FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Senate Contact: Chris Nordstrum, Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov
House Contact: Camille Ward, Camille.Ward@nmlegis.gov
(Santa Fe) Today, a bi-partisan bi-cameral group of legislators have introduced legislation, Senate Bill 219, establishing a program to allow New Mexicans to receive medical treatments from psilocybin mushrooms for qualified medical conditions.
The “Medical Psilocybin Act” lays the path for mental and behavioral health treatment for New Mexicans suffering from major treatment-resistant depression, post traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders; end-of-life care; and other conditions approved by the Department of Health. The act establishes a Medical Psilocybin Advisory Board to advise on the safe administration of psilocybin in approved settings. It includes a Medical Psilocybin Treatment Equity Fund to provide fair access and a Medical Psilocybin Research Fund to advance knowledge. Furthermore, the act amends the Controlled Substances Act to remove psilocybin and psilocin from the schedule for purposes of qualified and registered patients, clinicians and producers, thus providing legal protection under the program.
The Medical Psilocybin Program would be available for New Mexicans by December 31, 2027, following a necessary rule making process by the Department of Health.
Senator Jeff Steinborn (D – Las Cruces)
“The Medical Psilocybin Act creates a carefully designed framework for the Department of Health to establish a medical program for psilocybin use. Ensuring New Mexicans have access to every available treatment for serious behavioral health challenges is critical, and this proven therapy offers new hope for those in need.”
Senator Martin Hickey (D – Albuquerque)
“This is groundbreaking medical legislation for mental health and addiction. It is akin to the breakthrough of the development of antibiotics.”
Senator Craig Brandt (R – Rio Rancho)
“I’m excited to be able to offer this breakthrough medical treatment to New Mexicans. Medical psilocybin is proving to be effective in treating traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions. As a veteran I’m hopeful that this new medical option will provide help to my fellow veterans.”
Representative Liz Thomson (D – Albuquerque)
“When we’re facing epidemic levels of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other debilitating mental health conditions, we owe it to those suffering to explore promising new treatments like psilocybin. By establishing a highly-regulated, state-run program, we can provide alternative options to those not responding to traditional treatment, in a safe, controlled environment.”
Representative Andrea Romero (D – Santa Fe)
“Psilocybin research is revolutionizing mental health care, offering hope to patients battling depression, PTSD, and anxiety. With this legislation, New Mexico is leading the charge in treatment innovation, setting a powerful precedent for compassionate and science-backed care.”
Representative Stefani Lord (R – Sandia Park)
“Research shows that psilocybin used in coordination with a licensed therapist has positive effects on people with depression and PTSD by reducing fear and anxiety, disrupting negative thought loops, and leading to long-term symptom relief in short periods. We owe it to New Mexicans to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.”
Deborah Thorne, DMSc, MS, PA
Doctor of Medical Science
Board Certified Physician Associate
Certified Integrative Psychiatry Specialist
Las Cruces, NM
“As an integrative psychiatry provider in the state of New Mexico I strongly support the need of new tools such as medical psilocybin, to assist the rising number of New Mexicans with mental health needs. The Medical Psilocybin Act will provide an equitable, safe and well monitored means of offering this valuable medicine to many while strengthening the ongoing research at UNM.”
Senate Bill 219 will first be heard in the Senate Tax, Business & Transportation Committee.
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