Legalization of Psilocybin for Medical Use Essay Example

Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound found within mushrooms with psychedelic properties commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms.” Psychedelics are widely known as recreational drugs used to promote intense highs and euphoria. Many people however do not know about the use of the drug in medicine. There is also a great amount of stigma against psychedelics in general. There was little to no research done about psychedelics in the past. However, now there is increased research being done with promising results for treating various psychiatric disorders and general health. Psilocybin should be legalized for medical use due to the potential benefits and safety of treatments. In Connecticut the law on psychedelics including “magic mushrooms” is straightforward. Individuals who are found to have these substances could potentially face a felony charge. In Connecticut, psilocybin is classified as a schedule 1 substance which is the same classification category that includes hard drugs such as heroin. This legislation is bad because psilocybin has been proven to be safe and effective at treating various mental health issues and even neurological issues. There is overwhelming scientific consensus that the current legal status of psilocybin is not evidence-based, but rather grounded in overstated historical assumptions of harm. (Lesh, 2020). This proposal is intended to be shown to Connecticut state legislator Susan Johnson.  

The benefits of psilocybin therapy have been thoroughly researched with most patients receiving positive outcomes for their health. Neurobiological theories of FND (functional neurological disorder) have been supported by neuroimaging in patients with motor functional neurological disorder and PNES (Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures). FMRI (also known as functional MRIs) studies have found increased functional connectivity in patients with functional neurological symptoms in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, and insula, which comprise the default mode network (DMN), a neural system associated with the ‘sense of self.’ (Butler et al.) What this quote is expressing is that theories of brain anatomy changing in patients with functional neurological disorders are supported by brain scans following treatments. Following MRI scans of the patients with functional neurological disorders, they found that the patients' neurons were firing more and there was better cognitively throughout many regions of the brain that were previously affected. The main reason these treatments are so effective is due to the way they physically affect and repair the brain. They can also help the user feel more connected with themselves. As Psychologist David Baumeister writes, the single positron emission tomography (PET) study on cortical changes induced by psilocybin demonstrated a global increase in cerebral activity, markedly so in frontomedial, frontolateral, anterior cingulate, and temporomedial cortices, as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus. (Baumeister, 2014). There was increased positive brain activity being recorded following psychedelic treatments, especially in the regions in the brain responsible for emotions and behavior.  

The role of state legislators is to represent the interests of citizens and pass legislation that will protect them and not cause harm. Psilocybin has been proven by researchers to not only be effective but also safe. Author Victor Chiruta who has written multiple medical publications and received a bachelor's in health sciences writes “There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that psilocybin nor MDMA, when administered in a controlled clinical setting, is linked to either mental illness or negative health outcomes. On the contrary, MDMA and psilocybin have been shown to be safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive when administered in a medically controlled clinical environment. It is justifiable and evident why the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has granted both MDMA and psilocybin breakthrough medicine status in the US.” (Chiruta, 2020). This evidence shows that psilocybin is not addictive and does not lead to mental or physical health complications. Many medications try to achieve similar effects in treating mental health that is legal but is far more addictive and has many side effects. 

This table was created by researchers conducting a study in the UK to analyze the amount of harm caused by using a substance to themselves or others. The two substances with the most harm to oneself and others recorded are alcohol and heroin. At the opposite end, Psilocybin had no representation of harming others and the least amount of harm to the individual. According to the graph, alcohol, and tobacco which are legalized recreationally cause much more harm than psilocybin. The evidence behind the proscription of classical hallucinogens to prevent harm to recreational drug consumers appears misguided at best, and frankly illogical when compared to alcohol and some legally available prescribed medications; moreover, the freezing effect this has on clinical research is harmful, and with an untold cost. (Baumeister, 2014). The scientific and medical research community overall agrees on the safety of Psilocybin. 

As a state legislator, there are many things to consider before introducing bills. As previously mentioned, psilocybin has been proven to be a safe treatment when used in a clinical setting. There is also however a potential for economic growth from the legalization of psilocybin. Some researchers have resorted to manufacturing synthetic psilocybin to avoid legal troubles. However, Synthetic psilocybin is more expensive to produce and less appealing to patients who have rejected traditional pharmaceuticals for natural alternatives. (Santvoort, 2021). Legalizing Psilocybin for medical use in Connecticut would create hundreds of jobs and boost the economy. Windham county is the poorest county in Connecticut making Willimantic one of the poorest cities in the state. Over the past year, Willimantic has seen a 4.63 percent decline in employment. (Data U.S.: Willimantic, CT, 2021). The legalization of psilocybin would also generate millions of dollars in tax revenues. Connecticut’s Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates that legalizing recreational marijuana would allow the state to generate more than $30 million in tax revenue in the first year of sales. (Nunley, 2017). Using this data, psilocybin legalization for medical use would generate a large amount of economic growth. 

You may be wondering how this issue affects yourself as a state legislator and how you can use your power to make a change. Drafting a bill to legalize psilocybin for medical use would create hundreds of jobs, help the economy, benefit many patients and help researchers conduct more studies leading to new scientific breakthroughs in psychopharmacology.