Category: Magic Mushroom

Massachusetts lawmakers are set to debate two significant psilocybin proposals during public hearings on September 29. The first, House Bill 4050, introduced by Rep. Patrick Kearney (D), would remove psilocybin and psilocyn from the state’s list of controlled substances, creating a regulated framework for cultivation, distribution, and limited home growing. It also includes equity measures such as tax credits for small cultivators and support for low-income residents seeking psychedelic-assisted therapy.

A separate proposal, House Bill 2532 by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D), would establish a five-site pilot program for nonprofit therapeutic treatment centers overseen by the Department of Public Health. Advocates say both bills highlight the growing recognition of psilocybin’s potential in addressing mental health challenges.

Read the full report at The Marijuana Herald.

New York lawmakers plan to hold a public hearing on September 30 to examine the medicinal value and risks of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms.” The Assembly Health Committee, led by Chairwoman Amy Paulin (D), announced the meeting as the state considers regulated pathways for supervised use.

The move comes as the FDA has designated psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” for major depression, suggesting it could outperform current treatments. Similar reforms have already passed in states like Colorado and Oregon.

Several bills have been introduced in New York to legalize or regulate psilocybin, but none have advanced out of committee. Lawmakers say the issue is pressing amid the state’s ongoing mental health crisis.

Read the full report at Marijuana Moment.

A new ballot initiative in Alaska has cleared a key hurdle, allowing organizers to begin gathering signatures in support of decriminalizing psychedelics. If successful, the measure would remove criminal penalties for adults possessing or cultivating psychedelic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms, for personal use. Proponents argue that changing the law could improve access to therapies and help destigmatize these substances, which are gaining attention for potential mental health benefits.

The initiative represents the latest effort in a nationwide wave of psychedelic reform, following similar moves in Oregon and Colorado. Advocates say effects from these reforms are being closely watched across the country. Full details of the initiative and implications for Alaskans can be found at the Oregon Capital Chronicle’s report on the topic.

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Singularism, a Utah-based religious group, halting criminal prosecution against its member Bridger Jensen and denying the state’s motion to dismiss. Judge Jill N. Parrish found that applying Utah’s Controlled Substances Act to prohibit the group’s sacramental use of psilocybin mushrooms imposes a substantial burden on religious exercise, violating both the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act and constitutional protections. Notably, the Act allows secular exemptions for medical use but not for religious use, failing the required neutrality and triggering strict scrutiny. The court determined the prosecution stemmed from bad faith, intended to harass the group for its sincere religious practices. This precedent-setting case may open new pathways for religious exemptions to Utah’s psilocybin ban. Read the full article at The Marijuana Herald.

The recently incorporated Psilocybin Alliance has announced major organizational milestones in its push to protect Oregon’s legal psilocybin services sector. As a newly formed 501(c)(6) nonprofit, the Alliance aims to unite service centers, manufacturers, facilitators, training programs, labs, and advocates under one banner, prioritizing sustainability and accessibility. Despite industry challenges leading to several license holders exiting, the Alliance reports strong early support—representing Oregon’s only licensed testing lab, ten service centers, three manufacturers, two training programs, and multiple facilitators.

A formal partnership with state regulators began July 8, setting the stage for continued industry-OPS dialogue. The group’s leadership emphasizes advocacy for sustainable operations and collaborative policy development. The Alliance invites further participation from professionals eager to help shape Oregon’s evolving psilocybin landscape. Read the full announcement and organizational details at PharmiWeb.

A new proposal in Michigan could offer hope to veterans and others struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) introduced House Bill 4686, seeking to decriminalize psilocybin possession for individuals diagnosed with PTSD.

At a recent press conference, McFall was joined by retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael G. Smith Jr., who highlighted the potential of psilocybin to alleviate PTSD symptoms and possibly prevent life-threatening conditions associated with the disorder. Citing research from the Heroic Hearts Project, preliminary findings suggest over 80% of veterans in psychedelic programs reported symptom improvement after a single treatment.

The bill draws support from local officials and veterans, emphasizing its focus on medicinal rather than recreational use. As debate continues, psilocybin remains federally controlled, but Michigan cities like Hazel Park, Ann Arbor, and Detroit have already eased local restrictions.

