Legislation has been filed in Texas that would direct state health officials to study the potential of psychedelic therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Texas State Capitol Building.
House Bill 4014, filed yesterday by State Representative John Bucy (R), would require the Department of State Health Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the use of MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in treating PTSD, depression, and other co-occurring conditions. The research would be carried out in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.
The bill mandates a review of clinical trials and scientific literature on psychedelic therapies, as well as an evaluation of potential treatment guidelines. It also directs the department to assess patient access to existing treatments for PTSD and depression and recommend legislative actions to improve access to psychedelic-assisted therapy if the substances receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A final report detailing the study’s findings and policy recommendations would be due to state leadership by December 1, 2026. If enacted, the legislation would take effect on September 1, 2025, and expire in 2027.
