As medical professionals with decades of experience treating mental health disorders, we have seen firsthand the struggles faced by those who suffer from these conditions. Recently, research supporting the use of psychedelic medications as a safe and effective treatment for various mental disorders has grown. We — Dr. David Sundwall, a former U.S. assistant surgeon general and executive director of the Utah Health Department, and Dr. Noel Gardner, a nationally recognized forensic psychiatrist, clinical educator and founder of Impact Mental Health — believe it’s time for Utah to consider an optimal approach to the medically responsible use of psilocybin. While it’s unusual for seasoned doctors to advocate for substances once considered “fun drugs” and associated with rebellious youth, we have come to realize that, when used wisely, natural plant-medicines like psilocybin offer a promising alternative to conventional prescription drugs.
Psilocybin, the active compound found in “magic mushrooms,” has received significant attention in recent years. It is nonaddictive, and its safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in studies involving depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Consequently, 29 states have already passed or proposed legislation to study, make available, or decriminalize psilocybin for clinical use.Our recent participation in a psilocybin retreat in Jamaica, attended by a diverse group of individuals, including medical professionals and spiritual leaders, demonstrated the potential of this plant medicine in promoting healing within a community setting. This experience underscored the effectiveness of group and communal settings for therapeutic purposes. Given this evidence, we believe it is time for Utah to seriously consider the benefits of the wise use of psilocybin. As a state with a high prevalence of mental illness, we have a moral imperative to pursue every possible avenue for improving the lives of those affected by these conditions.We recognize that implementing such a change requires careful consideration and planning. In light of the recent findings of the Utah Legislature’s psychedelics task force, we propose the following steps to move toward the responsible integration of psilocybin into Utah’s mental health care system:
Compile a compendium of current research on the safety, efficacy, and potential risks of psilocybin.
Develop guidelines and protocols for the responsible prescription and use of psilocybin by qualified healthcare providers and experienced facilitators. This should include the individual and communal benefits of treatments done in group/retreat settings that would enhance long-term outcomes and reduce costs. A pilot project of this kind with carefully designed outcome data would provide real-world data to inform best practices going forward.
Employ a thorough approach to educating the public and policymakers in a process that includes open discussion and dialogue. This will be important as this initiative moves forward.
Embracing psilocybin for clinical care may be viewed as a bold step, but the potential benefits for the mental health of Utah’s citizens are too great to ignore. We call upon the public and policymakers to carefully consider the evidence, engage in open dialogue, and work together to create a path forward that ensures safe and effective mental health care for all Utahns.
David N. Sundwall and Noel Gardner, Salt Lake City