These programs are more difficult to implement than people think. It is important to establish a state-wide supply chain for these products.
By Leah Romero, Source NM
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat from New Mexico, signed into law the Medical Psilocybin Act this week. This makes New Mexico the third U.S. state to legalize the so-called magic mushrooms.“ However, advocates claim that the program will not be fully operational for a couple of years.
Senate Bill 219 criminalizes the use of psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) for major treatment-resistant depressive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder and substance abuse disorders, including end-of life care. The bill also creates a Medical Psilocybin Advisory Board of nine members, who will be appointed by the Secretary of Health. They must have knowledge of behavioral health, and the ability to represent the interests of New Mexicans including Natives and Veterans.
After the board has been established, it will start establishing rules and regulations for licensing providers as well as requirements for producers of psilocybin. Victoria Cvitanovic a New Mexico-based attorney specializing psychedelics law spoke in support of the bill. Source NM reports that Cvitanovic expects Secretary to make the first board appointment soon.
Cvitanovic added that while the initial patients will receive their first dosages by March 2028, this timeline may be quicker if a board is quickly formed and begins its work. We’ve observed in other states that these programs are more difficult to implement than people think. The state must develop its own supply chain to provide the product. It is important to find the practitioners who will be the first users of this product. With the amount of work that will be required, 2027 seems like a reasonable deadline.
Cvitanovic stated that New Mexico has benefited from Oregon’s and Colorado’s medical psilocybin program launched in the last few years. New Mexico has become the third state in the country to have legalized the use of psychedelics, but the first that did so through a legislative process rather than a vote.
SB 219, she said, also contains a research grant that will enable state universities expand their research into the uses of psilocybin and possible the strains that produce the most effective product.
“The University of New Mexico, historically speaking, has been the leader of the pack when it came to research on psychedelics here in the United States. Cvitanovic noted that the University of New Mexico had done an outstanding job in laying out a solid medical basis for treatment. Mycelium production is a growing area of agricultural research, including functional mushrooms as well as psychedelic ones. And so agricultural universities are going to play a major role in the growth of the psychedelics industry across the nation. I’d love New Mexico State to get involved.
Cvitanovic stated that the advisory board could add anxiety disorders and depression to the list.
The bill also includes an equity fund that will assist people in paying for treatment costs if they cannot afford to pay out of pocket.
Cvitanovic stated that while an advisory board is not yet in place, it is still the right time to ensure the practice of any providers interested in this treatment is up to date. Patients who are considering treatment should also start talking with providers.
She said that psilocybin was a treatment that is scientifically based for moving past traumas, and to be able move on with a productive life. As part of this community, I want my neighbors to have the best life possible. This is an important part of it.
Source NM published this article first.
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Image courtesy Wikimedia/Mushroom observer.