A number of American states are considering or have enacted legislation to decriminalize certain psychedelics. However, Texas is the only state to have actually legalized the medicinal use of psychedelics. Last year, the state legalized the use of psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine for veterans suffering from PTSD.
Now, three Democratic lawmakers in Texas have introduced separate reform proposals, including one that would expand the law that Gov. Greg Abbott (R) allowed taking effect without his signature in 2021. The other two bills would create entirely new psychedelics-focused government bodies in the state to facilitate studies and manage patients in need.
HB 4288: Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D)
The bill would allow the state to partner with a ketamine clinic to carry out research into the substance. Currently, the Lone Star State is partnering with Baylor College of Medicine and a military-focused medical center to research the medical risks and benefits of psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine for military veterans. The bill would also extend the deadline for the research commission to file its final report and recommendations by two years, to December 1, 2026.
HB 4423: Rep. Josey Garcia (D)
This bill would create a Psilocybin Research Advisory Council. This council would be tasked with making recommendations on psychedelic-assisted therapy, and would also administer a grants program to fund clinical trials.
HB 4561: Rep. Julie Johnson (D)
The bill would create an Alternative Mental Health Therapy Research Consortium. This group would be responsible for researching “the efficacy of providing mental health care through the provision of psychedelic drugs and ketamine, focusing on the provision of mental health care to veterans in this state through the use of those alternative therapies”. The bill also proposes the creation of a grant program to fund ketamine clinics throughout the state.
