New Mexico’s psychedelic revelation is on its way. Lawmakers have asked the state’s highest health authority to research whether New Mexicans should have access to psilocybin mushroom therapies.
The New Mexico Senate unanimously approved on Feb. 14 Senate Memorial 12, which asks the Department of Health (DOH) to study the efficacy of using psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic medical treatments. The resolution also requests that the department research the proper framework to create a program to allow access to the drug. The resolution asks that the DOH partner with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center for the studies.
The legislation isn’t legally binding—the DOH hasn’t actually been ordered to do anything—and doesn’t require the governor’s approval, but it is a pretty loud statement coming from a considerably powerful bipartisan source. The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) and Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), as well as Reps. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) and Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park).
The memorial notes that the prevalence of mental illness among New Mexican adults is at an all-time high and the state has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, many of which are committed by first responders suffering from PTSD. It also notes that New Mexico has one of the highest drug overdose rates in the country and the highest alcohol-related death rate.
The power that psilocybin may have to change individuals and society for the better is hard to ignore. But while faith can move mountains, only money moves pens. Luckily, there is a lot of money to be made.
The Green Rush for cannabis is long over, and it’s Thunderdome time for the weed industry. But all signs are pointing to the emergence of a new psilocybin industry that, while different in many ways, will nevertheless be compared with the cannabis industry. We’ll also likely see many of the same players operating in both sectors.
In Oregon, the first state to legalize psilocybin treatment, licensed centers opened their doors to consumers last June. According to local news coverage, the majority of centers’ clients have traveled from out of state to take part in mushroom treatments that can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, and possibly more.
The state allows anyone 21 and older to access the treatment centers as long as they are watched over by a licensed facilitator, who guides them through the experience and offers therapeutic support.
Oregon’s not the only state that’s moving forward with psilocybin legalization. Colorado legalized psilocybin in 2022, but it has not yet rolled out the state-approved “healing centers” that are called for in its law.
A spokesperson for the DOH told The Paper. that the department is actively evaluating and determining its priorities.