A bill to create a state-regulated psilocybin therapy program in New Mexico took another step forward on Monday as the House Health & Human Services Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of advancing it. The 8-1 vote came just days after the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D), passed the full Senate.
If signed into law, the Medical Psilocybin Act would allow patients with certain medical conditions to access psilocybin—a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms—under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. The bill represents a significant shift in how psychedelic-assisted therapy is being viewed in the state, moving away from past stigma toward a more research-driven approach.
Psilocybin’s Path to Legitimacy
Psychedelics have long been a subject of controversy. For decades, they were widely associated with counterculture movements and recreational use. But today, the conversation has changed. Growing scientific research suggests that psilocybin could be a game-changer for mental health, particularly for people suffering from treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
During the committee hearing, Sen. Martin Hickey (D) acknowledged the historical baggage surrounding psilocybin but emphasized its medical potential. “Some people confuse [psilocybin mushrooms] with just an entertainment drug, and it certainly was that back in the days of Woodstock,” he said. “But research has since demonstrated the profound therapeutic potential of plant medicine, especially for processing trauma.”
A representative from the ACLU reinforced this argument, highlighting studies that show psilocybin’s ability to alleviate conditions such as depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety. With mental health concerns on the rise nationwide, many advocates argue that now is the time to introduce new treatment options.
What Would the Law Actually Do?
If enacted, the bill would establish a framework for psilocybin therapy in New Mexico. But it wouldn’t be an open invitation for recreational use. The system would be tightly regulated, ensuring that only those with approved conditions could access treatment.
Here’s what the proposal includes:
- Only licensed healthcare providers would be permitted to administer psilocybin therapy.
- Patients would need to have a qualifying condition, such as PTSD or severe depression.
- Treatment sessions would take place in a controlled clinical setting, not in people’s homes.
- The program would allow for ongoing research to track patient outcomes and improve protocols.
In many ways, the structure mirrors that of other emerging psychedelic therapy programs, such as those in Oregon and Colorado, where voters have already approved psilocybin-assisted treatment measures.
Resistance and Unanswered Questions
Despite the overwhelming support in the House committee, not everyone is on board. The lone dissenting vote on Monday signaled that skepticism remains, particularly from those concerned about public safety and long-term regulatory implications.
Critics argue that while research is promising, psilocybin remains a powerful hallucinogen that can have unpredictable effects. Some worry about how the program would be implemented and whether it could lead to unintended consequences, such as an increase in unregulated psychedelic use.
Then there’s the federal issue. Psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule I drug by the U.S. government, meaning it is considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. That federal status complicates efforts to integrate psilocybin into mainstream healthcare, even at the state level.
The Road Ahead
The bill now moves to the House floor, where it will face another round of debate and a final vote. If it clears that hurdle, it will head to the governor’s desk for approval. Given the growing momentum behind psychedelic-assisted therapy across the U.S., supporters remain optimistic about its chances.
With an increasing number of states reconsidering their stance on psychedelics, New Mexico could soon find itself at the forefront of a movement that is redefining mental healthcare. Whether this bill becomes law or not, the conversation around psilocybin is far from over.
