Why psychedelics might be legalized sooner than you think
“Support for legalizing magic mushrooms is low, but the groundswell is real. Using the medical marijuana movement as a playbook, “psychedelic societies” are pushing to destigmatize – and even legalize – magic mushrooms”
Since 2004, a dozen clinical trials have demonstrated profound improvements in spiritual wellness, addiction, OCD and depression. One Phase III trial, the final step before FDA approval, could start as soon as next year. “I’m not an expert, but it really looks like this stuff might work,” says Mark Kleiman, a drug policy scholar at NYU. “It needs a lot more research.” Brian Normand, 32, is the founder of Psymposia, a campaign to change the climate around psilocybin and psychedelics, part of a wave of new “psychedelic societies” across the country. He first became interested in the promise of mushrooms after he lost his mother to suicide. “I’m passionate about psychedelics as medicine for people with depression,” he says. “It should be available for people who have these conditions.” A marijuana-style referendum is unlikely anytime soon – one Oregon group is mulling an initiative for 2020 – but that’s the playbook. “A health-based, compassionate approach is what’s going to lead the way,” says Normand. “That’s how it changes – very slowly.”
Original Article (Rolling Stone):
Why psychedelics might be legalized sooner than you think
Artwork Fair Use: Dick Culbert
