When Jonathan Dalton first learned about psychedelic therapy, he was skeptical. As a Navy SEAL suffering from depression and anxiety, traditional treatments like SSRIs didn’t work for him. However, after trying psychedelic-assisted therapy in Mexico, Dalton experienced profound results and found peace like never before.
Now, Dalton is advocating for the legalization of psychedelic therapy in Nevada. Alongside advocates like Kate Cotter and Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines, he plans to introduce two bills in the upcoming legislative session. One bill aims to reduce penalties for possession of psilocybin, while the other seeks to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
The coalition, which includes neurologists, legislators, and veterans, has been researching the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. They hope that their report, set to be released in December, will provide valuable information to legislators and spark a conversation about mental health treatment in Nevada.
Unlike marijuana, the coalition does not intend to make psilocybin widely available for recreational use. They emphasize the importance of supervision, medical settings, and guardrails to ensure the safe and responsible use of these powerful medicines. By changing the narrative around psychedelics from recreational drugs to medicinal treatments, they aim to highlight the potential for saving lives and improving mental health.
Legislators like Sen. Nguyen and Assemblyman Carter are committed to carrying these bills forward. Carter, who has personal experience with ketamine therapy, believes that psychedelic therapy can help individuals struggling with depression find purpose and joy in life again. Research has shown that psychedelics can be effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and eating disorders.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves a controlled environment with two therapists, allowing patients to experience lasting effects from just one or two doses of psilocybin. Unlike traditional antidepressants, psychedelic therapy can have lasting effects and help patients re-pattern their brains in a neuroplastic state. This form of therapy has shown immediate effects and can be incredibly beneficial when used responsibly.
As the conversation around psychedelic therapy continues to evolve, advocates like Dalton and Cotter are hopeful that Nevada will take steps towards legalizing access to these transformative treatments. By prioritizing mental health and exploring innovative therapies, the state has the opportunity to improve the lives of individuals struggling with various mental health conditions.
