Summary: A bill introduced in New York aims to establish a pilot program for psilocybin therapy, targeting 10,000 military veterans, first responders, and individuals suffering from cluster headaches. The program, proposed by Assemblymember Pat Burke, would operate under the state Department of Health and provide funding for therapy and training for facilitators.
New York’s Initiative to Provide Psilocybin Therapy to Military Veterans and First Responders
Assemblymember Pat Burke (D) has introduced a bill in New York to create a psilocybin therapy pilot program. The program, designed to provide psilocybin to 10,000 people, focuses on military veterans, first responders, and individuals suffering from cluster headaches. The initiative is part of broader psychedelics reform being considered by the legislature.
The proposed program would be managed by the state Department of Health, which would be responsible for funding the therapy and developing training guidelines for professional facilitators. The department would also be required to issue a report on the program’s findings and policy recommendations every two years after its enactment.
Participants in the pilot program would need to reside in the western region of New York. The program would conclude if psilocybin is federally approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The bill’s memo highlights the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy for mental health and aims to address the lack of substantial medical testing for this treatment. The health department would have the authority to collaborate with experts, non-profit organizations, universities, or other institutions to evaluate the program’s implementation and effectiveness.
Additionally, the bill would protect patients, practitioners, and facilitators from arrests or other civil or criminal penalties related to lawful psilocybin activities under the program.
Assemblymember Burke has also filed separate legislation to allow broader psilocybin treatment in clinical settings or at home for those unable to travel. This bill includes psychologists among the professionals eligible to serve as facilitators.
The introduction of this bill reflects a growing interest in psychedelics reform across the U.S., with several states considering similar measures for the medical use of psilocybin and research into its therapeutic potential.
Source: Marijuana Moment
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