New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Medical Psilocybin Act, making it the third state in the country to legalize access to psilocybin.
Green Market Report Previously, I had written that S.B. The Medical Psilocybin Act (also known as 219 or the Medical Psilocybin Act) was passed by bipartisan majorities of both chambers in the State Legislature. S.B. 219 was approved by the New Mexico House of Representatives. The New Mexico House of Representatives approved S.B. 219 by 56-8 votes on 18 March, after the State Senate passed it on 33-4 votes a few weeks earlier.
In a January statement, co-sponsor Senator Craig Brandt of Rio Rancho said that he hoped this treatment would benefit “fellow vets” with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic disorder.
Source NM stated that in a letter written by Rep. Elizabeth Thomson (D-Albuquerque), co-sponsor of the bill, said “When there are epidemic levels for depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental illnesses, we owe a duty to sufferers to investigate promising new treatments, like psilocybin.” Establishing a highly-regulated state-run program will allow us to provide alternatives to people who are not responding to conventional treatment in a safe and controlled environment.
The bill states that the conditions required for qualifying patients will include at least major treatment resistant depression, post-traumatic disorder, substance abuse disorders, and end-of life care. Health regulators could add new qualifying conditions. Some patients could also qualify for treatment funded by the Medical Psilocybin Treatment Equity Fund.
Department will be monitoring producers and clinicians to ensure they are complying with law. By Dec. 31 2027, the Department will implement its program in collaboration with the Board, higher education institutions of the state, and providers of health care. The State-Tribal Collaboration Act requires that the Department consult with tribal groups when developing this program.
A medical psilocybin board, comprised of nine experts in the field of medical psilocybin use, will be established under the proposed bill. One member should be a member of a tribe, nation or pueblo in New Mexico. The law also states that, in addition to the tribe member, at least one other member must be an advocate for mental and behavioral health equity, one representative from the health authority, as well as a veteran.
As a permanent fund, the law also establishes a medical psilocybin fund. Funds will be created from gifts, donations, and grants.
SB0219