After a previous unsuccessful attempt, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D) is once again promoting the study of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine. In a recent vote, 7 Republicans have jumped on board, and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) shared on Twitter that “Alex deserves a TON of credit” for not only promoting the study but also rallying support for the initiative.
The amendment introduced by the New York lawmaker details that its intention is to allow “United States researchers to study and examine the potential impacts of several schedule I drugs, such as MDMA, psilocybin, and or ibogaine, that have been shown to be effective in treating critical diseases.”
In 2019, when the amendment was first introduced, it received overwhelming opposition as a large majority of Democrats joined all but 7 Republicans in voting against the amendment. However, this Congress is expected to be more supportive of the amendment.
On Twitter, Rep. Ocasio Cortez shared that “it is ridiculous that Congress upholds War on Drugs-era barriers on federal research into substances like psilocybin, ibogaine,& MDMA when early results are indicating major promise in treating PTSD, addiction,& more.”
It is ridiculous that Congress upholds War on Drugs-era barriers on federal research into substances like psilocybin, ibogaine,& MDMA when early results are indicating major promise in treating PTSD, addiction,& more.
I’m trying (again) to lift them so we can pursue the science. https://t.co/e87U3UYhUS
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 22, 2021
The lawmaker updated that she’s “trying (again) to lift them so we can pursue the science.”
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz who supports the amendment, championed Ocasio Cortez’s initiative, commenting on Twitter that “Alex deserves a TON of credit for vastly increasing dem support here.”
BREAKING: Republicans voting YES on @aoc ecstasy/MDMA/psilocybin legislation (not enough, amendment fails)
Alex deserves a TON of credit for vastly increasing dem support here.
We will destigmatize this issue and win very soon based on the rate of growth of our support. pic.twitter.com/chme5TVDH2
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) July 28, 2021
“We will destigmatize this issue and win very soon based on the rate of growth of our support.”
