Texas Senator Files Bill To Support Research On Psychedelic Therapy For PTSD And Depression

A Texas senator has introduced a bill to require studies on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in the treatment of serious mental health conditions.

Sen. César Blanco (D) filed the legislation on Friday. It aims to facilitate the studies—which would be conducted by medical schools at two Texas universities—to better understand the possible benefits of psychedelics for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Researchers at Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin would be tasked with researching the existing scientific literature around psychedelics, actions made by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and potential strategies to provide access to the novel medicines.

The study would involve an evaluation of “patient access to current treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other co-occurring conditions and recommend legislative or other actions necessary to ensure patient access to psychedelic therapies following approval” by FDA, “including considerations of provider availability, affordability, accessibility, training and licensure, and other regulatory requirements.”

Substances within the scope of the review include psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine, according to the bill’s text.

The research would be overseen by the Department of State Health Services, which would be mandated to produce a report to the governor and legislative leaders by December 1, 2026 that outlines the findings and recommendations for future policy actions.

If the bill is ultimately enacted, the law would take effect on September 1, 2025 and sunset two years later.

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Despite its reputation for conservatism, the Texas legislature has stood out in various pushes for psychedelics reform, including the enactment of a law in 2021 similarly calling for a study into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

In 2023, several Texas legislators sought to expand that law with a series of reform bills.

Meanwhile, in January, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), who also served in the first Trump administration, said the president’s choices for key health policy positions are a “great gift” for the psychedelics reform movement, particularly as it concerns access to ibogaine as a treatment option for serious mental health conditions.

New Mexico House Committee Approves Senate-Passed Bill To Create Psilocybin Therapy Program

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