Texas Senator introduces bill that requires studies to be done on the potential therapeutic use of psychedelics for serious mental conditions.
Sen. César Blanco (D) filed the legislation on Friday. It aims to facilitate the studies—which would be conducted by medical schools at two Texas universities—to better understand the possible benefits of psychedelics for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Researchers at Baylor University and University of Texas at Austin were tasked to research existing scientific literature surrounding psychedelics. The researchers would also be asked to investigate the FDA’s actions and to identify potential strategies that could provide the public with access to these novel drugs.
This study will evaluate “patients’ access to treatment of post-traumatic disorder, depression and co-occurring disorders and make recommendations for legislative or other measures necessary to assure patient access to psychoactive therapies after FDA approval, including considerations regarding provider availability, affordability and accessibility, as well as training, licensure and other regulatory requirements.”
According to the text of the bill, substances that fall under the purview of this review are psilocybin MDMA, and ketamine.
The Department of State Health Services would oversee the research and be required to submit a report outlining the results and making recommendations to legislative leaders and the Governor by December 1, 2020.
The law will take effect September 1, 2025, and expire two years after that.
—
MEDCAN24 tracks hundreds of marijuana, psychedelics, and drug policy legislation in state legislatures this year. Patreon members who pledge at least $25/month gain access to interactive maps, charts, and a hearing calendar.
Discover more about the marijuana bills tracker. Become a patron on Patreon for access.
—
Texas’ conservative reputation has not stopped it from being a leader in the fight for reforms in psychedelics. In 2021, a similar law was passed calling for the study of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
In 2023, a group of Texas legislators attempted to reform this law by introducing a variety of reform bills.
In the meantime, in January former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), a former member of the Trump first administration who was also a Republican, stated that Trump’s choice for health policy key positions were a “great” gift to the movement for psychedelics.
New Mexico House Committee passes Senate-passed Psilocybin Treatment Program Bill
Images courtesy carlosemmaskype & Apollo.
MEDCAN24 could not exist without readers’ support. Consider a Patreon subscription if our marijuana advocacy journalism is what you use to keep informed.
