Mental Health Care Act with House Bill 193. The purpose of this bill is to legalize psilocybin to treat mental illness. With this act in play people suffering with conditions such as depression and anxiety could gain access to psilocybin, in the form of a microdose. This would be given by a licensed practitioner at a state-sponsored clinic. 

And, it is certainly true that each sate is looking over the other’s shoulder. Grieco explained how he is using the example of Texas and their recent bill to bolster his cause. 

“Texas is already studying the use of psychedelics in treating mental health, specifically depression and PTSD. In my opinion, we could get even more specific and focus strictly on our veterans, because we have such a significant veteran population in Florida, but it’s a bill that should move.”

So there you have it, the ripples are becoming waves. Psychedelic waves!

Stay tuned, there’s sure to be plenty more great leaps for psilocybin and the whole entheogen crew in 2022.