Will New Mexico Legalize Psilocybin Therapy? New Bill Advances with Bipartisan Support
Lawmakers in New Mexico are moving closer to launching a state program that would explore psilocybin for mental health treatment. On Wednesday, a House committee approved a bill that had already passed the Senate. The measure would create an advisory body to study how the state could safely regulate and administer psychedelic assisted therapy.
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| Key Takeaways | Details |
|---|---|
| State | New Mexico |
| Substance addressed | Psilocybin |
| Status | Bill passed Senate and advanced through House Health and Human Services |
| Purpose | Create advisory group for psilocybin therapy program |
| Sponsors | Senator Jeff Steinborn and Representative Christine Trujillo |
| Focus of advisory group | Policy research, clinical guidelines and cultural integration |
| Broader goal | Evaluate potential public health benefits of psilocybin |
Read more on this story at Marijuana Moment.
What the Proposed Program Would Do
Rather than immediately legalizing psilocybin therapy, the bill takes a more cautious approach. It would establish an advisory group within the state Department of Health. This group would include medical professionals, researchers and cultural experts, including representatives from tribal communities.
Their task would be to examine how psilocybin might be used in clinical settings. They would look at training standards for facilitators, best practices for patient care and legal considerations. The group would also explore how to integrate Indigenous knowledge and traditions into any future therapy programs.
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A Step Toward Evidence Based Access
Supporters of the bill argue that mental health systems need new tools. Psilocybin has shown potential in clinical trials to help treat depression, PTSD and anxiety. However, lawmakers say it is important to design thoughtful policies that ensure safety and equity.
Senator Steinborn, one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized that the goal is to create a strong foundation. Rather than rush implementation, the advisory group will help the state gather data, study existing models and consult with local communities. The group would then make policy recommendations by the end of 2025.
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Growing Momentum Across States
New Mexico is one of several states considering formal paths to psychedelic therapy. Oregon and Colorado have already passed measures allowing regulated psilocybin services. Other states, including California and Washington, are exploring similar initiatives.
The New Mexico bill now heads to the House floor. If passed and signed into law, it would mark a significant shift in how the state approaches alternative mental health care. With bipartisan support and a focus on community consultation, the measure reflects a broader national movement toward integrating psychedelics into clinical treatment.
