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Sponsor offers 'psilocybin light' advisory approach as alternate to broad licensing bill
Summary
Representative Buzz Schaer presented HB1809 as a regulatory‑light alternative that sets up an advisory council to study therapeutic psilocybin policy and solicit national expert input; he said the council could be used to inform a careful, evidence‑based approach and that he would accept amendments to narrow the bill to advisory functions.
Representative Buzz Schaer described HB1809 as a more cautious, advisory‑focused alternative to broader licensing proposals for therapeutic psilocybin. The bill establishes a temporary advisory council charged with reviewing national regulatory models, soliciting input from leading researchers and administrators in other states, and producing recommendations for the Legislature.
Why it matters: Schaer framed the council as a way to build expertise in New Hampshire and avoid immediate regulatory and fiscal commitments. He said he had consulted Colorado’s program administrators and expected to invite experts (by remote participation) to advise the state.
DHHS comments and committee reaction
DHHS staff said the advisory track would entail less immediate fiscal impact than a full licensing regime but that the department would still expect to provide staff support to facilitate council work. Committee members discussed composition, costs and whether the panel should be built to produce a narrow set of operational recommendations or to take a broader policy role.
What’s next: Sponsor said he was open to amending the bill to strip program elements and make it advisory‑only; committee members asked DHHS and stakeholders to provide input on advisory membership, timelines and deliverables.
Sources: Representative Buzz Schaer (prime sponsor), Jenny O'Higgins (DHHS), Michael Holt (Therapeutic Cannabis Program).
