States of Flux: Advancing Psychedelic Research in the West and Midwest

It was not so long ago that psychedelic researchers struggled for public support and alliances. Now, numerous high-profile political leaders are eager to develop psychedelic science programs in their states. In this unique session, we will hear from two sets of scientists and political allies who advocate for expanding psychedelic research in their states. Just west of the Rockies… US Senator Krysten Sinema has emerged as a high-profile advocate for psychedelic therapy, both at the federal level and in her home state of Arizona. Earlier this year, the Arizona house passed an ibogaine research funding bill, which if it clears the Senate and is signed into law, will provide millions of dollars for the study of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2024, the Arizona legislature allocated $5m towards research with whole psilocybin mushrooms. Sue Sisley, MD of the Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) has over 20 years of experience working with Veterans, and advocating for right-to-try access for psychedelic therapy. SRI holds eight licenses from the DEA to cultivate, research, test & import/export Schedule 1 substances. Meanwhile, in the Midwest… US Congressman Tim Ryan represented Ohio for two decades, serving on the House’s Defense and Veterans Affairs committees, as well as co-chairing the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus. In 2012, Rep. Ryan also published his first book, A Mindful Nation: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Reduce Stress, Improve Performance, and Recapture the American Spirit. Alan K. Davis, PhD of Ohio State University is the Director of OSU’s Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, where numerous therapeutic studies and trials are underway that investigate psychedelic treatments for mental illness for Veterans and other vulnerable populations. This spring, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services awarded a grant to Dr. Davis to develop and disseminate free psychedelic emergency and acute care training for first responders and medical and mental healthcare workers in Ohio.