New Mexico: Doctors and Researchers Call on Lawmakers to Expand Access to Psilocybin Therapies
A legislative panel recently listened to advocates in the fight to expand the reach of medical treatment and research, as reported by Independent. If the petition is accepted, it would allow the use of psychedelic mushrooms in mental health treatments for depression, anxiety, psychological trauma and alcoholism.
Physician and University of New Mexico professor Lawrence Leeman has called on lawmakers to push forward the expansion of psilocybin therapies without still-pending federal decriminalization or regulatory approval , describing emerging protocols. These involve six-hour supervised sessions and in-depth discussions of the counseling experience.
Leeman also warned that the public interest is currently driving illicit and underground experimentation. "I think these drugs show great promise," he said. "If this goes ahead, let's do it safely, let's make sure we have people who are well trained (to administer psychedelics)... Let's make sure people have counselors to see afterwards. "
So far, it's unclear whether New Mexico lawmakers will pursue legislation on the medical use of psychedelics. The Democratic-led Legislature has scheduled its discussion for the next regular session, in January 2023.
Currently, state-lawful access to psilocybin-assisted therapy is available through clinical trials.
Yale University psychiatrist Gerald Valentin noted that these regulations exclude people with low incomes and serious illnesses.
Valentine clarified that the University of New Mexico is expanding its research and knowledge in psychedelic-based therapies. “We are starting to answer these questions about who could benefit from this therapy. I just feel very lucky to be able to really bring that to real life situations,” he said.
CANNABIS BENZINGA CONFERENCEMeet the biggest players in the cannabis industry and strike deals that will drive the industry forward.
With live company presentations, insider panels and unparalleled access to networking, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is where cannabis executives and entrepreneurs meet .
Join us September 13-14, 2022 at The Palmer House in Chicago, IL.
© 2022 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
A legislative panel recently listened to advocates in the fight to expand the reach of medical treatment and research, as reported by Independent. If the petition is accepted, it would allow the use of psychedelic mushrooms in mental health treatments for depression, anxiety, psychological trauma and alcoholism.
Physician and University of New Mexico professor Lawrence Leeman has called on lawmakers to push forward the expansion of psilocybin therapies without still-pending federal decriminalization or regulatory approval , describing emerging protocols. These involve six-hour supervised sessions and in-depth discussions of the counseling experience.
Leeman also warned that the public interest is currently driving illicit and underground experimentation. "I think these drugs show great promise," he said. "If this goes ahead, let's do it safely, let's make sure we have people who are well trained (to administer psychedelics)... Let's make sure people have counselors to see afterwards. "
So far, it's unclear whether New Mexico lawmakers will pursue legislation on the medical use of psychedelics. The Democratic-led Legislature has scheduled its discussion for the next regular session, in January 2023.
Currently, state-lawful access to psilocybin-assisted therapy is available through clinical trials.
Yale University psychiatrist Gerald Valentin noted that these regulations exclude people with low incomes and serious illnesses.
Valentine clarified that the University of New Mexico is expanding its research and knowledge in psychedelic-based therapies. “We are starting to answer these questions about who could benefit from this therapy. I just feel very lucky to be able to really bring that to real life situations,” he said.
CANNABIS BENZINGA CONFERENCEMeet the biggest players in the cannabis industry and strike deals that will drive the industry forward.
With live company presentations, insider panels and unparalleled access to networking, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is where cannabis executives and entrepreneurs meet .
Join us September 13-14, 2022 at The Palmer House in Chicago, IL.
© 2022 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
What's Your Reaction?
