LANSING, Mich. \u2014 Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” is part of a new legislative proposal in Michigan’s House of Representatives as a treatment option for adults diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).<\/p>\n
The bill, sponsored by several House democrats, including Representative Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) would allow individuals over the age of 18 with a PTSD diagnosis on their medical record to possess up to two ounces of substances containing psilocybin, or psilocin, for personal use.<\/p>\n
The initiative is reminiscent of Michigan’s 2008 legalization of medical cannabis, however, it is only in the very earliest stages of discussion in Lansing.<\/p>\n
House Bill No. 4686<\/a> states any individual who meets all of the following requirements would not be in violation of the law, for creating, manufacturing, possessing, or using psilocyn:<\/p>\n The individual possesses the substance containing psilocyn only for personal useThe individual is 18 years of age or olderThe individual possesses a medical record that demonstrates the individual has a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)The individual possesses not more than 2 ounces of a substance that contains psilocybin<\/p>\n PTSD is a condition that affects a wide range of individuals beyond veterans, according to mental health experts, with frequent symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and avoidance of people, places, or things that act as a reminder of the trauma.<\/p>\n Several organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA<\/a>), Veteran’s Affairs (VA<\/a>) and the National Center for PTSD, have been conducting research into psilocybin’s efficacy for PTSD treatment.<\/p>\n Kaili McGrath, who specializes in PTSD as a therapist for Thriveworks, noted that current treatments for PTSD typically include talk therapy, EMDR, and medications such as anti-anxieties and SSRIs. When it comes to the exploration of alternative treatments, such as psilocybin, McGrath said:<\/p>\n I love the idea that we’re exploring it more.<\/p>\n McGrath said that psilocybin is already being tried in some therapeutic settings in places where it has already been decimalized, including parts of Metro-Detroit. “It seems like it’s working well for certain clients,” she said.<\/p>\n At VFW Post 827 in Kalamazoo, where veterans of foreign war gather, Airforce Veteran Steven Stone told News Channel 3 that it helps to be surrounded by people who get it. “I think acceptance and the conversation probably treats a good majority of it,” he said.<\/p>\n “Probably the worst option is untreated PTSD,” said Stone. “You’re not gonna help yourself by drinking it into the ground or smoking it away or using barbiturates. That’s a short-term solution for a lifelong needed treatment,” said an Air Force veteran at a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) gathering.<\/p>\n Stone agreed with the sentiment from mental health professionals, when it comes to a life-altering condition such as PTSD, where no single treatment works for everyone, it’s worth considering alternatives. “In my view, you can never quit exploring the avenues for treatment,” Stone said.<\/p>\n