New York senators have introduced a groundbreaking bill to legalize psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with qualifying mental health conditions. Spearheaded by Senator Nathalia Fernandez (D) and five co-sponsors, the proposal would allow patients to receive psilocybin treatment in clinical settings or at home if travel is not feasible. Certified facilitators would administer the therapy, with legal protections provided for both patients and facilitators.
The bill also establishes a $5 million Psilocybin Assisted Therapy (PAT) grant program aimed at making treatment accessible to veterans, first responders, and low-income individuals. Additionally, the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets would oversee a pilot program for cultivating psilocybin mushrooms to reduce costs.
This initiative builds on prior legislative efforts that stalled in committee. Advocates argue that psilocybin offers a promising alternative for addressing the ongoing mental health crisis. Read more about this proposal on Marijuana Moment.