A new bill has been introduced by State Senator Patrick McMath that would take funds from a state-wide opioid settlement and use that money to research psychedelic-assisted therapy. This therapy is already being implemented in some states to help those suffering from treatment-resistant disorders and involves patients taking psilocybin (the active ingredient in ‘magic mushrooms’) and ibogaine.
The Republican senator introduced the measure after hearing personal testimony from military veterans who have gone through the treatment.
“A few years back, a couple of good friends of mine who are tier one special forces operators shared their stories of recovery regarding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They went through a lot and saw a lot,” McMath noted. “They introduced me to this whole idea of psychedelic-assisted recovery. Their stories were phenomenal and some of just many I came across in my research,” he went on to emphasize.
The senator stresses that these studies would be closely monitored by professionals. The implementation of psychedelics to patients would be overseen by the Louisiana Department of Health in clinical trials and eligible participants would include those with opioid use disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other neurological disorders and mental health conditions that have been resistant to traditional treatment.
Surrounding states Mississippi and Texas have already passed similar measures allowing for this type of clinical testing, and McMath says he hopes Louisiana can be part of that movement as well.
“This isn’t recreational or fun. This isn’t an escape like drugs or alcohol can be. It’s a confrontation. It’s 12-24 hours of absolute hell and back, but the stories I’ve heard (from those who experienced the treatment) have been miraculous,” added Senator McMath.
A new Louisiana senate bill could pave the way for the use of psilocybin and ibogaine for addiction disorders, PTSD and more
