02 Apr NMPSS Spring Update: Pioneering Progress in Psychedelic Science
The New Mexico Psychedelic Science Society (NMPSS) has been at the forefront of advocating for safe and equitable access to psychedelic therapies. As we move into the spring of 2024, we are excited to share some of our recent achievements and updates on the evolving landscape of psychedelic research.
NMPSS Achievements:
- Bipartisan Support for Working Group: In 2022, our initial efforts to introduce legislation for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy were met with constructive feedback, leading to bipartisan support for the formation of a working group within the Health and Human Services committee.
- Senate Memorial 12: In 2024, our advocacy efforts culminated in the unanimous passage of Senate Memorial 12, which requests the New Mexico Department of Health and the University of New Mexico to study Psilocybin and explore regulatory requirements for a therapeutic program. This significant milestone was further endorsed by the governor.
National and State Movements in Psychedelic Research:
- Federal Initiatives: The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Joe Biden, includes provisions for mandatory Department of Defense clinical trials to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for active-duty military service members.
- Congressional Psychedelics Caucus: The relaunched Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus aims to reduce fear-mongering and focus on realistic research and outcomes .
- FDA Guidance: In 2023, the FDA released draft guidance for researchers studying psychedelics, highlighting the initial promise of these substances as potential therapies.
- State-Level Developments:
- Colorado and California have made strides in creating regulatory frameworks for legal psychedelics, with Colorado’s legislation establishing policies for “healing centers” and California’s governor vetoing a bill for decriminalization prior to setting up regulated treatment guidelines.
- Massachusetts activists have collected enough signatures to consider a psychedelics legalization initiative, potentially placing the issue on the state’s 2024 ballot.
- Minnesota has formed a psychedelics task force to prepare for possible legalization, with a final report due by January 1, 2025 .
Looking Ahead:
As NMPSS continues to advocate for the therapeutic use of psychedelics, we are inspired by the growing recognition of their potential benefits. We remain committed to our mission of expanding access to these transformative therapies and are grateful for the continued support of our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the legislative landscape and work towards a brighter future for psychedelic science in New Mexico.
For more information about our efforts and how you can get involved, send us a message!