News Hampshire Lawmakers Reject Psychedelics Bill Citing Safety Concerns Though Support Continued Research

New Hampshire lawmakers voted decisively against House Bill 1693, a proposed measure aimed at establishing a state-regulated therapeutic psychedelic program. The bill, which sought to allow the use of psilocybin, mescaline and LSD to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use disorders, was rejected by the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee with a 14-1 vote.

Broad Scope And Legal Challenges Sink Psychedelics Bill

As reMind reported, according to the committee the legislation was “far too broad,” raising concerns about its potential implementation. While many advocates have pointed to the growing body of research supporting the therapeutic use of psychedelics, lawmakers expressed unease about legalizing substances that remain federally illegal and tightly regulated under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.

One of the bill's most vocal critics, Republican Rep. Erica Layon, emphasized the challenges posed by these legal conflicts. "I can't tell you how many times I've heard something about a [Journal of the American Medical Association] article comparing psychedelics to existing antidepressants," she said, as reported by Marijuana Moment. "But right now, New Hampshire law prohibits a clinical trial from happening in the state with psychedelics because of its status as a controlled substance."

Vague Language In Bill Raises Red Flags

In its rejection, the committee also highlighted the bill's unclear provisions, particularly its borrowing of terms from the state's medical marijuana laws. This included a provision allowing adult possession of up to two ounces of psychedelics — a volume critics argued was unreasonably large, particularly for substances like LSD. "The concerns we had with the bill as presented was it was far too broad," Democratic Rep. Lucy Weber said.

Lawmakers Urge Further Psychedelic Research

While rejecting the proposal, lawmakers did express a willingness to explore future legislation that could better align with ongoing clinical research. "The Veterans Administration and Massachusetts General Hospital are currently conducting research for a number of disorders using these drugs," the committee said. It also noted that the FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation for several psychedelic substances. The panel recommended that New Hampshire expand research into psychedelics, with a focus on clinical trials that would allow patients access to experimental treatments without needing to travel out of state.

Massachusetts Set To Vote On Psychedelics Legalization

As New Hampshire steps back from advancing psychedelics legislation, neighboring Massachusetts is poised for a potential breakthrough. Voters there will decide in three weeks whether to approve Question 4, a measure that would legalize five psychedelics, including psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline for therapeutic use. If passed, the state could implement a regulated access model by 2028, beginning with the legalization of one substance in 2026.

Cover image made with AI