WA: Bipartisan Coalition of 20 Lawmakers File House Bill to Legalize Psilocybin for Therapeutic Use, Senate Bill Already Filed
- Washington State introduced a bill, Senate Bill 5201, that would establish a regulated system for licensed facilitators to administer psilocybin in supervised therapeutic settings.
- The program aims to address mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety through evidence-based treatments, similar to Oregon's psilocybin therapy law.
- The Washington State Department of Health would oversee the program, with input from a new Psychedelic Substances Board that would set licensing standards, safety protocols, and operational rules.
- The legislation prioritizes strict regulations for psilocybin production, testing, and administration to ensure safety, with a focus on cultural competence and privacy protections for participants.
The measure mirrors the language of Senate Bill 5201, introduced last week by Senator Jesse Salomon, establishing it as a companion bill.
If passed, the legislation would create a regulated system permitting licensed facilitators to administer psilocybin in supervised therapeutic settings. Inspired by Oregon’s psilocybin therapy law, the proposal seeks to address mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety through evidence-based treatments. The Washington State Department of Health would oversee the program with input from a new Psychedelic Substances Board. The board would guide the development of licensing standards, safety protocols, and operational rules for service centers and facilitators. The program’s implementation would begin with a two-year planning phase on September 1, 2025, with licenses expected to be issued by late 2027.
To ensure safety, the bill outlines strict regulations for psilocybin production, testing, and administration. Only licensed facilities and trained professionals would handle the substance, with mandatory oversight during all therapeutic sessions. The legislation also prioritizes cultural competence and privacy protections for participants.
The measure does not permit recreational use, limiting psilocybin strictly to therapeutic applications. Representative Macri emphasized the importance of the proposal in expanding treatment options for those facing severe mental health challenges.
If enacted, Washington would join Oregon and Colorado in creating a regulated framework for psilocybin therapy, highlighting the bipartisan recognition of its therapeutic potential.