New Mexico Senate Bill 219 was signed into law, making the state the third in the nation to establish a framework for medical psilocybin use, and the first to do so through legislation rather than a voter initiative.

Over the last several years, clinical research has demonstrated the potential for psychedelic drugs to help treat mental illnesses and other conditions, leading to shifts in psilocybin policy across the country. And as more people gain access to psychedelic therapy, the potential impacts to overall healthcare may affect workers’ comp.

According to the bill, patients, including minors with provider approval, can access psilocybin for:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• PTSD
• Substance use disorders
• End-of-life care
• Potential for additional conditions.

The Department of Health will regulate psilocybin use for qualifying medical conditions, administered by licensed providers in approved settings. Ongoing stakeholder collaboration will be required to establish the framework for psilocybin therapy, including a nine-member advisory board to set standards for program practices, dosages, and approved conditions.

The bill will also see that psilocybin and psilocin are excluded from Schedule I when used under the Act. FDA-approved psilocybin products are excluded from the Act, except in certain research and treatment scenarios.