New Hampshire’s full House of Representatives has voted to approve House Bill 1809, a measure that would authorize the medical use of psilocybin through a state-run program overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.
Filed by Representative Kevin Scherr (D) and several bipartisan co-sponsors, the proposal establishes a new chapter in state law creating a “Medical Use of Psilocybin” program within DHHS. Under the legislation, approved medical providers would be allowed not only to administer psilocybin in therapeutic settings, but also to grow and produce the substance themselves for use with qualified patients.
The bill defines psilocybin as the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, explicitly excluding synthetic versions. Eligible patients would include those diagnosed with major treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders, along with other conditions that could be added upon recommendation of an advisory board and approval by the department.
HB 1809 creates a medical psilocybin advisory board tasked with reviewing clinical evidence, monitoring outcomes, and issuing annual reports beginning January 1, 2027. The board would also help shape program rules, including provider eligibility and patient criteria.
A fiscal note attached to the bill indicates no direct funding is provided in the legislation, but estimates that if implemented, the program could cost roughly $250,000 in its first full year, followed by $224,000 and $236,000 in subsequent years, largely to support administrative staffing.
With House approval secured, attention now shifts to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether New Hampshire joins a growing list of states exploring regulated, therapeutic psilocybin access.
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