LANSING, Mich. — 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).

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.

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.

House Bill No. 4686 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:

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

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.

Several organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, have been conducting research into psilocybin’s efficacy for PTSD treatment.

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:

I love the idea that we’re exploring it more.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

As House Bill No. 4686 progresses through the legislative process, News Channel 3 will be sure to share important updates.