Michigan Lawmaker Pushes to Decriminalize Psilocybin for PTSD Treatment
Michigan state Representative Mike McFall introduced groundbreaking legislation that would decriminalize psilocybin possession for individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Democratic lawmaker from Hazel Park unveiled House Bill 4686 at a June press conference, targeting what he calls an underutilized treatment option for veterans and others suffering from PTSD.
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| Key Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal Scope | Decriminalizes psilocybin possession for diagnosed PTSD patients |
| Sponsor | Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) |
| Supporting Research | 80% of veterans showed symptom improvement in preliminary studies |
| Local Progress | Four Michigan cities already decriminalized psychedelics |
| Federal Status | Psilocybin remains federally controlled substance |
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Research Backs Treatment Potential
Michael G. Smith Jr., a retired Army sergeant first class, stood alongside McFall during the announcement. Smith emphasized the life-saving potential of psilocybin treatment for veterans battling PTSD. Clinical studies spanning 25 years demonstrate that untreated PTSD can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions including coronary disease and atrial fibrillation.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has begun researching psychedelics as PTSD treatments. Preliminary data from the Heroic Hearts Project shows more than 80 percent of participating veterans experienced symptom improvements after a single psychedelic treatment program.
Cities Lead State Action
McFall’s state level proposal builds on local momentum across Michigan. Hazel Park decriminalized psychedelics in 2022 while McFall served on the city council. Ann Arbor and Detroit preceded this move, with Ferndale following in 2023. These cities created a framework that the state legislation could expand statewide.
The representative sees the proposal as addressing a critical gap in veteran care. He worries that limiting treatment options contributes to veteran homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide rates. McFall argues that plant-based treatments should not carry criminal penalties when they offer genuine therapeutic benefits.
Madison Heights City Councilman Sean Fleming, an Army veteran who served in Bosnia, supports the medicinal approach while opposing recreational use. Fleming lost a fellow veteran to PTSD-related suicide after service in Afghanistan, making him an advocate for expanding approved treatment options.
The proposal represents a significant shift in how Michigan might approach mental health treatment, particularly for the veteran population that faces disproportionate PTSD challenges.
