Nevada lawmakers introduced a bill that creates a psychedelics pilot therapy program, which would offer a therapeutic alternative to certain patients with mental illnesses.
Assemblymember Max Carter’s (D) legislation and that of 18 co-sponsors were filed Monday. This could be the start to a potential expansion on Nevada’s existing psychedelics law.
The state will establish a Alternative Therapy Pilot Program within the Department of Health and Human Services. The proposal would allow the use of certain psychedelics under medical supervision, including DMT, mescaline, DMT and psilocybin.
According to the text of the bill, the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of HHS will be responsible for licensing “at least one individual” who can “cultivate or manufacture psychedelics substances that are used in the Program.”
The psychedelic drugs are prohibited by state and federal laws. However, anyone who is authorized to take part in this program will be “immune” from any civil, criminal, and administrative liabilities arising out of that behavior.
According to the findings of the bill, providing access to treatments which involve administering psychedelic drugs under medical supervision can contribute to public welfare through improved treatment outcomes.
Carter, the sponsor, was among several Nevada legislators who participated in a recent psychedelic policy summit and expressed optimism that the state could make progress toward legalizing therapeutic use of the substances in the coming year.
Carter was on a panel with Sen. Rochelle (D), hosted by Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines. The two lawmakers are members of the state Psychedelic Medicines Working Group, which in December released a report urging legislators to establish a program for regulated accessibility to psychedelic assisted therapy.
In 2023, Nguyen sponsored legislation that would have legalized psilocybin and promoted further research into the drug, as well as encouraged studies of MDMA—but the was significantly scaled back in a Senate committee to examine the use of entheogens “in medicinal, therapeutic, and improved wellness” and develop a future plan for regulated access. It ultimately became the vehicle that created the state psychedelics working group.
Last month, Nevada Senators introduced a Resolution calling for Congress to act on a federal level in order to promote psychedelics and alternative therapies.
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Carlosemmaskype, Apollo and other photographers provided the images.