Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Decriminalizing Psychedelic Mushrooms

RHODE ISLAND — Two Rhode Island state lawmakers said Wednesday they introduced legislation to decriminalize psilocybin, the hallucinogen found in psychedelic mushrooms.

The bill was introduced by state Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Cranston), and state Sen. Meghan Kallman (D-Pawtucket, Providence), who said they supported the legislation because it will help veterans and other people suffering from mental health disorders.

If approved, the bill would also, contingent on FDA agreement, allow psilocybin to be used as a treatment for chronic mental health disorders.

"Veterans and many others in our community are struggling with chronic PTSD, depression, and other mental health disorders that can be totally debilitating," Potter said. "We should give them the freedom to try every tool available and not criminalize a natural, effective remedy."

Psychedelic mushrooms have been illegal in the United States since 1970. As President Richard Nixon's "war on drugs" picked up steam, psilocybin became a schedule one drug — preventing researchers from exploring its therapeutic value.

Some scientists received permission from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct research in the 1990s. Since then, dozens of universities and biotechnology companies have researched the potential benefits for patients with chronic mental illness.

"Psilocybin is not addictive," Kallman said. "It's naturally occurring, and people have been using it recreationally and medicinally for thousands of years. It is only illegal because, over 50 years ago, President Nixon associated it with his political opponents. It’s time to undo that mistake and give our neighbors struggling with chronic mental illness, and all Rhode Islanders, the freedom to use psilocybin responsibly."

In 2020, voters in Oregon approved the therapeutic use and decriminalization of psilocybin by referendum. Colorado voters followed suit in 2022. Several other states, including New York, New Jersey and Vermont, are considering similar bills.

The bill would allow people to possess up to one ounce of psychedelic mushrooms or grow mushrooms containing psilocybin at home for personal use. It would also require the Rhode Island Department of Health to create rules for the use of psychedelic mushrooms.

Rhode Island Patch reached out to state police for comment about the potential consequences of decriminalizing psychedelic mushrooms and will update this story if and when we hear back from them.