Massachusetts: Law Enforcement Group Announces Support for Legislation to Decriminalize Psilocybin

This bill “represents a critical step forward in addressing the mental health crisis affecting police, members of the military, and many others across the Commonwealth”, states a press release from LEAP. “There’s substantial evidence that psychedelic-assisted therapies can successfully treat forms of depression and PTSD that are otherwise very difficult to address”, said Lieutenant. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. “These issues can affect anyone, but law enforcement is particularly susceptible. House Bill 2506 will make it easier for qualifying patients in the Bay State, including law enforcement, to access vital mental health treatment resources that can improve public safety for all—because healthier communities make for safer police officers, and healthier police officers make for safer communities.”

Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian said “For more than 15 years, I’ve served as a sworn police officer committed to both protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth and helping my fellow law enforcement officers serve to the best of their capabilities. Over my career, I have seen the day-to-day stressors of the job take a toll on many of my colleagues, contributing to complex mental health challenges that our profession has long struggled to address. But Massachusetts has an opportunity to make a difference by passing H.B. 2506 for psychedelic-assisted therapy in the state. By passing this bill, it will ensure that both officers and civilians can get access to the care they need, while building a model for other states to follow. Healing shouldn’t be a crime, and psychedelic therapy shouldn’t be the future of mental health care – it should be the present.”

H.B. 2506 would remove certain criminal penalties for the cultivation, possession, use, and gifting of psilocybin, paving the way for veterans, police, and other qualified patients who are already using psilocybin to not fear legal repercussions for a personal healthcare choice. Law enforcement officers have emerged as leading advocates for psilocybin decriminalization in recent years, with many sharing powerful testimonies about how the treatment has helped them reclaim their lives. Patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression and other conditions have also reported significant improvements, underscoring the urgent need for legislative action.

LEAP urges lawmakers, community leaders, and the public to support H.B. 2506 and join the movement to decriminalize psilocybin for therapeutic use. Together, we can create a future where mental health policy is guided by research, lived experience, and compassion.