Newly introduced bipartisan legislation in New Mexico would establish a therapeutic psilocybin program in the state, legalizing the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms for use in a supervised medical setting.
Under SB 219, titled the Medical Psilocybin Act, patients with certain qualifying conditions would be able access psilocybin and use it under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. Therapy would consist of a preparation session, an administration session and a follow-up integration session.
Text of the measure as introduced says the act’s purpose “is to allow the beneficial use of psilocybin in a regulated system for alleviating qualified medical conditions.”
Qualifying conditions under the bill include major treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorders and end-of-life care, though the state Department of Health could approve additional conditions.
The state would also license psilocybin producers to grow mushrooms and process psilocybin. Synthetic psilocybin and synthetic analogs of the substance would not be allowed under the proposal.
The 18-page bill has five listed sponsors, including four Democrats and one Republican. It’s been referred to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee.
“The Medical Psilocybin Act creates a carefully designed framework for the Department of Health to establish a medical program for psilocybin use,” said lead sponsor Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D) in statement posted to social media. “Ensuring New Mexicans have access to every available treatment for serious behavioral health challenges is critical, and this proven therapy offers new hope for those in need.”
Republican sponsor Sen. Craig Brandt, meanwhile, said he’s “excited to be able to offer this breakthrough medical treatment to New Mexicans.”
“Medical psilocybin is proving to be effective in treating traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions,” he said. “As a veteran I’m hopeful that this new medical option will provide help to my fellow veterans.”
The state health department would be responsible for establishing guidelines around training for clinicians and producers, including dosage, approved settings for administration, production and storage protocols and other best practices.
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