Former Texas Governor and Energy Secretary Rick Perry made an appearance at the State Capitol in support of House Bill 1802 filed by Democratic State Representative Alex Dominguez. The legislation is a bipartisan effort to allow for a clinical study into the impact of psychedelic treatments for veterans with post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD).
Perry was the featured speaker at a Capitol news conference for the bill. “I’m a great example of a fairly conservative elected official who was against drugs of any form or fashion,” said Perry.
“In 2013 I had a mother come in and visit with me about the medical use of marijuana…I was against that, but she came in and showed me where her young son could be cured from my perspective.”
Eight years later Governor Perry is back at his old haunting ground pushing psychedelic alternatives to PTSD. “These compounds are different than no other compounds that we would have in our arsenal, used properly it could save lives,” said Perry.
He was specifically referring to the psychedelic drug psilocybin, currently listed as a schedule one controlled substance with no medical purpose.
“The idea that we have in our hands a way to positively affect their (Veterans) future is a powerful thing, added Perry.