Gov. Newsom Signs Bill To Streamline Psychedelics Research In California Amid Legislative Setbacks

In a significant move to advance the study of psychedelics and marijuana, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill to expedite the processing of research applications. The legislation, authored by assembly member Marie Waldron (R), seeks to address the backlog of nearly 70 pending proposals overseen by the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC).

Addressing The Backlog

The RAPC has faced delays in reviewing applications due to a policy change last year that prohibited closed-door meetings, essential for protecting trade secrets and confidential information. This new law reauthorizes the panel to conduct closed meetings, enabling them to resume their work and tackle the backlog, noted Marijuana Moment, which first reported this news.

Under the new legislation, the RAPC is required to submit a report to lawmakers by January 1, 2026, detailing the status of the application reviews, which includes the number reviewed and those still pending.

Recent Legislative Setbacks

The signing of this bill follows the withdrawal of the “Heal Our Heroes Act,” which aimed to create a pilot program for psilocybin treatment for veterans and first responders. The bill was pulled due to insufficient support in a key Assembly committee.

Additionally, a broader bill to establish psychedelic service centers was effectively halted in the Senate. This proposal sought to legalize supervised access to substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, mescaline, and DMT. It aimed to address concerns from the governor, who vetoed a similar bill last year that would have legalized low-level possession of these substances.

Ongoing Campaigns and Local Efforts

While statewide legislative efforts have faced challenges, local municipalities in California continue to push forward with psychedelic reform. For instance, Eureka recently passed a resolution to decriminalize psychedelic plants and fungi, joining other cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz and Arcata in prioritizing the enforcement of laws against personal use, cultivation, and possession.

Future Prospects

Advocates say they remain optimistic about the potential for future reforms. Various campaigns are still active, including efforts to place psilocybin legalization on the state ballot and proposals to establish state-funded agencies for psychedelics research. The California Legislative Analyst's Office has reviewed these initiatives, noting the potential fiscal impacts as “various” and “uncertain.”

As California navigates the complexities of psychedelics legislation, Newsom’s recent move marks a step forward in clearing the path for research, reflecting a broader trend of growing interest and support for psychedelic studies.

Cover image made with AI