Missouri Allocates $5M For Psilocybin Research To Treat Opioid Addiction

Missouri is dedicating $5 million from its opioid settlement fund to research the potential of psilocybin in treating opioid use disorder. As Marijuana Moment reported, this funding initiative follows the passage of HB 2010, a state spending bill, and aims to curb overdose deaths by exploring psilocybin’s therapeutic capabilities. The state Department of Mental Health is seeking expert input on how to conduct the research, which will focus on whether psilocybin can be an effective treatment for opioid addiction.

Shift From Ibogaine To Psilocybin 

Initially, the funding was set for researching ibogaine, but lawmakers amended it to prioritize psilocybin due to concerns over the dangers associated with ibogaine research. The research is expected to be conducted in phases and will require detailed submissions from contractors by the end of October 2024.

Addressing Opioid Use Disorder

Eapen Thampy, a lobbyist and advocate for psychedelic research, supports the initiative but says more studies into ibogaine’s potential as a breakthrough therapy for opioid use disorder are needed. Despite the focus on psilocybin, Thampy says both substances could play key roles in addressing the opioid crisis, per Marijuana Moment.

The program underscores the growing interest in psychedelic treatments, which have been embraced by other states using opioid settlement funds for similar purposes.

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