Iowa Legislator Works to Recognize Medicinal Benefits of Psilocybin

FAIRFIELD, Iowa, Feb. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- State Representative Jeff Shipley (R-Fairfield) has introduced two bills related to rescheduling psilocybin, and other potential medicines, for clinical use.

H.F. 248 removes psilocybin and psilocin from the list of schedule 1 controlled substances under Iowa's uniform controlled substances act.  

H.F. 249 would allow the board of pharmacy to reclassify Ibogaine, MDMA and Psilocybin controlled substances for medicinal purposes. It also removes the penalties from the specified from Code 124.401 when these substances are utilized for medicinal purposes pursuant to the rules of the board of pharmacy.

Both of these bills have been referred to the House Public Safety Committee.

Shipley states, "I believe an Iowan should not be criminalized for trying to use psychedelic substances for medicinal purposes. The DEA currently identifies Psilocybin, MDMA and Ibogaine as Schedule 1 drugs, meaning they have no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse. A significant body of research indicates that there are substantial medical benefits. If these drugs can help our veterans who suffer with PTSD, our family members who suffer with an addiction, or help a loved one get relief from near death anxiety, we should be doing all we can to push making these options safe and available.

"Current tools offered through the FDA offer treatment of symptoms associated with addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Psychedelics offer a potential cure.  I support research for what these drugs may offer. In the meantime, I don't see putting a person in jail serves the public. Especially when it empowers them to help themselves."

Interested parties should contact Rep. Klein ([email protected]) (R-Keota) and kindly and politely ask him to keep an open mind on the subject.

Representative Jeff Shipley can be reached at [email protected]

SOURCE Jeff Shipley