Could psychedelic mushrooms be used to treat depression in Washington?
Last year, Mental Health America found that more than 1 in 5 adults in Washington state live with a mental illness.
Right now, people have options like talk therapy and medication available to help them.
But a new option could be on the way.
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” shows promise for treating depression and PTSD.
There's a new bill in Olympia that would make this treatment available under very specific circumstances. If passed, people 21 years and older could go to a registered facility and have a psychedelic experience with supervision.
Soundside host Libby Denkmann spoke to Seattle Times reporter Esmy Jimenez about her reporting on the psychedelic mushrooms' potential legalization in Washington.
She also spoke to Kody Zalewski and Tatiana Luz Quintana, co-directors of the Psychedelic Medicine Alliance of Washington, an advocacy group working to decriminalize and ensure equitable access to psychedelics like psilocybin.
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Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside
Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. She’s a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio.
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Noel Gasca
Producer, Soundside
Noel is a producer for KUOW’s midday show Soundside. Prior to joining Soundside, Noel worked as an online editor/producer with KUOW’s web team. She’s also a proud graduate of KUOW’s RadioActive program.
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Alec Cowan
Producer, Soundside
Alec Cowan is a producer for Soundside. His interests have brought many eclectic stories to the program, and his segments gravitate toward history, technology, arts and culture, and the environment. He's proud to be KUOW's unofficial "boat guy."
More stories from Alec Cowan »
