Psilocybin Therapy Pilot Program For California Vets And First Responders, Policy Reform Hot Topic, DEA And FDA Moves On Psychedelics

DEA Pauses Hearing On Proposed Psychedelics Ban, Here's Why

This week's administrative hearing on the DEA’s proposed ban of two psychedelic compounds was canceled by the agency. The agency was slated to hear from experts as it seeks to classify two compounds as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), reported Marijuana Moment.

"As the matter before DEA is currently stayed, no hearing will commence on June 10, 2024," according to a notice published in the Federal Register last week.

Why the cancellation? Panacea Plant Sciences (PPS) filed a complaint and request recently for injunctive relief against the agency in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The substances in question are hallucinogens, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4–chloroamphetamine (DOC).

See also: DEA Renews Effort To Place 2 Psychedelics In Strictest Drug Category

FDA Warns Of Mushroom Chocolate Bars That Cause Adverse Health Effects

On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert notifying consumers that eight people across four states experienced illnesses related to consumption of certain mushroom-containing chocolate bars, reported Green Market Report.

Those who consumed Diamond Shruumz-brand products and became ill "reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting," the alert for the federal agency noted.

FDA still doesn't have a full list of retailers that could have been selling Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones or Gummies. That said, it warned customers "do not purchase or consume any flavor" of the products "from any retail or online locations at this time."

Now read: Psychedelic Stocks Trip Up After FDA Advisors Reject MDMA For PTSD Treatment

Psilocybin Legal Progress Hot Topic At Recent Industry Events

Oregon is one of few states that have decriminalized the use, possession and gifting of psilocybin mushrooms, among other psychedelics. Oregon is also home to the first regulated psilocybin mushroom market in the country. Yet, it is lacking customers. As highlighted by Oregon Capital Chronicle's Grant Stringer, the nascent industry "needs to get the word out about its benefits."

"We think everybody knows that psychedelics can help them because we're in this little bubble. But 99 percent of people have no idea what they could get out of a journey," said Heidi Venture, founder of a Hood River mushroom center, Vital Reset, who recently attended an industry conference hosted by the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association in Portland.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, a recent CWC cannabis business conference hosted a slew of experts who discussed federal legalization and medical magic mushrooms or psilocybin progress, reported Heady NJ.

Benzinga is hosting a cannabis event this month in the Garden State. Join the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight in New Jersey on June 17th! Grow your business, raise money and capitalize on the booming NJ recreational market. Don't miss this must-attend event in New Brunswick. Secure your tickets now. Very few spots are left. Use the code “JAVIER20” for 20% off!

New Bill Seeks To Set Up Psilocybin Therapy Pilot Program For California Vets And First Responders

Meanwhile, in California, a duo of bipartisan lawmakers is pushing to set up a pilot program under which psilocybin treatment for military veterans and first responders would be legal, reported Marijuana Moment.

The Heal Our Heroes Act from Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R) and Sen. Josh Becker (D) was recently introduced and it seeks the counties of San Francisco, Santa Cruz and San Diego to set up such programs.

"As a dedicated advocate for veterans and first responders, I firmly believe it is our duty to support and heal the brave individuals who served our country and communities," Jones said in a press release. "To be clear, I'm not calling for the widespread legalization of psychedelic drugs. Rather, I'm championing a targeted medical treatment aimed specifically at aiding veterans and first responders in their recovery."