Arizona continues to amaze me! A bill proposing the creation of psilocybin services has just been introduced in the Arizona Senate. You can watch a video describing SB 1570 HERE.
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Arizona Senate Bill 1570 (SB 1570) is a legislative proposal that aims to address the use of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain types of mushrooms. SB 1570 seeks to legalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms (specifically psilocybin) in Arizona. Arizona Senate Bill 1570 (SB 1570) was first introduced during the Second Regular Session of the Fifty-sixth Legislature in 2024. The bill aims to regulate and provide licensure for psilocybin services in the state. It focuses on creating a controlled setting for the use of psychedelic mushrooms, specifically psilocybin, as a clinical treatment option for individuals dealing with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. The bill emphasizes state-licensed assisted therapy centers operated by licensed medical providers, such as medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and naturopaths.
Psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, is a hallucinogenic chemical. Although it lacks the same cultural recognition as marijuana or MDMA, it has several potential medical benefits. Research suggests that psilocybin may be effective in treating various psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Indications include Depression; Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); Quitting smoking; Alcohol addiction; Cocaine addiction; Cluster headaches; Cancer-related or end-of-life psychological distress, and more.
Psilocybin mushrooms have shown promise as a treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among veterans. Studies have demonstrated that psilocybin can restructure the brain and offer significant healing impact to PTSD veterans. Although these mushrooms are often used recreationally, their therapeutic potential is being explored.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy involves guided sessions with a trained therapist while under the influence of the drug.
Mesoamerican cultures have a long history of using psilocybin mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing. Native peoples in regions like Central America and Mexico have incorporated these mushrooms into their rituals for centuries. Mushroom stones and motifs associated with psilocybin use have been found in Guatemala.
In the 1960s, Timothy Leary, a psychology professor at Harvard, and Richard Alpert (later known as Ram Dass) played a pivotal role in introducing psilocybin mushrooms to popular culture in the United States. Leary was inspired by an article about R. Gordon Wasson, a banker who had a transformative experience with psilocybin mushrooms during a trip to Southern Mexico. Wasson’s positive encounter with the mushrooms influenced Leary and Alpert to explore their consciousness-expanding properties.
American researchers began studying the healing properties and medical applications of mushrooms during the 1960s. Despite research suggesting their potential to treat certain health conditions, psychedelic mushrooms were eventually listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. government. This classification means they are considered to have no accepted medical use.
Psychedelic mushrooms contain the compound psilocybin. Effects typically begin around 30 minutes after consumption. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing mood, perception, and clear thinking. Experiences vary from spiritual awakening to hallucinations, and they can last 6-8 hours.
If passed, SB 1570 would allow patients to access psilocybin treatment only at state-licensed assisted therapy centers. These centers would be operated by licensed medical providers, including medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and naturopaths.
Unlike full legalization, SB 1570 emphasizes controlled settings for psilocybin treatment. It does not permit widespread use or micro-dosing. The goal is to ensure safety and proper supervision during treatment.
Elsewhere in the country, psilocybin mushrooms are being reregulated. In 2022, Colorado voters approved a sweeping drug reform measure that decriminalized five psychedelic drugs including Psilocybin, Psilocin, Dimethyltryptamine, Ibogaine, and Mescaline. Oregon decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms. Measure 109, to which SB 1570 has substantial similarity, was approved by Oregon voters in 2020, allows for the regulated use of psilocybin in therapeutic settings. The District of Columbia also deprioritzed psilocybin mushrooms. Initiative 81, passed in 2020, makes the enforcement of laws related to entheogenic plants and fungi a low priority for law enforcement. Several cities have also taken steps toward decriminalization. In 2019, Denver became the first city to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. Santa Cruz and Oakland, California followed suit by decriminalizing psilocybin in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In 2021, Somerville, Cambridge and Northampton Massachusetts decriminalized entheogenic plants and fungi.
There are more than 180 different species of psychedelic mushrooms worldwide. These fungi contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. Amongst the more common genera and species are: Psilocybe (the most well-known genus): Psilocybe azurescens; Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap); Psilocybe bohemica; Psilocybe baeocystis (Knobby Tops); Psilocybe zapotecorum; Psilocybe samuiensis; Psilocybe cubensis (Golden Caps); Psilocybe cyanescens; Panaeolus cambodginiensis; Psilocybe tampanensis. Psilocybe cubensis, the most well-known psilocybin-containing mushroom, does not naturally grow in Arizona. However, pan subb mushrooms are common in the area. Pan subb mushrooms, scientifically known as Panaeolus cinctulus, are a common and widely distributed psilocybin mushroom.
Despite being classified as a Schedule I drug (with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”), researchers are conducting clinical trials for FDA approval. Psilocybin mushrooms remain Schedule I drugs according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Initiatives to decriminalize psilocybin have emerged in some states, but they face challenges.
SB 1570 is sponsored by Arizona State Senator Thomas Ray “T. J.” Shope Jr. He has been a member of the Arizona Legislature from the 16th Legislative District, which covers central and eastern Pinal County and southern Gila County.