Utahns will now have the opportunity to participate in a highly-regulated program that allows them to try psilocybin, as a bill enabling this has been passed into law. Governor Spencer Cox did not sign the bill, but it will still take effect.
Governor expresses his disapproval of the bill in a letter to House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President J. Stuart Adams.
Governor Cox expressed his overall support for scientific endeavors in uncovering the potential advantages of new substances that can alleviate pain and distress. However, he revealed his disappointment at the disregard for the input provided by a task force specifically established to guide the Legislature on effective approaches to researching Psilocybin.
The Utah State Legislature unanimously approved the bill during the last night of the 2024 legislative session. FOX 13 News was the first to report on the bill, which had been discreetly progressing throughout the session. Although the bill didn’t explicitly mention “psilocybin” or “MDMA,” the sponsor confirmed that these drugs were the main focus.
Utahns now have the opportunity to participate in a closely monitored program that allows them to try new medications (although they are not permitted to take the drugs home). Patient advocates have been working tirelessly for years to achieve this milestone.
Gov. Cox let another bill become law without his signature, and this one pertains to tax incentives for TV and movie productions in rural Utah.
He acknowledged the legislature’s overwhelming support for film incentives but expressed his concerns about the amounts of money being spent on them. “I believe there are better returns for taxpayer dollars,” he said.
