Iowa should allow the use of psychedelic medicine

This past week, the Iowa House voted overwhelmingly to move forward with psychedelic medicine treatment for Iowans. This is a huge step in the right direction.

Both psilocybin and MDMA have shown tremendous promise for various mental health disorders when administered with supportive psychotherapy. Psilocybin has been investigated in several research sites around the country for alleviation of Major Depressive Disorder, and has shown an overall effectiveness rate of around 70% remission. Research shows that only one or two treatments effect dramatic improvement that often lasts at least a year with none of the side effects of current antidepressant medications.

MDMA research, in phase 3 trials (the final phase before FDA acceptance), has shown an 81% reduction in symptoms for people with PTSD. Additionally, 67% of people with PTSD were no longer classified as having this disabling disorder after receiving three doses of medicine combined with psychotherapy. These are unprecedented results. At this time, we know that 17 veterans commit suicide every day in the U.S. This is preventable with careful and professional psychedelic psychotherapy.

The bill in Iowa is now in the Iowa Senate. It would allow the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for those who are suffering from PTSD, severe depression, and other mental health disorders. The problem is that the Senate is adjourning very soon and the senators may not have enough time or information from Iowans to help this bill receive the support it needs. Please send an email to your local senators letting them know the importance of moving forward with these lifesaving medicines. You can find your senators here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/senate

Two states have already decriminalized psychedelic medicines, and 11 other states have legislative measures in process. Please help Iowa move forward in this important area of mental health treatment.

Candida Maurer, PhD is a licensed psychologist. Mauer’s Enlightenment on the Path of Grief blog can be found at: www.enlightenmentonthepathofgrief.com