House committee gives Senate Bill 219 a due pass to expand medical psilocybin program

The New Mexico House Health & Human Services Committee gave a due pass to Senate Bill 219 on a voice-roll vote, 8–1, after extensive testimony from clinicians, people who said they benefited from psychedelic-assisted therapy and Department of Health officials.

Supporters told the committee that SB 219 would create a tightly regulated program to provide psilocybin-assisted therapy for four qualifying conditions: severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder and end-of-life anxiety. Senator Martin Hickey, subbing for the sponsor, described the proposal as modeled on programs in Oregon and Colorado and said the law would create an advisory board and a multi-stage clinical protocol. "The first program would not take place with patients until, after 01/21/2028," Hickey said during his opening remarks.

The bill would direct the Department of Health to license qualified producers and certify clinicians and guides; DOH staff described expectations that most administration would occur in clinic settings. "Because this medication would be administered within clinics, that sort of a situation would not be one that would arise," Dr. Dominic Zirlo of DOH told legislators when asked whether patients would legally be able to transport psilocybin across state lines.

Why it matters: Supporters said the treatment shows promise where other interventions have failed for treatment‑resistant conditions and could offer a new option for veterans, first responders and people at the end of life. Opponents at the hearing were far fewer and raised questions about access, long‑term effects and equity; the committee next moved the bill forward for further consideration.

What the committee heard: Clinicians and patient witnesses described therapeutic models that pair a psilocybin dosing session with preparatory and integrative psychotherapy. "As a clinical social worker ... I see that it takes a minimum of 3 to 5 years to heal most people from severe trauma cases," said Amy Wong Hope, who testified in support and described psilocybin-assisted therapy as an accelerated, supervised approach for some patients.

Several witnesses described personal or clinical experience with psychedelic-assisted treatment. "My depression is now completely cured, and my life has been saved," said Molly Forgaard, who said she had been treatment‑resistant on multiple conventional therapies before receiving psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Officials and sponsors repeatedly emphasized rulemaking. Dr. Zirlo said DOH and the advisory board would set dosing, provider qualifications and clinical settings; he told the committee DOH would produce periodic reports on program outcomes. "This program wouldn't start until 12/31/2027," a DOH presenter said later in the hearing when describing the anticipated timeline for rulemaking and implementation.

Budget and equity provisions: Committee members asked how the program would be funded. Sponsors said the Legislature had discussed appropriations; during the hearing the sponsor said earlier budget language proposed roughly $1.5 million, with about $500,000 earmarked for the University of New Mexico to support research informing rulemaking.

Safety and scope: Witnesses and committee members discussed contraindications, possible short‑term adverse reactions (nausea, agitation) and the need to exclude patients on certain medications. DOH staff said the bill is written to cover naturally occurring psilocybin (the whole‑mushroom product) and to exempt any FDA‑approved synthetic or manufactured products if and when the FDA approves them.

Committee action: Representative Anaya moved a due‑pass recommendation on the Senate committee substitute for SB 219, seconded by Representative Ferrari. The committee took roll: Representative Anaya (yes), Representative Kates (yes), Representative E. Chavez (yes), Representative N. Chavez (yes), Representative Ferrari (yes), Representative Jones (yes), Representative Martinez (yes), Representative Sena Cortez (no), and the chair (yes). The clerk announced "by 8 to 1, you have a due pass."

What’s next: With a due pass, SB 219 moves to further House consideration and will undergo DOH rulemaking if enacted. Supporters said rulemaking and the advisory board process would be used to finalize eligibility, clinical protocols and the equity fund mechanics for patients who cannot pay out‑of‑pocket.

Ending: Committee testimony and sponsor remarks emphasized a phased, regulated rollout rather than immediate clinical availability. Proponents asked the Legislature to fund implementation and research; opponents urged close attention to access, long‑term safety and equity as the bill advances.