Senate Bill 5201, legislation that would establish a regulated psilocybin therapy program in Washington State, has been scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care at 8:00 AM on February 6.
Psilocybin mushrooms.
Introduced by Senator Jesse Salomon with support from eight cosponsors, the bill would create a structured framework allowing licensed facilitators to administer psilocybin in supervised settings. The Washington State Department of Health would oversee the program, with input from a newly formed Psychedelic Substances Board responsible for developing licensing requirements and safety protocols.
The proposed model is similar to Oregon’s existing psilocybin therapy system, aiming to provide treatment options for individuals suffering from conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The bill mandates a two-year development period starting September 1, 2025, with licenses expected to be issued by late 2027. Strict regulations would govern the production, testing, and distribution of psilocybin, ensuring that only licensed facilities and professionals handle the substance. Sessions would require the presence of a trained facilitator, and cultural competence in service delivery is emphasized to ensure accessibility and safety. The bill explicitly does not legalize psilocybin for recreational use, limiting its scope strictly to therapeutic applications.
A companion bill, House Bill 1433, was filed in the House on January 20 and has secured 20 sponsors. The introduction of both measures signals growing legislative interest in advancing psilocybin therapy as a mental health treatment option in Washington.
Supporters of the legislation point to a growing body of research highlighting psilocybin’s therapeutic potential. If passed, Washington would join Oregon and Colorado in developing a regulated psilocybin services program, potentially expanding access to alternative mental health treatments.
