In 1981, a class action lawsuit named Arnold v. Arizona Department of Health Services, was filed on behalf of Arizonans with a mental illness. The case, filed with five plaintiffs, including attorney Chick Arnold, argued that the citizens of Arizona who had a serious mental illness (“SMI”) had a right to mental health treatment. The lawsuit contended that the law required a system that provided cohesive and appropriate care but instead we had a “token” system of services. The case was litigated for almost a decade, but in 1989 the Arizona Supreme Court agreed with Chick Arnold and the plaintiffs and found the right to mental health care did exist. As a result, those in the SMI system have access to real care.  

More than four decades later, outside of the SMI world, we find ourselves using the same word, “token,” to describe the mental health care we receive. While we may have a system, and one may have access to a doctor, or medication, we do not receive the care we need. Nearly every category of mental illness is on the rise. Depression rates have increased 60% in the last 20 years. In the same period, suicides have increased 40%. Eating disorder prevalence has increased more than 100%. Anxiety and PTSD have skyrocketed. Drug overdoses, which is a true indicator of emotional wellness in a society, have increased 450% since 2001. Each generation is more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal than the generation before it. Despite all the efforts made, we have token mental health care.  

 Like the sentiments in 1981, we assert that Arizonans have a fundamental right to authentic mental health care. We contend that we deserve access to care tailored to our needs, providing genuine relief. We argue that if there are medicines with proven benefits targeting mental health conditions, Arizonans should have the right to avail themselves of those medicines. One such promising medicine, supported by decades of scientific research, is psilocybin. 

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. The mushrooms containing psilocybin are often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” and they have been used for centuries in various cultural and religious practices. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that it can produce perceptual changes, altering a person’s awareness of their surroundings and of their thoughts and feelings. This substance can be synthesized and then used in research. There are now more than 140 universities and institutions doing the research. And the research is showing us the real and lasting effects of psilocybin on mental health conditions; the same mental health conditions which have been raging out of control since 2001. John’s Hopkins showed that treatment resistant major depression can be put into remission with two doses of psilocybin and supportive therapy. Sheppard Pratt Health System’s research showed bipolar II could be put into remission with a single dose of psilocybin and therapeutic integration sessions. Its use has been proven to improve mental health conditions ranging from substance use disorders to anorexia. In addition to its benefits, it is safe, meant for short term use, and does not have lingering side effects.  

But, the use of psilocybin is not legal in Arizona. It is 1981 all over again. We are in a mental health crisis. We have a system of care that amounts to token mental health care. While that is true, we have real and durable treatment available in psilocybin, there remain barriers to accessing it. And, like the lawsuit did 42 years ago, we argue Arizonan’s have a right to mental health care. We have a right to medicines that are proven to improve these illnesses. Furthering that belief, we drafted SB1570, which allows the use of psilocybin in clinical settings under the supervision of medical professionals. We ask that you join us in changing this token system of care into one that provides real relief to those struggling with a mental health condition.   

 Chick Arnold, and Josh Mozell are attorneys and members of the Psychedelic Association of Arizona.