Bill That Would Legalize Psilocybin Approved in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee voted earlier this month to decriminalize possession of psilocybin for personal use or shared between two people, as long as it is less than one ounce and has been cultivated in a person’s residence (1,2). Originally introduced on March 1, 2023, the amended H 5923 includes a section describing exemptions for psilocybin and contingencies on the rescheduling of psilocybin at the federal level (3). The bill outlines the exceptions of possessions of several other substances; it would decriminalize possession of up to 5kg of mixtures containing cannabis (2).

“Veterans and many others in our community are struggling with chronic [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder], depression and other mental health disorders that can be totally debilitating,” Representative Brandon Potter said at the bill’s introduction (4). “We should give them the freedom to try every tool available and not criminalize a natural, effective remedy.”

“Contingent upon the United States Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) rescheduling of psilocybin the Rhode Island department of health shall establish rules and regulations pertaining to cultivation, distribution and medical prescription,” the bill stated (2). “Contingent upon the United States Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) expansion of its access program, patients with a serious or life-threatening mental or behavioral health disorder, who are without access to effective mental or behavioral health medication, may have access to psilocybin at locations in Rhode Island approved by the Rhode Island department of health.”

“This act shall take effect on July 1, 2023, and shall sunset on July 1, 2025,” the bill concludes and now moves to the House (2,3).

References

1. Herrington, A. J. Rhode Island lawmakers approve psilocybin legalization bill https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2023/06/07/rhode-island-lawmakers-approve-psilocybin-legalization-bill/?sh=542660c85af7 (accessed Jun 12, 2023).
2. Rhode Island H5923: 2023: Regular session https://legiscan.com/RI/text/H5923/2023 (accessed Jun 12, 2023).
3. Jaeger, K. Rhode Island lawmakers approve bill to legalize psilocybin and prepare for regulated therapeutic access https://www.marijuanamoment.net/rhode-island-lawmakers-approve-bill-to-legalize-psilocybin-and-prepare-for-regulated-therapeutic-access/ (accessed Jun 12, 2023).
4. Doiron, S. RI lawmakers seek to legalize “magic mushrooms” https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/ri-lawmakers-seek-to-legalize-magic-mushrooms/ (accessed Jun 12, 2023).