It might seem like we’re just finishing the fight for cannabis legalization, but there’s a new battle ahead. Today, commercial psilocybin legalization is being debated across the country.
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Content Contributed by Luke Smith
Some states, like Colorado, have already voted to legalize these psychedelic mushrooms for people over 21. The demand for legalization comes from the fact that many people are starting to see the positive effects of “magic mushrooms,” and the stereotypes surrounding them are beginning to fade.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to the widespread legalization and commercialization of psilocybin. Will it become the next cannabis — and should it receive the same kind of attention and fight?
Let’s take a look at what psilocybin really is, where you can currently find it, and how it can essentially be “marketed” in similar ways to cannabis.
WHAT IS COMMERCIAL PSILOCYBIN USED FOR?
The reason Colorado and several other states have legalized commercial psilocybin is that it can be used as a natural healing agent for a variety of conditions. That was a big argument for cannabis, as well, which is why it became legal for those with medical conditions long before its commercialization.
Psilocybin has been found to help with a variety of mental health issues, including:
- Depression
- Addiction
- Psychological distress
There’s no denying we’re facing a mental health pandemic across the country, and while there are plenty of prescription treatments available for depression, some people are more interested in natural solutions. Psychedelic therapy isn’t necessarily anything new, but it’s also becoming more popular as people learn about the benefits of psilocybin. It allows them to work with a therapist while experiencing the effects of the drug in a safe, controlled environment.
Clinical trials of psychedelic therapy have shown rapid improvement in patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and various addictions using commercial psilocybin treatments.
WHERE IS COMMERCIAL PSILOCYBIN LEGAL?
Again, Colorado is one of the major players to legalize psilocybin and make it available commercially for those over 21. You might remember that the Centennial State was also one of the first in the nation to legalize marijuana, so it makes sense that other areas look to Colorado as a sort of leader in the world of legalizing these natural drugs and healing solutions.
Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin in 2020. Today, several other states are considering it, including:
- Washington
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- California
These states already have some procedures in place to allow certain individuals to take magic mushrooms. Other states have passed measures that essentially decriminalize the use of psilocybin.
What’s keeping some areas from moving forward? Some states and cities are putting together regulatory measures that will boost the safety in distribution and use when psilocybin is sold outside of a medical facility. These regulations and licensing efforts will take time, but because of the growing interest in magic mushrooms, we’re likely to see several bills pass before complete legalization that will allow more people to use psychedelics openly without the risk of criminal charges.
COMMERCIAL PSILOCYBIN TAKING A PAGE FROM THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY
In many ways, magic mushrooms are already on a similar path as cannabis. As more states start to legalize psilocybin, those who are interested in growing or distributing the psychedelic drug should consider modeling their business efforts after the cannabis industry. You can do that by:
- Monitoring legal trends
- Staying up-to-date with changing laws
- Understanding legal restrictions
- Building a team of experts
- Establishing valuable partnerships
There will undoubtedly be changing laws and policies within the psilocybin industry in the coming years. Keeping your finger on the pulse of those changes could essentially make or break any business plans you have in place.
If you’re already involved in the cannabis industry, take a look at how psychedelics are starting to be used in microdosing along with THC and CBD in medical settings. Currently, this process is being used in certain types of therapy to help with mental health conditions. However, as more states legalize the commercial use of magic mushrooms, you might be able to introduce them into your existing business model. It’s likely some manufacturers will even do the “work” for you, creating products that combine the benefits of cannabis and psychedelics.
Once again, a natural drug is stirring the pot and piquing interest at state and national levels. If it seems like the cannabis debate all over again, you’re right. It’s going to take some time for commercial psilocybin to spread across the country, no matter how effective it’s been in helping people.
Until then, do your part to educate yourself on the positive effects of magic mushrooms, and consider reaching out to your state legislators to voice your opinion and support as they start voting on bills to legalize and regulate commercial psilocybin use in 2023 and beyond.
