Why it matters: Arizona senators have approved a general appropriations act for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which includes $5 million earmarked for psilocybin research. The funding would go toward research grants for whole mushroom psilocybin phase one, phase two, and phase three clinical trials for multiple medical conditions, including PTSD and long-term symptoms of COVID-19.
What they are saying: The Department of Health Services would be instructed to open applications for research and award them by February 1 each year, with a maximum of 2% allocated to psilocybin grant research each fiscal year. Research subjects would include veterans, first responders, frontline health care workers, and people from underserved communities. A psilocybin research advisory council would be managed to provide guidance on psychedelic-assisted therapy based on current federal and state research policy.
The big picture: Research into psychedelics such as psilocybin has been growing, with multiple states in the US decriminalizing mushrooms and other psychedelic substances. The move toward researching the medical benefits of these substances is part of a broader trend toward alternative and holistic treatments for various medical conditions.
What to watch: The psilocybin research bill has not yet passed, so it is unclear how the funding would be used and what specific studies would go forward. However, given the growing interest in researching the medical benefits of psychedelics, it is likely that more funding will be allocated to these types of studies in the future.
Takeaway: Psilocybin research is gaining momentum in Arizona and other states, as lawmakers respond to growing interest in alternative and psychedelic-assisted therapies. While it remains to be seen how the funding will be used, this is a positive sign for those who believe that alternative treatments can help address a range of medical conditions.
