A third Senate committee has given approval to legislation that would legalize medical psilocybin, the active compound found in psychedelic mushrooms.
On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee voted in favor of Senate Bill 219, the Medical Psilocybin Act,
four days after the measure was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee. In February, the bill received approval by the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee. The proposal now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
The proposed law would allow those in New Mexico with certain behavioral health conditions, including major treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, end-of-life care, and other conditions approved by the Department of Health, to receive psilocybin-assisted treatment for certain behavioral health conditions. The measure would establish an advisory board, a treatment equity fund, and a research fund while also removing psilocybin from the state’s Controlled Substances Act to protect “qualified and registered patients, clinicians and producers,” according to a news release from Senate and House Democrats.
If enacted, the program would be available by Dec. 31, 2027.
“When we’re facing epidemic levels of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other debilitating mental health conditions, we owe it to those suffering to explore promising new treatments like psilocybin,” says State Representative Elizabeth Thomson (D), who is sponsoring a companion bill in the House. “By establishing a highly regulated, state-run program, we can provide alternative options to those not responding to traditional treatment, in a safe, controlled environment.”
