Ford to Host Town Hall Monday, Join Experts to Discuss Future of Psychedelic Therapy in Illinois

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will lead a town hall panel with experts to discuss the future of psychedelic therapy and his efforts to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin this Monday, March 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

“As we look at the opportunity to legalize psilocybin, I find this policy discussion to be a fascinating intersection of mental health, human rights and drug policy reform,” Ford said. “I’m excited to bring together a number of passionate individuals who are focused on this topic, and look forward to the engaging conversation we will have on what’s happening at the state level.”

“While I’m personally so excited about the very hopeful potential for psychedelics in supporting the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, chronic pain conditions, and so much more, I want to remind us that this movement is also about community, inclusion, harm reduction, and joining the broader movement to end the War on Drugs for good,” said Jean Lacy, Executive Director of Entheo IL.

Ford is currently spearheading the effort in Springfield to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin – a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by fungi. His House Bill 1 would remove psilocybin from the list of Schedule 1 drugs in Illinois, automatically expunge records of psilocybin convictions and set up a licensure framework for the sale of psilocybin for use under supervision at a licensed facility. The proposal does not legalize the sale and possession of psilocybin, but it allows for lawful consumption at a licensed facility.

Expected participants for Monday’s discussion include:

• Jean Lacy; Advocate, Executive Director of Entheo IL,
• Steven Philpott Jr.; Scientist, Veteran, Environmental Biology Researcher,
• Geoff Bathje, PsyD; Clinical Psychologist, Co-Founder of Sana Healing Collective,
• Ajooni Sethi; Advocate, Impacted Person, and
• Erika Steinbrenner; MD: Integrative Psychiatrist, Addiction Specialist, Imagine Healthcare.

Director of Sana Healing Collective Vilmarie Fraguada Narloch, PsyD, will serve as moderator.

Monday’s event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.