California Bill Proposes Psilocybin Therapy Pilot Program for Veterans and First Responders

LOS ANGELES- A psilocybin therapy bill introduced by California Senators Brian W. Jones and Josh Becker on June 6 seeks to establish a three-year pilot program for military veterans and first responders. Senate Bill 803, known as the Heal Our Heroes Act, proposes the creation of this program in San Francisco County, Santa Cruz County, and San Diego County, pending legislative approval.

The bill, an amendment to an unrelated bill, aims to facilitate psilocybin or psilocyn therapy by approved facilitators, including licensed medical and mental health professionals. Data collection would begin after the program’s second year, with the goal of evaluating the treatment’s effectiveness for participants suffering from conditions such as PTSD.

In the press release announcing the bill, Senator Jones emphasized the importance of providing psilocybin treatment for veterans and first responders, stressing that the initiative is not about the widespread legalization of psychedelics but focused on targeted medical treatment. Senator Becker highlighted the innovative nature of the bill, which is designed to address work-induced mental health issues among veterans and first responders.

The Heal Our Heroes Act is supported by veterans organizations such as the Heroic Hearts Project and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). Jason Moore Brown of the Heroic Hearts Project, who has experienced PTSD as a combat veteran, endorsed the bill, citing the potential of psilocybin to reduce the veteran suicide rate.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously vetoed Senate Bill 58 related to psychedelic treatments, expressed support for exploring therapeutic uses of psychedelics. Although another bill, Senate Bill 1012, aimed at establishing regulated psychedelic service centers, was recently rejected, advocates remain hopeful for future legislative or ballot initiatives to advance psychedelic therapy access.

Advocates plan to pursue a potential ballot initiative in 2026 to legalize substances such as psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic use, despite recent legislative setbacks. Senator Weiner, a sponsor of SB-1012, remains committed to advocating for psychedelic treatments, emphasizing their potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes.