What is psychedelic therapy?
2024-05-15
Dear friend,
Happy Wednesday! What's new in your world?
I'm enjoying being at home in Halifax. The Legislature wrapped up the second year of the biennium on Saturday at 2:05 a.m. For the first time since December I'm back to my regular work week. I'm also planting my garden, and keeping an eye on Gov. Scott's signing pen.
We sent a lot of bills to the Governor in the final week of the session. What will he sign and what will he veto? One that I'll be watching is S.114: An act relating to the establishment of the Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Working Group.
The bill would study the advisability of a State program to permit health care providers to administer psychedelic medications in a therapeutic setting. The bill is a study only. It does not change the legal status of any medications. A future Legislature could decide to do that based on the work of this study group.
The root meaning of psychedelic means to make the mind visible. This is a class of medicines that is largely banned today in the U.S. as part of the War on Drugs, but that is seeing a resurgence in mainstream acceptance. Psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms and MDMA have been found incredibly effective in treating PTSD, treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, palliative care, and even severe addiction. Among other groups, the Veterans Administration is investing a lot of money and time in clinical trials of psychedelic medicine for veterans (see Psychedelic therapy data ‘speaks for itself,’ VA official says).
When S.114 came to the House floor last week, I stood and spoke in support of its passage. I shared a bit what it's like inside my head as a survivor of trauma, including severe night terrors. I also shared some of the medical treatment I've benefited from. This was by far the most personal talk that I've given in the Legislature.
Apparently, Mikaela Lefrak, host of Vermont Edition, was among those who listened. She invited me to join her on Vermont Public today at noon. I hope you'll tune in -- and call in with your questions!
Why do I support S.114? Here's my brief talk on the House floor.
Here's how to listen on Vermont Edition -- at noon, and 7 p.m., or streaming anytime.
Talk to you on Vermont Edition today!
I'll be joining live from the Vermont Public studio at the Latchis in Brattleboro. I'm excited to answer Mikaela's questions and to talk with callers -- maybe you!
Whatever you're doing today -- enjoy!
Love,
Rep. Tristan Roberts
Halifax, Vermont
P.S. I got some very heartwarming feedback after speaking in support of S.114. Katherine said, "Great testimony! Thanks for being so brave."
Rachel told me, "After hearing your speech on psychedelic drug therapy, I'm feeling disappointed you're stepping away. You have a unique perspective and it's a loss for the state."
A fellow Representative told me, "I won't soon forget your story."
Here it is again on replay. And if you do listen to Vermont Edition today, I'd love to hear your feedback and questions.