New CT law paves way for widespread psychedelic therapy
Psychedelic drugs are illegal, but the Food and Drug Administration allows researchers to study psilocybin and MDMA — the active substances in “magic” mushrooms and ecstasy — for use in clinical settings.
Now Connecticut is paving the way for widespread psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont this week as part of the state’s budget implementer bill, Connecticut will soon allow a select group of patients to use psilocybin or MDMA as part of treatment for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder.
“We had seen in some cases that this class of medicines called psychedelic medicines had a very significant benefit,” said state Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor.
Jesse MacLachlan, a former state representative who is now the director of state policy and advocacy at Reason for Hope, a psychedelic-assisted therapy advocacy organization, said the problem is there are few — if any — therapists trained in the use of psychedelics.
So he said Connecticut needs to prepare if the federal government makes them available for use in clinical settings.
“This seems to be coming and it’s exciting,” he said. “The role of the state is to help lay a policy groundwork to lay infrastructure so there are enough trained therapists for folks who need care most to receive it safely and affordably once these drugs are approved.”
MacLachlan called it “a new, exciting breakthrough treatment that also has a number of complexities and nuances.”
Martin R. Steele, a retired three-star lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps and co-founder of Reason for Hope, praised the governor for signing the proposal into law.
“For far too long, the men and women of the armed services have had to carry the mental and emotional burdens of combat without access to effective treatments. Psychedelic therapy represents a major breakthrough for veterans and civilians alike to heal and lead productive lives,” he said in a statement. “We have a duty, responsibility, and urgency, to help all those suffering from trauma. I commend the governor’s office and leaders in the legislature for the lifesaving action they have taken through this landmark legislation.”
The final bill was pared down from its original form, which asked for $3 million for a pilot program open to all people suffering from depression, anxiety or PTSD.
The plan the governor signed restricts the therapy to first responders, veterans and front-line health workers.
The appropriation was made to “within available appropriations,” MacLachlan explained, meaning when the plan gets implemented — in 2023 — the state will need to allocate funds at that point.
“When this is rolled out, we will be way ahead of the curve,” Anwar said. “Providing the care and treatment within the federal guidelines is the purpose.”