An important Senate committee in New Mexico has unanimously advanced legislation to create a program for the medicinal use of psilocybin.
Dried psilocybin mushrooms. (Photo credit: Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite).
The Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee has voted 10 to 0 to pass Senate Bill 219, the Medical Psilocybin Act, which would allow those in New Mexico to receive psilocybin-assisted treatment for 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.
The bill 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.”
The measure now moves towards a full Senate vote.
