David ConnellFrom President Joe Biden’s openness to psychedelic therapy to the advancement of bills in Congress, the landscape surrounding psychedelics is rapidly evolving. Let’s delve into the key developments that occurred in the world of psychedelics during the week of June 25th to 30th.
Biden’s Brother Affirms President’s Open-Mindedness on Psychedelics for Medical Treatment:
In a recent interview on The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM (via AP News) President Joe Biden’s brother, Frank Biden, revealed that the president maintains an open-minded stance on the potential medicinal uses of psychedelics. Frank Biden’s personal interest in the topic, stemming from his journey as a recovering alcoholic, has led to discussions with the president about the potential benefits of these substances.(1)
The scientific community has been exploring the potential of psychedelics in medical treatment, particularly for mental health challenges like depression, alcoholism, and PTSD. The FDA has recognized the breakthrough potential of substances like psilocybin and MDMA in treating these conditions. However, the official endorsement of psychedelics by medical associations, such as the American Psychiatric Association, is still pending FDA’s final determination.(1)
The federal government has shown interest in supporting research on psychedelics, with the FDA issuing draft guidelines for clinical trials and the Biden administration allocating funding to investigate these drugs’ mental and behavioral health benefits.(1)
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California Assembly Committee Advances Psychedelics Legalization Bill:
California’s Assembly Public Safety Committee recently approved SB 58, a bill that aims to legalize the possession and facilitated the use of specific psychedelics. The bill, advanced by Senator Scott Wiener, will now move to the Assembly Health Committee for further consideration. SB 58 focuses on substances like psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline, while excluding synthetic psychedelics like LSD and MDMA from legalization.(2)
Wiener’s bill seeks to reverse the damage caused by the criminalization and the War on Drugs by legalizing these substances for personal and facilitated use. It also addresses the prohibition of spores or mycelium capable of producing mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin. While the bill has faced amendments and a challenging path to passage, Wiener remains hopeful about its prospects.(2)
Psychedelic Therapy Being Used for War Trauma in Ukraine:
Ukraine is witnessing the underground use of psychedelic-assisted therapy to address war-related trauma. Originally reported by Lucid News, Stanislav Gibadulin, a Moldovan-born soldier who served during the Russian invasion, shared his experience with psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSD. However, the legality of such therapy remains uncertain in Ukraine.(3)
The Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association (UPRA) is advocating for rescheduling substances like psilocybin and MDMA, allowing medical practitioners to utilize them in therapeutic treatments. An international conference held in Kyiv highlighted the testimonies of veterans who have overcome trauma with the aid of psychedelics.(3)
With one in four Ukrainians at risk of developing severe mental health conditions due to the ongoing war, decriminalizing and legalizing psychedelic therapy in Ukraine could provide much-needed support to veterans and citizens.(3)
Elon Musk’s Views on Ketamine and Recreational Drug Use:
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has reportedly been receiving ketamine infusions to treat depression. According to The Wall Street Journal, Musk has also been observed taking full doses of ketamine at parties. Musk discussed his views on depression and ketamine’s use for treatment on Twitter, suggesting occasional use of ketamine as a preferable option for certain individuals over overused antidepressants.(4)
Though a controversial figure, Musk’s reported use of ketamine highlights a larger trend among Silicon Valley executives exploring the potential benefits of psychedelics. Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder, has been associated with using psilocybin mushrooms. The interest in microdosing drugs like LSD is also growing among Silicon Valley executives.(4)
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Congress Examines Psychedelics and Marijuana as Alternative Treatments for Veterans:
According to a recent article from Military.com, Congress is currently reviewing bills that could lead to the evaluation of psychedelic drugs and marijuana as treatments for PTSD and other conditions affecting veterans. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved by the House Armed Services Committee, mandates clinical trials on the use of MDMA and psilocybin for treating service members’ PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (a broad term for any disease that alters brain function or structure).(5)
