Psychedelic Policy in Other States

Written By Conscious Systems™️

As GLOW Idaho advances a focused psilocybin research pilot for veterans, we recognize the value in learning from the states that have come before us. Around the country, bipartisan coalitions have convened task forces, commissioned pilot studies, and crafted thoughtful legislation to evaluate psychedelic-assisted therapy—especially for PTSD, depression, and end-of-life care.

This growing national landscape provides inspiration, lessons, and evidence as Idaho charts its own path.

Minnesota

  • Task Force: Psychedelic Medicine Task Force​

  • Established: 2023​

  • Purpose: To advise the legislature on legal, medical, and policy issues related to potential legalization of psychedelic medicine.​

  • Key Actions: Released a comprehensive report recommending decriminalization of psilocybin and further research into therapeutic uses.​

  • More Info: Minnesota Department of Health (click here)

Utah

  • Task Force: Mental Illness Psychotherapy Drug Task Force​

  • Established: 2022​

  • Purpose: To examine the therapeutic potential of substances such as psilocybin and MDMA.

  • Key Actions: While the final recommendation emphasized waiting for FDA approval, the task force recognized the potential benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Since then, Utah has moved forward with research and education efforts, including Department of Health collaboration with clinical researchers.

  • More Info: Utah Patients Coalition​ (click here)

Texas

  • Task Force: Psilocybin Research Advisory Council​.

  • Established: 2021​

  • Purpose: Created under House Bill 1802 to support research on psilocybin, especially for veterans with PTSD.

  • Key Actions: Authorized partnerships with medical schools to study the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for trauma. Findings will inform future legislation.

  • More Info: Texas Legislature Online (click here)

Washington State

  • Task Force: Psilocybin Task Force​

  • Established: 2023​

  • Purpose: To evaluate clinical data and develop policy recommendations around psilocybin services.

  • Key Actions: Created under Senate Bill 5263, the task force is producing a detailed report on regulated therapeutic access models.

  • More Info: Washington State Health Care Authority (click here)​

Alaska

  • Task Force: Task Force for the Regulation of FDA Approved Psychedelic Medicines​

  • Established: 2024​

  • Purpose: To proactively prepare the state for the expected federal approval of psychedelic therapies and address mental health gaps.

  • Key Actions: Created under House Bill 228 to explore ethical frameworks, training pathways, and equitable access models for psilocybin and MDMA-assisted care.

  • More Info: Alaska Public Media (click here)​

New Mexico

  • Task Force / Program: Medical Psilocybin Program

  • Established: 2025

  • Purpose: To provide regulated access to psilocybin-assisted therapy for qualifying medical conditions, including PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and end-of-life care.

  • Key Actions: Passed the Medical Psilocybin Act (SB 219), creating a statewide therapeutic program; established an advisory board and qualifying conditions for treatment.

  • More Info: New Mexico Department of Health (click here)

Nevada

  • Task Force / Program: Psychedelic Medicines Working Group

  • Established: 2023

  • Purpose: To explore regulatory frameworks and evaluate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and MDMA.

  • Key Actions: Formed under Senate Bill 242 to guide development of safe, ethical psychedelic therapy programs; multiple bills introduced to authorize medical psilocybin use.

  • More Info: Senate Bill 242 (click here)

Arizona

  • Task Force / Program: Psilocybin Research & Services Program (under development)

  • Established: 2023–24

  • Purpose: To fund clinical research and develop evidence‑based models of regulated psilocybin‑assisted therapy.

  • Key Actions:

    • The Arizona Legislature appropriated up to $5 million for grant applications to study whole‑mushroom psilocybin (SB 1726). Cronkite News+3azmed.org+3Axios+3

    • Scottsdale Research Institute was selected to lead a state‑funded IND‑enabled human trial of whole‑mushroom psilocybin for PTSD, life‑threatening illness and pain. ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+1

    • The state’s Psilocybin Research Advisory Council (Arizona Department of Health Services) oversees the grant process and advises the Governor and Legislature on regulated psychedelic therapy. GlobeNewswire+1

  • More Info: Arizona Department of Health Services Grant Notice for Study of Psilocybin Whole Mushrooms (click here)

✨ Idaho's Opportunity

While each state is choosing its own model, a clear trend is emerging: states across the political spectrum are acknowledging the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and building safe pathways forward.

Idaho has a chance to take a focused, responsible step by launching a veteran-centered pilot study—learning from others while centering our own values of safety, service, and evidence-based care.

Conscious Systems™️

Cyber brand strategist for individuals and organizations.

https://www.conscioussystemsgroup.com
Next

Idaho Psilocybin Research Pilot Study