By FOCUS, A Leonine Business
Psychedelic drugs (particularly psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in psychoactive mushrooms) are gradually gaining attention as promising therapeutic tools in the U.S. Over the last few years, several states have made notable strides toward decriminalizing or legalizing these substances for therapeutic and personal use, highlighting the growing interest in their potential mental health benefits. Scientific research continues to find promising results for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Studies suggest that psilocybin can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. Recent setbacks, however, suggest that the country may not be as open to psychedelics as it was to cannabis in the early days of its legalization efforts.
In 2020, Oregon became a trailblazer in this movement by passing a ballot measure to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use. This groundbreaking measure allowed licensed professionals to administer psilocybin in controlled settings, providing a regulated framework for its use. Following suit, Colorado voters approved a measure in 2022 permitting residents to grow and use plants and fungi containing psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, DMT and mescaline. These progressive moves reflect shifting perceptions of psychedelics from illicit substances to valuable tools for mental health treatment.
Meanwhile, 21 cities across the country have taken localized steps to decriminalize psychedelics, signaling a grassroots push for reform. In 2024, many states, such as California, Hawaii, Maine and Rhode Island, considered legislation on the legalization of psychedelic substances. Other states like Alaska, Maryland and Vermont took a more cautious approach and created task forces to study the issue and make recommendations to their legislatures.
Despite these advancements, efforts to expand psychedelic legalization continue to face challenges. In August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined a pharmaceutical company’s application to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and instead requested further study on the safety and efficacy of the treatment. The FDA’s move was seen as a major blow by legalization advocates, and a potential omen as to how they might treat other psychedelic substances. In November, Massachusetts voters defeated a ballot measure that sought to legalize substances like psilocybin and mescaline for adults over 21, including provisions for personal cultivation and possession. Similarly, SB 1570 in Arizona, a bill aimed at establishing licensed psychedelic therapy centers and creating an advisory board to advance scientific research was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. These setbacks underscore the ongoing debate around the risks and benefits of psychedelics.
The path toward a cannabis-like acceptance of psychedelics in the U.S. remains a complex and evolving process. While states like Oregon and Colorado have pioneered progressive reforms, setbacks at both state and federal levels highlight lingering skepticism and regulatory hurdles. However, a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics continues to fuel optimism among advocates. As more states explore the issue through legislation, task forces and public discourse, the future of psychedelics in mental health treatment will depend on finding a balance between innovation, safety and societal acceptance. FOCUS will continue to monitor the developments of psychedelics legalization at both the state and federal levels.
