Alaska Legislative Task Force Recommends Legalization of Psychedelics for Medicinal Use

Yesterday, February 4, the Alaska Legislative Task Force for the Regulation of Psychedelic Medicines released its final report, recommending, “if and when psychedelic medicine therapies are FDA approved, the state should take action to allow for their use in Alaska, rather than prohibiting use.”

The Task Force’s report responds to nationwide, ongoing clinical research on the therapeutic use of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is currently funding research on psychedelic treatment for PTSD and depression among veterans.

Findings of Potential Therapeutic Uses

The report contains 6 findings and 25 recommendations. Findings conclude, “The available evidence suggests there are potential therapeutic uses. While clinical studies are ongoing and the evidence base is evolving, there is particular focus on use of these therapies for veterans, survivors of assault and interpersonal violence, and others with treatment-resistant post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”

The report’s findings also emphasize the need for professional oversight rather than self-administration of the drugs, a team approach to medical care, and clear consent practices.

Recommendations for Legalization and Accessibility

Recommendations pertain to legislative and administrative actions to make psychedelic medicine legal and accessible in the State of Alaska. In addition to legalizing the use of psychedelics by licensed medical professionals, the Task Force also recommends that the State “develop a pathway for a non-licensed psychedelic facilitator role.” The report claims, “Benefits of this pathway include increased access to psychedelic care that is a cultural fit to the preferences and needs of the patient as well potentially increasing access to psychedelic care by decreasing costs.”

Warnings and Red Flags

Each Task Force member was provided an opportunity to publish a statement in the report. Three members submitted statements: Dr. Paula Colescott, M.D., FASAM, designated member of Alaska State Medical Association submitted a dissenting opinion; Sara Kozup-Evon, designated member of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Alliance submitted a dissenting opinion specifically for Finding 4 and Recommendations 2, 7 and 16; and NAMI Alaska submitted an organizational statement.

Dr. Colescott stated: “As an Internal Medicine physician, specializing in Addiction Medicine, I have serious concerns regarding recommendations that have been proffered by this Task Force, which are primarily related to safety concerns.” She pointed to findings published by the Colorado Department of Criminal Justice following the legalization of marijuana. The findings highlight safety concerns, especially concerning children:

1. 30% of marijuana users have some form of marijuana use disorder.
2. Use before the age of 18 increases the likelihood of marijuana use disorder by seven-fold.
3. Legalization is associated with a 25% increase in marijuana use disorder among 12–17-year-olds.
4. Marijuana users were nearly 25% more likely than non-users to go to the ER or be hospitalized (Vozoras et al., 2022).
5. Nationally, there were 2,473 in-home marijuana exposures involving children younger than 12 in 2020, up from 598 in 2018.
6. In 2020, 24.3% of drivers involved in traffic fatalities tested positive for marijuana, up from 14.8% in 2013.
7. One in four road deaths in Colorado involve marijuana.
8. People did die from the edibles from psychotic breaks, and self harm.
9. The IQ of kids tracked from early teens into their 30’s were found to decrease based on the frequency of marijuana use.
10. Kids who used in school had a greater incidence of dropping out of high school, unwanted pregnancies, trouble with the law, and higher incidence of transitioning to using other substances like opiates.

Dr. Colescott also identified significant concerns with the conducted clinical trials.

Furthermore, she strongly opposed the Task Force’s recommendation to “develop a pathway for a non-licensed psychedelic facilitator role.” She states: “The recommendation of replacing a licensed, trauma informed therapist with years of training, with non-licensed facilitators, without degrees in counseling or mental health, who would be trained and receive a certification by an entity which does not presently exist, in the Alaska bush communities is not only reckless, but NOT best practice.”

NAMI Alaska stated their support for “effective, evidence-based treatments,” but warned of the need for more research before legalizing psychedelic medicines: “At present, psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and MDMA remain classified as Schedule I drugs under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. However, several substances are now undergoing FDA-authorized clinical trials, and some—like MDMA for PTSD—are in late-stage (phase III) studies, potentially paving the way for future FDA approval. Until such approval is granted, these treatments remain under investigation.

NAMI Alaska emphasizes: “As more states move to decriminalize or legalize marijuana and other psychedelic substances, it is critical that state-level decision-making be grounded in credible, peer-reviewed evidence and comprehensive public health planning. NAMI Alaska stresses the importance of continued research before widespread adoption of these therapies.”

Full Report