In a significant step towards revolutionizing mental health treatment, Alaska has established a new task force dedicated to exploring the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The initiative, backed by House Bill 228 (HB 228) and spearheaded by Rep. Jennie Armstrong (D), aims to prepare the state for the potential federal approval of psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic use. On September 19, 2024, the bill became law without Governor Mike Dunleavy’s signature, signaling Alaska’s cautious but proactive approach to this rapidly evolving field of medicine.
Purpose of the task force
Alaska’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Task Force was established to study how to regulate and license psychedelic therapy once substances like MDMA and psilocybin gain federal approval. The task force will spend the next year developing recommendations on how the state should handle psychedelic treatments in terms of patient safety, therapist certification, and public health concerns. A report with these findings is expected by January 31, 2025.
Rep. Armstrong emphasized the importance of being proactive, noting that “whether you are excited about the idea of psychedelics getting approved, you’re neutral, or you’re flat-out against it, I think we can all agree that if it is coming, we should be prepared and be thoughtful in how we approach it.”
The task force does not aim to immediately legalize psychedelics but instead to create a regulatory framework that can be implemented when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants approval for these substances. Alaska joins a growing list of states preparing for psychedelic-assisted therapy, including Maryland, Minnesota, and Vermont, each of which has created similar groups to study the impact of these treatments.
Broader context of psychedelic-assisted therapy
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has gained momentum in recent years as clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of substances like psilocybin and MDMA to treat various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The FDA has granted both substances breakthrough therapy status, meaning they could be approved for medical use within the next few years. MDMA, in particular, is anticipated to receive FDA approval as early as 2024 for the treatment of PTSD.
Many advocates believe that these therapies could offer new hope to individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments. Alaska, with its high rates of PTSD and mental illness, is seen as an ideal candidate for exploring alternative therapies like psychedelics. Rep. Armstrong highlighted that Alaska has “the highest number of veterans per capita and, unfortunately, some of the highest rates of violence in our country,” making psychedelic-assisted therapy a potentially transformative tool for addressing mental health challenges.
Arguments for and against the task force
The creation of the task force has sparked both support and opposition among Alaska’s lawmakers. Supporters view it as a crucial step towards improving mental health care. Rep. Laddie Shaw (R), a former director of Veterans Affairs, noted the importance of the task force in addressing the long-standing mental health struggles faced by Alaska’s veterans. “We haven’t done anything for the last 50 years. Let’s move forward with something,” Shaw said during a legislative session.
Proponents argue that the task force will help ensure that when psychedelics are approved for medical use, Alaska will be ready to implement a safe, regulated framework that benefits its residents. They believe that proactive planning is essential for ensuring these substances are used responsibly, minimizing risks, and maximizing potential therapeutic benefits.
However, not everyone is on board. Some lawmakers, particularly from the Republican Party, have voiced concerns about the potential dangers of psychedelics and the premature nature of the task force. Rep. Dan Saddler (R), the Republican majority leader, criticized the legislation as reflecting “an uncritical acceptance of the idea that use of psychedelic drugs are beneficial.” He and others argue that more research is needed before the state commits to a formal plan for regulating psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Rep. David Eastman (R) took a more alarmist stance, likening the current excitement around psychedelics to past medical mistakes, such as the now-discredited practice of lobotomies. He warned that what is seen as a breakthrough today could be viewed as a harmful mistake in the future. These arguments highlight the societal debate over the role of psychedelics in medicine, with concerns about safety, regulation, and unintended consequences still prevalent.
Public opinion in Alaska and comparisons to other states
Public opinion in Alaska regarding psychedelics is generally supportive, particularly when mental health is involved. A poll conducted by the Alaska Entheogenic Awareness Council found that nearly half (49.4%) of respondents favored decriminalizing substances like psilocybin. When participants were informed of Alaska’s high rates of mental illness, support for psychedelics as a treatment rose to 65%. This reflects a growing openness among Alaskans to explore new methods for addressing mental health challenges, particularly in a state with limited access to traditional mental health services.
Compared to other states, Alaska’s public support for psychedelic-assisted therapy is in line with national trends. States like Oregon and Colorado have already moved to legalize psilocybin for medical use, while others, including Minnesota and Maryland, are following Alaska’s example by creating task forces to explore how best to regulate these therapies. This wave of interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy mirrors broader changes in public attitudes towards mental health care and drug policy across the United States.
The future of psychedelic therapy in Alaska and the U.S.
Looking ahead, Alaska’s task force has the potential to shape how psychedelic-assisted therapy is implemented in the state and possibly influence other states looking to develop their own frameworks. The task force’s recommendations will be crucial in determining how Alaska will handle licensing, therapist training, patient access, and public safety concerns. If psychedelics gain FDA approval, Alaska’s proactive stance could make it one of the first states to implement a comprehensive, regulated system for psychedelic therapy.
On a national level, the legalization and regulation of psychedelics for therapeutic use seem inevitable, as clinical evidence continues to mount in favor of these treatments. States like Oregon, Colorado, and Alaska are likely to lead the charge, with others watching closely to see how these programs unfold. The success or failure of early adopters will influence how quickly other states move to legalize and regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy. While the road ahead is uncertain, Alaska’s task force represents a bold step towards a future where psychedelics could play a central role in mental health treatment across the United States.
