California lawmakers are making another attempt to integrate psychedelics into mental health care, this time with a targeted program for military veterans and first responders. A new bipartisan bill proposes a psilocybin pilot program under the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA), aiming to study the potential benefits of the psychedelic compound in controlled therapeutic settings.
If passed, the bill—led by Sens. Josh Becker (D) and Brian Jones (R)—would allow up to five counties to launch state-backed psilocybin treatment programs in collaboration with the University of California system. The research initiative would focus on veterans and former first responders struggling with PTSD, end-of-life distress, and other conditions linked to trauma.
What the Legislation Proposes
Under the bill, CHHSA would partner with the University of California to oversee the project, ensuring that treatment protocols, training, and data collection adhere to scientific and ethical standards.
- The program would be limited to five counties, chosen based on local needs.
- Psilocybin treatments would be administered in controlled environments under trained supervision.
- The program would partner with mental health clinics, hospice programs, veterans’ facilities, and other healthcare providers.
- A special fund—called the “Veterans and First Responders Research Pilot Special Fund”—would be created to support the initiative financially.
The state would require a comprehensive report on the program’s findings by January 15, 2030, to evaluate its impact and inform potential future policies.
The Science Behind Psilocybin Therapy
Psychedelics have long been controversial, but research in recent years has shifted the conversation. Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, has been granted “breakthrough therapy” status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to its potential to treat major depressive disorders.
Preliminary clinical trials suggest that psilocybin-assisted therapy could offer substantial benefits for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. Veterans and first responders, who face higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide, are among those who could benefit most.
One reason for psilocybin’s potential effectiveness? Unlike conventional antidepressants, which require daily use, psilocybin therapy typically involves only a few supervised sessions, yet can produce lasting changes in mood, cognition, and emotional resilience.
California’s Ongoing Psychedelics Debate
California lawmakers have struggled to pass psychedelic reform in recent years. While there is growing support for therapeutic access, broader decriminalization efforts have faced significant pushback.
- In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have legalized low-level possession of psychedelics.
- A Senate committee recently blocked an effort to create legal psychedelic service centers for supervised adult use.
- Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R) is leading a separate initiative focused on expanding psychedelic research, which has gained bipartisan support.
The current psilocybin pilot program appears to be a compromise—focusing on research and targeted therapeutic use rather than outright legalization.
What Happens Next?
The bill’s success will depend on legislative support and whether lawmakers see this as a controlled step forward rather than a radical shift in drug policy. California has a history of setting national trends in healthcare and drug reform, and a successful pilot program could influence policies in other states.
If passed, this initiative could provide crucial data on the effectiveness and safety of psilocybin therapy, potentially paving the way for broader medical use in the future. For now, the debate continues as California lawmakers weigh the benefits of psychedelic therapy against concerns over regulation and public perception.
