TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — The goal of treating mental health with psychoactive mushrooms is running into the reality of Arizona’s budget deficit.
As Arizona’s mushroom legalization plan stalls, funding for testing mushrooms on veterans and emergency responders is drying up.
Funding for about $2.75 million in clinical research into the effects of magic mushrooms on patients is set to end in just one month.
A bill that would have extended the funding through 2026 appears to have died.
Another bill that would create a structure for mushroom research and funding in Arizona has stalled after being approved by the state Senate.
The setbacks come as research suggests magic mushrooms are an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety and other mental health issues.
At a press conference held at the state capitol in February, emergency medical personnel and veterans gathered to campaign for the bill’s passage.
The Arizona Department of Health Services awarded Dr. Sue Sisley a three-year, $2.75 million grant for what she says will be the first human study using natural psychedelic mushrooms. The grant was finalized in February.
Failure by Congress to act means state aid will stop on June 30th.
A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs said she couldn’t comment on the state budget.
“The state is in a deficit of nearly $2 billion and there’s a good chance all of that money will be recouped,” Sisley said.
Budget negotiations are ongoing. The state’s new fiscal year begins in a month, on July 1.
https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/2R/summary/S.1570HHS_ASPASSEDCOW.pdf
https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/2R/summary/H.HB2105_011724_MAPS.pdf
