New York state lawmakers held a hearing on the potential legalization of psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” to assess its medicinal benefits and risks. Currently illegal and classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance by the DEA, psilocybin is nonetheless allowed for supervised treatment in states like Oregon and Colorado for adults over 21. Clinical experts highlighted its breakthrough therapy status with the FDA for mental health conditions. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin introduced bills to legalize psilocybin cultivation and adult use for health purposes, emphasizing the need for careful legislative consideration.
Retired FDNY firefighter Joe McKay shared his personal story of debilitating cluster headaches and opioid addiction, explaining how psilocybin treatment was transformative, giving him his life back. The hearing underscores growing support for a regulated framework that balances public safety with therapeutic access source.