(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – An Illinois House member has introduced a measure that could pave the way for the regulated use of psychedelics in treating a variety of mental and physical illnesses.
House Bill 1 from Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, would create a psychedelic therapy program for people 18 and older that employs "natural medicines produced and tested at licensed service centers," according to a news release.
Specifically, Ford is advocating for the supervised use of psilocybin, which is derived from so-called magic mushrooms. His measure would de-criminalize the substance but would not authorize retail sales.
The lawmaker stresses the psychedelic therapy would be in controlled environments, such as clinics, hospices or pre-approved homes, and overseen by a professional. Among the potential applications would be treatment for depression and anxiety, PTSD, "phantom limb" syndrome and cluster headaches and migraines, he said.
"At a time when Illinois' mental health crisis is at an all-time high, this program can provide relief in cases where pharmaceuticals and other treatments have failed, potentially helping millions of people," Ford said in a prepared statement.
He said a growing body of research indicates psychedelic therapy is a promising area of treatment.
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