Bill could make ‘magic mushrooms' a legal treatment option in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – So-called 'magic mushrooms' could soon be used to treat patients with certain medical conditions in New Mexico. Bipartisan bill SB 219 which would legalize psilocybin has been moving quickly through the legislative session.
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The bill is meant to help people suffering from conditions like PTSD and severe depression. Although the idea is controversial, on Monday it received a lot of support. 'This is another option, that's all this is. It's another option but New Mexicans deserve to have this option,' said Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces).
Giving New Mexicans more ways to improve their health when other traditional medical treatments haven't worked, is what Sen. Steinborn said his bill to legalize psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, is meant to do.
'We have New Mexicans who are suffering with various conditions that are really kind of end runs in some cases, major drug-resistant depression where the pharmaceutical world isn't giving them any relief or they have major major side effects, they need another option,' said Sen. Steinborn.
Modeled after programs in Oregon and Colorado, the bipartisan bill would allow the drug to be administered to a patient suffering from conditions including PTSD, severe depression, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions. Patients would be supervised and would only need the treatment once or twice.
Lawmakers emphasized this would be for use in medical settings only and would not create psilocybin dispensaries. Supporters spoke during the bill's last committee hearing on Monday.
'By creating a structured regulated program for psilocybin treatment, this bill ensures that patients in New Mexico can safely and legally access the miraculous benefits under medical supervision,' said Denali Wilson, supporter of the bill.
'My psychiatrist had me try psilocybin-assisted therapy, my depression is now completely cured and my life has been saved so I ask you to please support this bill,' said a supporter named Molly who underwent psilocybin treatment.
Some committee members expressed concerns about potential negative side effects but sponsors say the risks are low. 'It's a medicine of the mind in a way that has physical manifestations and sure it can be intense and a very very small amount of people could need extra deescalation or whatever from the experience, but by and large the outcome is very safe,' said Sen. Steinborn.
The bill passed 8-1 in committee. It now heads to the House floor. If it passes there, it will head to the governor's desk. There are only five days left of the legislative session.
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