New Mexico Advances Medical Psilocybin Legalization Efforts

LOS ANGELES- The New Mexico Senate has approved the Medical Psilocybin Act (Senate Bill 219), a bipartisan initiative aimed at establishing a regulated program for the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms. The bill, which received a 33-4 vote, now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives.​

If enacted, the legislation would permit licensed clinicians to administer psilocybin to patients diagnosed with qualifying conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and end-of-life psychological distress. The program would involve a structured approach comprising preparation, administration, and integration sessions to ensure patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. ​

The bill also proposes the creation of a nine-member advisory board tasked with overseeing the program’s implementation, recommending additional qualifying conditions, and establishing guidelines for psilocybin production and clinical use. Furthermore, it outlines the establishment of two funds: the Medical Psilocybin Treatment Equity Fund, aimed at assisting low-income patients in accessing treatment, and the Medical Psilocybin Research Fund, dedicated to supporting scientific studies on psilocybin’s therapeutic potential. ​

Senator Jeff Steinborn, a primary sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of providing alternative treatments for individuals struggling with severe mental health conditions. Republican Senator Craig Brandt highlighted the potential benefits for veterans experiencing PTSD, expressing hope that the new medical option would offer relief to his fellow veterans. ​

This legislative effort aligns with a growing national interest in exploring the medical applications of psychedelics. Oregon and Colorado have already enacted measures to legalize the supervised use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, and several other states are considering similar initiatives. The progress of New Mexico’s legislation will be closely monitored by stakeholders in the medical and mental health communities, as well as by policymakers evaluating alternative treatments for mental health disorders. ​