Read the full article at C&G News.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a groundbreaking clinical trial exploring the use of botanical psilocybin to treat veterans and first responders suffering from both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study, led by Dr. Nathan Sackett at the University of Washington, will assess the safety of Filament Health’s psilocybin drug, PEX010, administered in a single 25 mg dose alongside psychological support.

This marks the first time psilocybin-assisted therapy will be evaluated for individuals with both PTSD and AUD—two conditions that often overlap but lack effective dual treatments, particularly among military and emergency personnel. The trial, funded by the State of Washington, is currently enrolling participants, with results expected by fall 2026.

Filament Health CEO Benjamin Lightburn emphasized the urgent need for innovative mental health solutions for those who have served their communities.

Read the full story at The Marijuana Herald.

Colorado has taken a major step in its journey toward regulated psilocybin-assisted therapy by issuing the first licenses to individuals in the emerging psilocybin industry. The state’s Department of Revenue’s Natural Medicine Division approved seven applications for cultivation and healing centers, along with one additional license for a local industry worker. While these approvals mark significant progress, businesses must still secure official licenses before operations can begin.

This milestone follows the passage of Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Health Act, in November 2022. The act decriminalized personal use and possession of psilocybin for adults over 21 and set up a framework for regulated therapies and licensed facilities. Colorado joins Oregon as one of the first states to legalize and regulate psilocybin treatments. Regulators anticipate public access to these therapies as early as spring.

For more details, visit The Marijuana Herald.

Colorado has officially entered the forefront of psychedelic legalization, becoming one of the first states to allow psilocybin-assisted therapy. Following the passage of Proposition 122 in 2022, the state is now licensing “healing centers” where individuals can access supervised psilocybin sessions. Advocates hail this as a groundbreaking step toward alternative treatments for mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, particularly for veterans.

However, the move has not been without controversy. Critics, including some conservative groups, argue that the state is moving too quickly and raising concerns about potential misuse and societal impacts. Despite this pushback, proponents emphasize the therapeutic potential of psilocybin when administered in controlled environments.

As Colorado navigates this new terrain, it joins Oregon in shaping the future of psychedelic therapy in the U.S., setting a precedent for other states considering similar measures. For more details, see the full article on Newsweek.

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.

Oregon’s groundbreaking psilocybin industry is gearing up for a year of fine-tuning in 2025. As the first state in the nation to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, Oregon has been at the forefront of this innovative approach to mental health treatment.

The program, which launched in 2023, has seen steady growth and interest from both practitioners and clients. However, industry leaders and regulators recognize the need for adjustments to ensure its long-term success and safety.

Key areas of focus for the coming year include refining training programs for facilitators, streamlining the licensing process, and addressing concerns about accessibility and affordability. The Oregon Health Authority is also working closely with researchers to gather data on the program’s effectiveness and safety.

This ongoing evolution of Oregon’s psilocybin program continues to draw national attention as other states consider similar initiatives.

In a significant legislative shift, a New Jersey Senate panel has approved an amended psilocybin bill that pivots from broad legalization to a focus on therapeutic use. The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee voted 6-2 in favor of the revised bill, S.2283, sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari and others. Initially, the bill included provisions for adult possession and personal use, which have now been removed to concentrate on establishing a regulated therapeutic program.

The Department of Health would oversee the licensing and regulation of psilocybin manufacture and distribution under the new framework. The bill also proposes the creation of a Psilocybin Advisory Board to guide medical use, safety protocols, and facilitator training. Despite support from some mental health professionals, critics argue the amendments overly restrict access and echo past issues seen in New Jersey’s medical marijuana program. For more details, see the full article on Marijuana Moment.

In a closely watched ballot measure, Massachusetts voters have decisively turned down a proposal to legalize certain psychedelic substances for therapeutic use and personal cultivation. The initiative, known as Question 4, aimed to decriminalize natural psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and mescaline cacti for adults 21 and older. Proponents argued that these substances could offer significant mental health benefits, particularly for conditions such as depression and PTSD. However, opponents, including many medical professionals, expressed concerns about potential health risks and the lack of FDA approval. The rejection of this measure marks a setback for the growing movement to expand access to psychedelic therapies in the United States. Despite this outcome, advocates remain hopeful that ongoing clinical research will continue to explore the potential benefits of these substances in controlled settings.

