Breaking News:

ELECTIONS, POLITICS, & GOVERNMENT

Could legalizing psychoactive mushrooms cut down on opioid epidemic?

Feb 14, 2023, 8:00 PM | Updated: 8:05 pm

Utah 2022 legislative session...

Aerial view of the Utah State Capitol.(Ravell Call, Deseret News, KSL-TV Chopper 5)

(Ravell Call, Deseret News, KSL-TV Chopper 5)

SALT LAKE CITY — A new bill in the Utah legislature would legalize psychoactive mushrooms in a way that is similar to the state’s marijuana laws.

Proponents of the bill say it could aid in the fight against the opioid epidemic. 

Sen. Liz Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City), the sponsor of the bill, joined KSL at Night on Monday with hosts Maura Carabello and Taylor Morgan to discuss why S.B. 200 is so important.

Carabello asked, “What are the basic things you’re trying to achieve with this bill?”

“So more than anything is just an extra tool in the toolbox as we continue to explore solutions on our mental health crisis that we’re facing, not only as a state but as a nation,” Escamilla said. 

She explains that a lot of individuals suffering from depression and PTSD along with veterans are running out of options for help.

Psychoactive mushrooms will be handled by those trained 

Escamilla acknowledges that psychoactive mushrooms are a federally illegal substance.

“And the way we’re going to do it is by treating it inside a facility,” she said. “So, you will be in a medical setting, recommended by a physician.”

She said the only person who will handle the substance is a qualified mental health provider. Additionally, trained personnel will have at least 80 hours of training on the treatment. The mental health provider will be with the individual as the substance is being administered, Escamilla said.

Morgan asked, “But at what point is this a treatment for symptoms versus a prescribed escape from symptoms?”

“It is about your activity and your, you know, the brain activity,” Escamilla said. “So yeah, you’re enhancing this through this process.”

Studies say the treatment is safe, according to lawmaker

Escamilla goes on to say that the University of Utah and Johns Hopkins University have conducted lengthy studies on the use of psychoactive mushrooms.

“This is a very, very safe encounter,” she said. 

Escamilla said it’s important to allow individuals to have more options.

“Just the idea that you will allow people to have option versus opioids,” she said. “We are addictive and have killed millions of Americans, and this opportunity to treat your inside, your depression [and] your PTSD in a different way.”

Escamilla admits this treatment will be costly, but also acknowledges that it will not be covered by the state.

“But we know there’s multiple nonprofit organizations, especially supporting veterans that will pay for the veterans to get access to some of the care,” she said.

Carabello asked, “Are there concerns about a caregiver there?”

Escamilla stresses that individuals will never have access to the substance. Furthermore, those individuals will never be allowed to take the medication home. 

“Those providers will have to work together to make sure that licensed medical doctor is working in collaboration with a mental health specialist, qualified mental specialist as this is being administered,” she said. 

Escamilla said the state is running low on licensed mental health providers, who could help those in need. As a result, she said the suicide rate is too high.

“I just want to make sure we have an extra tool in that toolbox,” she said. 

 

KSL at Night can be heard most weeknights from 7 to 9 p.m.

Read more

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections, Politics, & Government

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by ...

DANIEL WOODRUFF, KSL TV

Raise taxes on the rich? Utah lawmakers say no

A long-shot Democratic proposal to raise taxes on those earning $1 million or more was rejected by a Utah Senate committee this week.

7 hours ago

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law...

Becky Bruce

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law, despite protests

Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB267, also known as the union bill, which would ban collective bargaining agreements for government employees.

18 hours ago

Attorney General Derek Brown poses for a portrait at his campaign office in Salt Lake City on Monda...

Heather Peterson

Utah’s AG addresses concerns about lawsuit that could change Section 504 accommodations

Utah is one of 17 states taking part in a lawsuit looking to change or strike down Section 504.

1 day ago

Image of new single family homes under construction in the South Jordan area of the Salt Lake Valle...

Simone Seikaly

Lawmaker looks toward Utah Inland Port, other development, to ease Utah housing crunch

Utah Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore looks to the Utah Inland Port for answers to Utah's housing issues.

1 day ago

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especia...

Chris Megerian and MIchelle L. Price

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come

The Trump administration intensified its efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce by ordering agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees.

1 day ago

New bill helps English-learning students...

Adam Small

Bill helps Utah schools facing influx of English-learning students moves to Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would help Utah schools address a surge in English-learning students is just one vote away from heading to the governor’s desk. HB42, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, was unanimously passed by a Utah Senate committee Thursday morning. Now it only needs approval from Utah Senate to reach […]

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Could legalizing psychoactive mushrooms cut down on opioid epidemic?