As cannabis reform spreads across the country, psychedelics are seen as the next frontier. Several communities have decriminalized psychedelic compounds as studies continue to show their potential benefits. And while FDA approval of psilocybin or MDMA may be years down the road, some states are taking matters into their own hands by introducing their own legislation.
Which states could be next to legalize psychedelics? From the Land of 10,000 Lakes to the Show-Me State, here’s where lawmakers are considering reform.
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Washington
Legislators in Washington introduced SB 5201 ahead of the upcoming session. The bill would legalize psilocybin therapy and is modeled after legislation in Oregon and Colorado. A similar measure was previously approved, but much of the core content was eliminated before Governor Jay Inslee partially vetoed most of what was left. Proponents of the bill hope 2025 is the year when the Evergreen State sees legal psilocybin passed.
Minnesota
Minnesota was the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis, and mushrooms may be next. The Psychedelic Medicine Task Force, which was formed to advise state lawmakers on psychedelic policy, recently released a report recommending the North Star State take a number of actions. This includes decriminalizing personal use and possession of magic mushrooms, the creation of a state-regulated psilocybin therapy program, and more research into the benefits of psychedelics. It’s unclear if legislators will accept the recommendations, but the spring session has only just begun.
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Missouri
Many advocates believe psychedelics could be a major benefit for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, and Rep. Matt Overcast of Missouri agrees. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, the Republican recently told Marijuana Moment he intends to file a bill this session legalizing psilocybin therapy in the state. The treatment would be available to people with PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions. A pair of bills already introduced would limit therapy to veterans enrolled in clinical trials, something Overcast believes is too restrictive.
New York
Two psychedelic-related bills have already been pre-filed for the upcoming 2025 session in New York State. One would decriminalize the use and possession of entheogenic psychedelics for adults over the age of 21, including psilocybin, ibogaine, DMT, and mescaline. The second would legalize psilocybin therapy and create a state-regulated industry similar to Oregon and Colorado. Both bills are similar to measures introduced in years past that failed to advance beyond committee.
Nevada
Another state considering psilocybin therapy is Nevada. A government task force called the Psychedelic Medicines Working Group recommended the creation of a state-regulated program as well as the lowering of penalties for entheogens. Lawmakers in the Silver State will now consider the recommendation, and bills are expected to be filed in the upcoming session.
Psychedelics are becoming more prevalent, and the majority of Americans support regulating certain compounds. Advocates in the states above (and beyond) hope to see reform coming soon so that millions of people can find relief from mental health conditions and more.
