A mind-bending bill from the legislative session has unanimously passed the Arizona State Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. There is a potential development in Arizona’s mental health treatment options with Senate Bill 1570, sponsored by Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge. This bill aims to legalize psilocybin mushrooms, opening up new possibilities for patients.
“This is not Oregon,” Shope stated during a news conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that if Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs ultimately decides to sign the bill into law, strict regulations will be put in place for this drug.
“This is a state that has embraced new thought in the field of medicine for many, many years,” the senator emphasized. The speaker highlighted the importance of using mushrooms under the guidance of medical professionals.
Advocates of the legislation argued that the legalization is an essential measure in addressing the pressing mental health issues facing the country.
“We are currently facing a critical mental health crisis and our efforts are falling short,” stated Josh Mozell, President of the Psychedelic Association of Arizona.
During the hearing, Mozell clarified that only medical professionals such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, and naturopathic doctor would have the authority to prescribe the drug. During his testimony, Bob Parsons, the founder of GoDaddy, shared his personal experience of dealing with PTSD after serving in the Vietnam War.
“But afterwards, I underwent a profound transformation,” he reflected, recounting his experience with mushrooms nearly five decades after returning from the war.
“I can’t understand their motives,” he remarked, expressing concern about potential misuse.
The bill would establish an Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board and Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund. It would also establish licensing and training requirements for “therapy centers” that would provide the treatment, as stated in the bill’s fact sheet.