On September 30, 2025, a conference room in New York City buzzed with anticipation and urgency as lawmakers, health advocates, and researchers gathered to debate a subject that, until recently, was relegated to the fringes of both science and society: the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in so-called "magic mushrooms." The public hearing, which centered on a proposed state bill, marked a pivotal moment in New York’s ongoing conversation about alternative treatments for mental health and chronic pain conditions.
At the heart of the legislative push is Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Democrat representing Westchester, who has become one of the most vocal champions of the bill. Paulin’s advocacy is rooted in a growing body of research and, as she pointed out, in the powerful stories shared by those whose lives have been transformed by psilocybin-assisted therapy. “It is clear that psilocybin shows great promise for treating debilitating conditions that have been resistant to traditional therapies,” Paulin said, emphasizing her commitment to “establishing a framework that maximizes safety and ensures proper oversight for patients and providers.”
Psilocybin isn’t new to science or culture, but its legal status has long been a barrier to mainstream medical use. Classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the federal government—alongside heroin, LSD, and marijuana—psilocybin is officially considered to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” That said, the tides are shifting. Marijuana, for instance, is currently under federal review for reclassification, signaling a broader reconsideration of how certain substances are regulated.
In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant steps to acknowledge psilocybin’s potential. According to USA TODAY Network, the FDA designated psilocybin-assisted therapy as a "breakthrough therapy" for treatment-resistant depression in October 2018, and again for major depressive disorders in November 2019. This designation is not handed out lightly; it means the FDA recognizes the treatment as potentially offering substantial improvement over existing therapies. Further, in June 2023, the FDA released its first draft guidance on psilocybin’s use for psychiatric and substance use disorders, laying important groundwork for future clinical applications.
The New York bill, which will be debated in the upcoming legislative session beginning January 2026, proposes to allow the growth, cultivation, and regulated adult use of psilocybin for select health conditions—namely depression, alcohol use disorders, and chronic pain. Advocates argue that these are precisely the conditions where current treatments often fall short, leaving patients desperate for new options.
Dr. Bill Brennan, a psychologist and psychedelic researcher who testified at the September 30 hearing, put it bluntly: “I’ve witnessed with my own eyes the hope it can bring to those who have suffered the most—our depressed and addicted loved ones, neighbors, and fellow New Yorkers.” His words echoed throughout the chamber, underscoring the personal stakes of the debate. Corinne Carey, co-founder of New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives, added her voice to the chorus, describing the state’s situation as a “dire health crisis.” She argued, “The old approaches to health and wellness are failing us,” and praised lawmakers “for exploring the healing potential of psilocybin as a new path toward wellness.”
New York is not alone in considering such a move. As reported by The Mirror US and the USA TODAY Network, Denver made headlines in May 2019 as the first U.S. city to decriminalize psilocybin. A subsequent city review found no significant public safety impacts, which helped to allay some of the fears commonly associated with psychedelic drugs. Oregon took things a step further in 2020, becoming the first state to both decriminalize psilocybin possession and legalize it for therapeutic use. The results were dramatic: Oregon reported an 87% reduction in psilocybin-related arrests, according to Assemblywoman Paulin. Colorado followed suit in May 2023, legalizing psilocybin for personal use, while New Mexico authorized its medical use in April 2025 for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Yet, the road to reform has not been without setbacks. In November 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a proposal to legalize psychedelics, including psilocybin, for personal use. Meanwhile, Oregon—once hailed as a pioneer in drug policy—reversed its broader decriminalization law in March 2024 amid mounting concerns over addiction and overdose deaths. These examples serve as cautionary tales, reminding lawmakers that any move toward legalization must be accompanied by robust frameworks for oversight, patient safety, and provider accountability.
So, what exactly is psilocybin, and why has it captured the attention of both scientists and policymakers? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by certain species of fungi. When ingested, it can induce profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition—effects that have made it both a subject of fascination and controversy for decades. What’s changed in recent years is the growing body of clinical evidence suggesting that, when administered in controlled settings, psilocybin can offer relief for individuals suffering from conditions that have proven resistant to conventional treatments.
Assemblywoman Paulin is quick to point out that the FDA’s evolving stance on psilocybin is a key reason for optimism. “The hearing testimony made it clear that psilocybin shows great promise for treating debilitating conditions,” she stated. Still, she insists that New York’s approach must be measured and methodical, prioritizing the establishment of guidelines that ensure both patient safety and the integrity of care.
The push for legalization has also sparked passionate debate among New Yorkers. Supporters argue that the state cannot afford to ignore innovative treatments at a time when mental health crises are on the rise and the opioid epidemic continues to claim lives. Opponents, meanwhile, caution that the long-term effects of widespread psilocybin use remain unknown, and that any regulatory regime must be prepared to respond swiftly to unintended consequences.
As the legislative session approaches, all eyes are on Albany. Will New York join the ranks of states experimenting with psychedelic-assisted therapy, or will it heed the cautionary tales from elsewhere and proceed more slowly? The answer may depend on lawmakers’ ability to balance scientific evidence, patient needs, and public safety concerns—a task that is as complex as it is urgent.
For now, the conversation continues. But for advocates like Dr. Brennan and Corinne Carey, the stakes could not be higher. “New York is facing a dire health crisis, and we urgently need innovative solutions,” Carey insisted. Whether psilocybin will be part of that solution is a question that, come January, may finally get an answer.