Massachusetts lawmakers will soon consider two separate proposals that would expand access to psilocybin, with both scheduled for public hearings on September 29.
The first measure, House Bill 4050, was introduced by State Representative Patrick Kearney (D) in April and would remove psilocybin and psilocyn from the state’s list of controlled substances. Those 21 and older could obtain a permit through the Department of Public Health (DPH) after completing a health screening and an educational course called the Psilocybin Regulation Educational Permit (PREP). The Joint Committee on Revenue has scheduled a hearing on the bill from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in hearing room A-1.
HB 4050 establishes a regulated framework for cultivation and access, allowing licensed cultivators to sell directly to permit holders and authorizing limited home cultivation. Public use near schools would remain prohibited, and transactions outside licensed operations would be restricted to noncommercial sharing.
The proposal also incorporates equity measures, including a $5,000 tax credit for small cultivators and individuals with prior psilocybin-related convictions. It provides protections for healthcare providers, caregivers, and support workers assisting permit holders, and it would certify support service providers. Low-income residents could qualify for subsidized support and psychedelic-assisted therapy. A 13-member advisory board would help guide policy, while DPH would be required to finalize regulations within 180 days of enactment.
Separately, House Bill 2532, sponsored by State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D), will be considered the same day by the Joint Committee on Public Health. That hearing is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room A-2.
The bill would establish a five-site pilot program for nonprofit therapeutic psilocybin treatment centers across Massachusetts. The centers would operate under DPH oversight, staffed by trained medical and mental health professionals, and would be tasked with providing safe, supervised psilocybin sessions, education, referrals, and reporting requirements.
Advocates say both proposals reflect growing recognition of psilocybin’s potential benefits. Jamie Morey, co-founder and Executive Director of Mass Healing, praised HB 4050, noting that lawmakers “choosing science over stigma… can see the immense potential of psychedelic medicines to be a powerful tool in addressing our nation’s mental health crisis.”
Internal polling from supporters suggests nearly two-thirds of Massachusetts voters favor therapeutic access to psychedelics, with more than half supporting decriminalization for personal use. The dual hearings on September 29 are set to bring these issues to the forefront as lawmakers debate whether Massachusetts should move forward with regulated psilocybin programs.
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