Congress Considers Bill to Limit Federal Overreach in Psilocybin-Permitting States

WASHINGTON — Congress is set to discuss a newly introduced bill aiming to curb federal intervention in states and localities where psilocybin mushrooms have been legalized or decriminalized.

The bill, termed the Validating Independence for State Initiatives on Organic Natural Substances (VISIONS) Act, was put forth by Democrat Reps. Robert Garcia and Earl Blumenauer. As described by Kyle Jaeger of Marijuana Moment, the legislation stipulates that federal funds should not be used to prevent states or local government units from enforcing their own laws concerning the usage, distribution, possession, cultivation, research, or sale of psilocybin.

Drawing parallels with recently approved legislation regarding cannabis, this bill instructs major federal agencies such as the DEA and FBI to shift their focus away from prosecuting psilocybin-related offenses, a strategy already adopted for cannabis despite its current illegal federal status. The Los Angeles Times highlights the resemblance between the two pieces of legislation.

Representing California, Rep. Garcia underscored the potential therapeutic applications of psilocybin, particularly for military and law enforcement veterans. He cited how the state is currently witnessing Sen. Scott Wiener championing a campaign to legalize specific psychedelics. “The myriad benefits of psilocybin have been underappreciated for decades. It’s imperative that we shield regions and states that are keen on exploring the transformative treatment prospects this substance can offer their residents,” Garcia said.

Representative Blumenauer, hailing from Oregon — one of the only two states where psilocybin is legal — resonated with Garcia’s views. He criticized the federal government’s historical approach, remarking that they have upheld “a flawed system which has blocked patients from realizing the therapeutic advantages of psilocybin.”

The introduction of the VISIONS Act signifies a notable shift in the national conversation about the therapeutic and societal implications of controlled substances, particularly as individual states continue to reassess their stances on the legalization of substances like psilocybin.