On September 24, the Florida Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D, filed SB 348. Under this bill, the Florida Department of Health would research the effects of alternative therapies with psychedelic plants and fungi. The study would look at treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and migraines. Representative Michael Grieco, D, joined Senator Book and filed a companion bill in the House called HB 193.
Representative Grieco explained that both SB 348 and HB 193 are modeled after Texas bill HB 1802, which became law earlier this year without Governor Abbott’s signature. However, the biggest difference between the Florida bill and the Texas bill is that Florida would study a broader scope of the general public. Texas’s bill specifically focuses on treating military veterans.
“This is one of the rare times it would be ok to Texas our Florida, since the Lone Star State is one of many who embrace the FDA’s breakthrough designation for alternate mental health therapies such as psilocybin,” Rep. Grieco said. “This bill will send our state in the right direction, especially amongst our veterans, for patients who are resistant to traditional mental health therapies.”
Research Push
Senator Book wrote in a press release about her upcoming bill. She said this legislature “provides a natural pathway to wellness for patients with debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression.”
“Psilocybin treatment is a safe alternative for those who have exhausted all other avenues for mental health and wellbeing,” she continued. “And I am proud to sponsor legislation to ensure Floridians have medical access to this life-saving natural treatment,”
Representative Grieco added, “Florida does not have to be the last state to catch up with science every time. Between medical marijuana and climate change, our state seems to never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity,” he continued. “The science regarding psilocybin is real, cannot be ignored, and soon will be a universally-accepted form of treatment in the U.S. Veterans and veterans organizations should be watching closely on behalf of folks suffering from addiction, PTSD and depression.”
It seems Florida has joined several other states, like California, Oregon, and Washington, in researching the potential benefits of psychedelics. There could be huge benefits for those suffering who find conventional prescriptions and medicines aren’t as effective. Additionally, several cities in California, Massachusetts, and Michigan have decriminalized the possession of psychedelics. Psychedelic acceptance, reform, and research is advancing across the U.S. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.