Additionally, the NDAA calls for studies on the impact of marijuana use for service members and veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. The Senate Appropriations Committee also encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs to support privately funded research on psychedelics for treating PTSD and depression.(5)
While bipartisan interest in alternative treatments for veterans is growing, these bills face challenges before becoming law. Opposition from some Republicans and the complexity of drug policy reform present hurdles to implementation.(5)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Proposes Marijuana and Psychedelic Legalization for Healing Centers
As detailed by Marijuana Moment, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, plans to legalize marijuana and psychedelics if elected. He says he would tax both substances and establish “healing centers” where individuals recovering from addiction can engage in organic farming for therapeutic purposes. However, this would require broad bipartisan support from congress. Kennedy emphasizes the need for safe banking services for the cannabis industry and envisions decriminalizing psychedelics with controlled access in a clinical setting.(6)
Kennedy’s drug policy reform proposals aim to address addiction treatment. He criticizes the current industry and advocates for simplified, affordable, and effective approaches. Inspired by the San Patrignano treatment center in Italy, the healing centers Kennedy envisions would provide comprehensive support, integrating organic farming for spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.(6)
Recent remarks from President Biden’s brother, seen above, as well as some other signals suggest the president is open to exploring using psychedelic medicine for addiction treatment. However, Kennedy’s progressive proposals, including marijuana and psychedelic legalization, safe banking services, and healing centers, distinguish him as a candidate focused on innovative drug policy and addiction recovery approaches.
Psychedelics continue to make significant strides in various areas, including medical treatment, legalization efforts, and support for veterans. President Joe Biden’s interest in the medicinal potential of psychedelics reflects the growing recognition of their therapeutic value. The advancement of legalization bills, such as California’s SB 58, showcases the evolving attitudes towards psychedelics at the state level. Furthermore, the use of psychedelic therapy to address war trauma in Ukraine highlights the global impact of these substances.
As these developments unfold, it is crucial to continue studying the efficacy, safety, and legal frameworks surrounding psychedelics to ensure responsible and beneficial integration into medical and therapeutic practices.
Sources
1. Madhani, A., & Bedayn, J. (2023, June 28). Biden’s brother says the president is “very open-minded” about psychedelics for medical treatment. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/frank-biden-joe-biden-psychedelics-mushrooms-c73a4a8d55ad44ab6e8a781e705a1182
2. Senator Wiener’s Legislation to Decriminalize Possession of Psychedelics Moves Forward as a Two-Year Bill; Will Be Voted on Next Year. (2021, August 26). Senator Scott Wiener. https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20210826-senator-wiener%E2%80%99s-legislation-decriminalize-possession-psychedelics-moves-forward-two
3. Berazaluce, I. (2023, June 28). Ukraine Military and Citizens Seek Psychedelic Therapy for War Trauma. Lucid News. https://www.lucid.news/ukraine-military-citizens-psychedelic-therapy-war-trauma/
4. Grind, K., & Bindley, K. (2023, June 27). Magic Mushrooms. LSD. Ketamine. The Drugs That Power Silicon Valley. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/silicon-valley-microdosing-ketamine-lsd-magic-mushrooms-d381e214?mod=tech_lead_pos5
5. Kheel, R. (2023, June 28). Research on Psychedelics, Marijuana as Alternative Treatment for Vets Advancing in Congress. Military.com. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/06/28/research-psychedelics-marijuana-alternative-treatment-vets-advancing-congress.html
6. Jaeger, K. (2023, June 29). RFK Jr. Pledges To Legalize Marijuana And Psychedelics, Using Revenue To Fund Farms Where People Recovering From Drug Addiction Can Grow Organic Food. Marijuana Moment. https://www.marijuanamoment.net/rfk-jr-pledges-to-legalize-marijuana-and-psychedelics-using-revenue-to-fund-farms-where-people-recovering-from-drug-addiction-can-grow-organic-food/
This material is not intended as a replacement or substitute for any legal or medical advice. Always consult a medical professional about your health needs. Psychedelics are widely illegal in the United States, and readers should always be informed about local, state, and federal regulations regarding psychedelics or other drugs.
Ross Dillon 
