Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has officially signed the Medical Psilocybin Act into law, making New Mexico the third state in the nation to decriminalize psilocybin—commonly known as “magic mushrooms”—for medical purposes. Despite this major step forward, advocates say the full implementation of the program is still a few years away, as groundwork such as establishing a supply chain and regulatory framework must be completed first.
Senate Bill 219 allows the use of psilocybin for treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and end-of-life care. The bill also establishes a Medical Psilocybin Advisory Board, composed of nine members appointed by the state’s Department of Health. The board will guide the program’s development, including creating licensing procedures for providers and setting standards for psilocybin producers.
Victoria Cvitanovic, a lawyer specializing in psychedelic law in New Mexico, expects the advisory board appointments to happen quickly. However, she also cautioned that the program may take longer than expected to fully roll out. “We’ve seen in other states that these programs take more time to launch than initially anticipated. Building a reliable supply chain and identifying qualified providers and patients is a process,” Cvitanovic said. She expects the first psilocybin doses to be administered no sooner than March 2028, though it could be sooner if the advisory board moves efficiently.
New Mexico’s decision to decriminalize psilocybin was influenced by the experiences of other states, particularly Oregon and Colorado, which have already started their own medical psilocybin programs. Unlike these states, however, New Mexico’s program was established through legislation, not a ballot initiative, marking a distinct approach to psychedelics policy.
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The bill also includes provisions for funding research into psilocybin’s medical uses, particularly through New Mexico’s state universities. The University of New Mexico, which has been a leader in psychedelic research, is expected to play a crucial role in expanding the scientific understanding of psilocybin’s potential. Cvitanovic hopes that agricultural research will also support the growing demand for psilocybin cultivation, noting that universities with strong agricultural programs, like New Mexico State University, could become key players in this emerging field.
The law also includes an equity fund designed to help low-income residents access psilocybin treatments. This fund aims to ensure that those who would benefit from the treatment but cannot afford it have the opportunity to receive care.
While the advisory board has yet to be formed, Cvitanovic encouraged potential providers to begin preparing their practices for participation in the program. Patients who are interested in exploring psilocybin treatment should also start connecting with healthcare professionals to learn more.
Cvitanovic stressed the significance of psilocybin as a scientifically-backed treatment for addressing trauma and improving mental health outcomes. “Psilocybin offers a chance for people to overcome deep trauma and move forward in a more productive and fulfilling way. It’s a transformative treatment that could have a profound impact on many lives in New Mexico,” she said .
