Tripsitters and Psychedelic Guides in
Georgia

In a groundbreaking move, Georgia lawmakers have taken a significant step towards exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, particularly for military veterans suffering from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder. 

In March 2022, a bipartisan resolution was approved by the House Defense And Veterans Affairs Committee, signaling the formation of a House study committee dedicated to investigating the potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin. The goal is to make informed recommendations for reforms in this emerging field.

The legislation, sponsored by House Appropriations Public Safety Subcommittee Chairman Bill Hitchens, has garnered widespread support and was approved unanimously via a voice vote. Notably, Rep. Heath Clark, who chairs the committee, is a cosponsor of the measure, underlining the bipartisan commitment to exploring alternative treatments for veterans.

During discussions preceding the vote, the focus centered on the potential positive impact of psychedelic therapies, especially for military veterans struggling with conditions like PTSD. 

Representative Hitchens, a Vietnam War veteran himself, shared his personal connection to the issue, saying,

“I certainly have a place in my heart for people who have post-traumatic stress syndrome and who’ve been able to overcome it through this treatment. It’s probably a real opportunity for some people to essentially save their lives.”

The resolution acknowledges the necessity for innovative treatments for veterans, citing the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program as an institution with expertise in both veteran treatment and psychedelic therapies. It also highlights the existing evidence supporting the use of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treating depressive disorders.

The proposed House Study Committee on Alternative Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Resources for Veterans aims to address the conditions, needs, and issues related to veterans’ mental health and make recommendations for any necessary actions or legislation. 

The committee will comprise members from various sectors, including the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, the state Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

As the legislation heads to the House Rules Committee for further consideration, it reflects a growing trend across the United States of lawmakers and activists advocating for the exploration of psychedelic therapies for various mental health conditions. 

This trend includes measures such as a Utah task force studying the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, a Missouri bill to legalize therapeutic use of psychedelics, and a Connecticut bill providing access to psychedelic-assisted treatment.

The Georgia resolution marks a significant stride towards psychedelic reform, with potential implications for veterans’ mental health treatment and the broader conversation on alternative therapies for mental health conditions.