SB242: What this monumental bill means for the future of psychedelic therapeutics
Written By: Sarah Schwefel
The Chamber of Cannabis is firmly behind legislative endeavors that champion plant medicine initiatives for the betterment of Nevada. We are thrilled about the recent approval of Senate Bill 242, considering it a significant stride towards providing accessible psychedelic therapeutics to patients in Nevada.
In the most recent legislation, Governor Joe Lombardo signed SB242 into effect, creating the first ever psychedelic medicines working group in Nevada to study certain issues pertaining to the therapeutic use of entheogens or psychedelics, including psilocybin and psilocin. The 15-member group consists of members appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership, the Attorney General, the president of the State Board of Pharmacy, and the directors of the Department of Health and Human Services and Veterans Services.
The bill sets out specific requirements for each of the members selected for the working group. This includes a veteran of the U.S.Armed Forces who has experience with the use of entheogens for their post-traumatic stress disorder. Also included are a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience treating patients with alcohol or substance use disorders, an individual who has treated PTSD in a clinical setting, as well as a representative of an organization that advocates and provides education about the therapeutic use of entheogens.
The working group’s purpose is to develop a “strategic, meaningful, and measurable action plan to allow access to safe and affordable entheogens”to be used for therapeutic use. The group will examine a range of entheogens to determine which may be beneficial for therapeutic use in reducing suicidal ideation, improving mental health, and assisting in the treatment of PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, as well as psychological distress relating to end of life. Furthermore, the group must review federal, state, and local laws and regulations involving the therapeutic use of entheogens and identify any revisions necessary to enable entheogens to be used for therapeutic benefit in the state of Nevada. Lastly, they must review ongoing and existing research on the use of psychedelics as medicine to determine the range of benefits they potentially offer to patients. The working group must submit their report on or before December 31, 2024, outlining the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the working group for the 83-rd Session of the Nevada Legislator beginning on February 3, 2025.
The approval of SB242 marks a significant milestone, as Nevada is poised to engage in meaningful discussions on employing therapeutic psychedelic medicines within our communities and state. Psychedelic therapeutics have shown effectiveness and safety in a range of national and international studies conducted by reputable medical institutions. These studies highlight their potential in treating various disorders such as addiction, major depressive disorder, and PTSD. Additionally, the FDA acknowledges preliminary clinical evidence may demonstrate substantial improvement when compared to available therapies for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorders, and have granted breakthrough psilocybin therapy for treatment for both mental health disorders. Across the United States, several state and local officials have enacted or are contemplating legislative initiatives concerning psilocybin and psilocin, and the Chamber of Cannabis is elated Nevada has now joined this progressive movement, taking a monumental step forward for the future of psychedelic therapeutics in Nevada.
