HOUSE MEMORIAL 58

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Dayan Hochman-Vigil

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO STUDY PSILOCYBIN-BASED MEDICATION TREATMENT.

 

     WHEREAS, psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic applications, including treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder; and

     WHEREAS, the use of psilocybin-based treatments has become a topic of increasing interest in the medical and scientific communities, with several jurisdictions across the United States and globally exploring regulatory frameworks for the use of psilocybin-based treatments in clinical settings; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has recognized the importance of advancing evidence-based health care solutions and ensuring the safety, efficacy and accessibility of new treatment modalities for its residents; and 

     WHEREAS, the department of health plays a central role in regulating health care practices and safeguarding public health within the state; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico would benefit from standardized guidelines that ensure appropriate training for medical professionals and robust testing protocols for psilocybin-based treatments;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to study the following:

          A. the standardization of training requirements and modalities for the use of psilocybin-based medication treatment by examining the current landscape of psilocybin-based medication treatments;

          B. the establishment of clear testing protocols to ensure the consistency, accuracy and safety of psilocybin products;

          C. the methods for determining psilocybin content, variability in potency and quality control measures that protect both patients and providers;

          D. the considerations of both initial and ongoing training requirements, ensuring that the training modalities support safe, effective and ethical use of psilocybin as a therapeutic treatment;

          E. the review of existing legal and regulatory barriers to psilocybin-based medication treatment, including state and federal restrictions, and recommendations for policy adjustments that may facilitate safe and controlled access;

          F. the examination of potential frameworks for licensing, administration and oversight, including whether psilocybin-based treatment should be limited to medical professionals, offered in supervised clinical settings or made available through licensed facilitators;

          G. the evaluation of public health and safety concerns, including considerations for proper screening of patients, contraindications and integration with existing mental health care services;

          H. the assessment of economic and social equity impacts, including strategies to ensure affordable and equitable access to psilocybin-based treatments for underserved populations, as well as opportunities for community participation in the development of a regulatory framework;

          I. the engagement of medical and scientific experts, including representatives from universities, research institutions and clinical trial programs, to provide guidance on evidence-based best practices and safety standards;

          J. the solicitation of input from stakeholders, including health care professionals, indigenous and traditional medicine practitioners, mental health advocacy organizations and members of the public, to inform policy recommendations;

          K. the identification of potential funding sources for future research and implementation efforts, including federal grants, private research partnerships and state appropriations; and

          L. the establishment of a time line for implementing any recommended regulatory or legislative changes following the completion of the study, ensuring that findings are used to inform future policymaking efforts; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health be requested to submit a comprehensive report detailing the department's findings, recommended policy changes and a proposed framework for psilocybin-based medication treatment, including potential pilot programs, licensing structures and public health safeguards; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health.

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