5 States Likely to Legalize Psychedelics | Psychedelic Spotlight

Across the USA –as scientific evidence grows that psychedelics such as psilocybin are not only safe to consume, but also can be effective in improving mental health— states have begun the process needed to decriminalize or even legalize psychedelics for both personal consumption and for use in psychedelic healing therapy centers.

In this article, we are walking through 5 States that are Likely to Legalize Psychedelics in the Near Future.

Number 5, Colorado

During the 2022 midterm elections on November 8th, Colorado residents will get the chance to vote on the Natural Medicine Health Act Initiative. If passed, Colorado will legalize the personal use of most natural psychedelics, including psilocybin, ibogaine and DMT, though the sale of such substances would remain illegal. As the bill only refers to “natural medicines,” synthetic psychedelics such as LSD and MDMA would not be legalized.

Going further, anyone who has completed a jail term for an offense made legal by the vote would have the right to petition the courts to have their record sealed. Barring an objection from the District Attorney, the court will seal the record automatically.

The state will also set up legal psilocybin therapy healing centers, where any adult 21 years of age and older will be able to receive psilocybin-assisted therapy by a trained facilitator. Importantly, in order to receive treatment, a person need not have received a mental health diagnosis. Rather, any adult resident of Colorado would be eligible.

Number 4, New Jersey

In June, the leader of the New Jersey Senate filed the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act. If passed, it would legalize the possession, home cultivation, and gifting of psilocybin mushrooms for adults 21 and older. Plus, it would create a framework to allow psilocybin healing centers to operate, with licensed therapists giving psilocybin therapy.

Like with the Colorado ballot initiative, people with prior convictions would be able to petition the courts to expunge their records. This bill goes further, however, in that it would also allow people currently serving time to ask for resentencing.

It is important to note that this legalization will only affect psilocybin. Other psychedelics such as LSD and DMT will remain illegal. Furthermore, the sale of psilocybin for recreational purposes will remain illegal.

In New Jersey, the Senate, General Assembly, and Governorship are all controlled by the Democratic Party. As the bill was introduced by Senate President Nicholas Scutari, a senior Democrat, it is likely that it has a good shot at passing, though this is not certain.

Number 3, Connecticut

In May, the governor of Connecticut signed a budget bill that included a provision to set up psychedelic-assisted therapy treatment centers, where qualified patients could receive government-funded psilocybin or MDMA-assisted therapy.

To start, the healing centers will be limited to treating military veterans, retired first responders and…