CHICAGO – State Senator Rachel Ventura pushed for the CURE Act to receive support at the House Mental Health & Addiction Committee hearing on “Psychedelics as Behavioral Health Treatment” Tuesday to shed light on the potential of psychedelics to alleviate mental health, addiction, PTSD and trauma issues.

The hearing included insight from behavioral health professionals and consumers, along with testimony on the importance of House Bill 1/Senate Bill 3695, known as the Illinois CURE Act sponsored by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford and Ventura.

“The Illinois CURE Act can save countless lives – integrated therapy-based sessions following exposure would create real change in an individual’s life who has exhausted other methods previously. Psilocybin would open new pathways in the brain to help pinpoint things that need to be worked on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “During this subject matter hearing my colleagues and I had the opportunity to explain that plant medicine, such as psilocybin, has long been stigmatized. I am dedicated to this bipartisan collaboration and remain hopeful that we can pass this historic legislation that would aid not only veterans, but all Illinoisans, suffering from mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse and more.”

The CURE Act – or the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act – aims to tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, it would facilitate research into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin through medical, psychological, and scientific studies.

“We are in the midst of a behavioral health crisis. In addition to our dogged work to increase access to support— from ongoing affordable therapy to harm reduction interventions — it’s time we take a thoughtful look at alternative approaches, like psychedelics, to help Illinoisans struggling with distress,” said Chair of the House Mental Health & Addiction Committee State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago).

Ford, who filed the House version of the Illinois CURE Act, also testified in support of the legislation.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that residents can access healthcare options that enhance their wellbeing, particularly with promising treatments like psilocybin,” said Ford (D-Chicago). “To achieve this, we must engage stakeholders in constructive dialogue to shape a collective path forward for medical access. While it's crucial that we advance this initiative, we must also prioritize a responsible implementation process with the necessary safeguards in place.”

The bill would also establish the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board under the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which would create a training program, ethical standards, and licensing requirements. Additionally, psychedelic therapies would be administered in controlled, supervised settings to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness. Retail sales of these medicines would be prohibited and could only be used under supervision at designated service centers.

"Psychedelic use is increasing as the mental health crisis deepens, and it’s essential for Illinois lawmakers to take action. Clinical evidence continues to demonstrate the potential of psychedelics to provide transformative therapeutic benefits,” said Jean Lacy the executive director of the Illinois Psychedelic Society. “By joining other states in establishing standards of care and protocols for safe and effective use, lawmakers can offer meaningful opportunities for healing to their constituents. Failing to act means denying access to treatments that could profoundly improve lives. This is a critical moment to lead with compassion and vision."

 To learn more about the Illinois CURE Act, click here.