For more details on this story, visit NPR’s coverage.

In a significant step towards psychedelic reform, a New Jersey Senate committee has approved a bill that would legalize a therapeutic psilocybin program in the state. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee voted almost unanimously to advance the amended bill S.2283, which focuses on regulated access for authorized medical patients.

The legislation, if passed, would create a state-sanctioned psilocybin program for therapeutic use. Testimony from advocates, including a lawyer who uses psilocybin to treat cluster headaches, swayed some previously hesitant lawmakers.

The bill has undergone changes, moving away from broader adult-use legalization to concentrate on medical applications. It now includes provisions for patient certification and clarifies that it won’t restrict access to FDA-approved psilocybin drugs.

This development aligns with growing public support for therapeutic psilocybin use in New Jersey, as indicated by a recent survey showing 55% of residents in favor of medical psilocybin legalization.

A significant legal challenge is underway as Dr. Sunil Aggarwal and the Advanced Integrated Medical Science (AIMS) Institute contest the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) denial of psilocybin for end-of-life care. The case, heard by a federal appeals court, could reshape access to psilocybin, a Schedule I substance, under Right to Try (RTT) laws. These laws allow terminally ill patients to use investigational drugs not yet approved by the FDA. Dr. Aggarwal argues that psilocybin, despite its classification, should be accessible due to its potential therapeutic benefits. The DEA maintains that RTT laws do not override the Controlled Substances Act. Judges questioned the DEA’s rigid interpretation, suggesting the agency could grant exceptions. The outcome of this case could influence the future of psilocybin and similar substances in medical treatments. For more details, see the full article on Benzinga here.

In a significant move for drug policy reform, Massachusetts voters will have the chance to legalize certain psychedelics this November. The Secretary of the Commonwealth, William F. Galvin, has certified that activists collected enough valid signatures to place the Natural Psychedelic Substances Act on the ballot.

The proposed measure would allow adults 21 and older to possess, grow, and share specific amounts of psychedelics, including DMT, non-peyote mescaline, ibogaine, psilocybin, and psilocin. It also outlines plans for a regulatory commission and licensed service centers.

Despite the legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Ballot Initiatives recommending against the measure, citing concerns about widespread recreational use, supporters argue that psychedelics offer promising therapeutic benefits, particularly for veterans and those with mental health conditions.

If passed, Massachusetts would join a growing number of jurisdictions exploring psychedelic reform, potentially reshaping the landscape of mental health treatment and drug policy. For more details, visit Marijuana Moment.

The Arizona House of Representatives has passed a significant bill that would legalize psilocybin service centers, bringing the state one step closer to embracing the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances. This bill, which has already cleared the Senate, now heads to Governor Katie Hobbs’ desk for final approval.

The proposed legislation aims to establish regulated environments where individuals can receive psilocybin treatments under professional supervision. Advocates argue that this move could provide much-needed options for those suffering from mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD, for which traditional treatments have proven inadequate.

Proponents of the bill highlight the growing body of research supporting psilocybin’s potential therapeutic benefits, while opponents raise concerns about safety and regulatory challenges. If signed into law, Arizona would join a small but growing number of states exploring the legal use of psychedelics for medical purposes.

For more details on this legislative development, you can read the full article on Marijuana Moment.

California is taking a significant step towards the legalization of psilocybin, with officials recently clearing a campaign to begin signature gathering for a 2024 ballot initiative. The proposed measure aims to legalize the possession, sale, and regulated therapeutic use of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. This initiative, led by Decriminalize California, also seeks to establish a regulatory framework to facilitate the therapeutic use of psilocybin under professional supervision.

Campaign director Ryan Munevar emphasized the need to leverage upcoming events and college gatherings to meet the signature requirements. This initiative follows previous efforts to place similar measures on the ballot, underscoring the growing momentum for psychedelic reform in the state. If successful, the measure would create a structured environment for psilocybin therapy and potentially reduce costs associated with prior psilocybin-related convictions.

For more details on this developing story, visit Marijuana Moment.