SPRINGFIELD — A new measure introduced by State Senator Rachel Ventura to establish the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board to investigate and advise on best practices for psilocybin treatments to help tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as PTSD passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“I remain committed to passing the CURE Act in its entirety and providing real change for individuals who have exhausted other treatment methods,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill is an important first step in that effort and will provide legislators with essential research on the safety and efficacy of psychedelic use in therapeutic treatments.”

For the past several years, Ventura has championed Senate Bill 2184, also known as the CURE Act, which would establish a framework for the legal manufacture, delivery, use and possession of entheogens, namely psilocybin, and make conforming changes to the state’s criminal laws. The measure would require a referral from a health care professional in order to begin the therapy. Prior to first exposure of psilocybin, an individual would undergo a prep session to gauge their conditions and previous treatments and methods they have tried. Post session integration meeting would ensure the individual has the resources and tools they need to work through the psilocybin experience.

The measure led by Ventura this year – Senate Bill 2772 – would implement a part of the CURE Act, establishing the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The board would advise on a training program, ethical standards and licensing requirements as it related to psilocybin. During a two-year program development period, the board would issue recommendations for health and safety regulations to agencies tasked with regulating psilocybin production and use. Ventura remains committed to passing the CURE Act in its entirety at a later date.

“Promising research has indicated the potentially life-changing impact that psilocybin and other entheogens can have for individuals struggling with debilitating mental health issues,” said Ventura. “The advisory board will start the process of making these pivotal treatments available to those who need them.”

Senate Bill 2772 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate for further action.