Why it matters: Kentucky is allotting more than $40 million for psychedelic research as part of its efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
What they are saying: The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission aims to explore new treatments for opioid use disorder, including the “investigating new treatments to reverse the chemical effects of opioid addiction, including opioid withdrawal.” Bryan Hubbard, Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, stated at a news conference that they seek to create a new standard for treating opioid dependence, so Kentucky can finally end this cycle of pain in the Commonwealth.”
The big picture: The money for psychedelic research comes from a $26 billion settlement between state and local governments with some of the country’s largest pharmaceutical companies over their role in creating the opioid epidemic.
What to watch: The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will explore the possibility of devoting no less than $42 million over the next six years to the creation of public-private partnerships.
Give your take: The opioid epidemic is a significant issue in America and has seen overdoses increase by 30% from 2019 to 2020, according to the CDC. The allocation of funding towards psychedelic research is an innovative approach to addressing the crisis and could lead to new treatments for opioid use disorder. It will be interesting to follow the state’s exploration of public-private partnerships and the potential breakthrough therapeutic options.
