Psychedelic Progress And Policy Debates Heat Up In Massachusetts

By Jack Gorsline

Last week, members of the Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery heard testimony for two competing legislative proposals that would establish pilot programs for psychedelic-assisted therapy in the state.

H.2203, An Act Establishing a Pilot Program for Access to Regulated Psilocybin, and H.4200, An Act Authorizing a Pilot for the Use of Psychedelics in Licensed Treatments, share the goal of exploring therapeutic uses for psychedelics but differ in scope. 

The former, introduced by state Rep. Marjorie Decker, would create a broad psilocybin access program, while the latter, sponsored by state Rep. James O'Day and Sen. Cindy Friedman, proposes a narrower pilot program that could incorporate a wider range of psychedelic compounds like MDMA or ibogaine in licensed treatment facilities.

New precedents and psychedelic complexities to consider

This latest hearing follows a record number of psychedelics-related proposals being filed in Mass back in January. Furthering the trend, in July the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society (MPS) became the first branch of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to formally endorse multiple psychedelic decriminalization bills.

The path forward, however, hasn’t been entirely cohesive. One polarizing stakeholder is Colin Beatty, the co-founder of a Massachusetts-based healthcare organization focused on treating adults with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. After Beatty testified in favor of one particular bill in June, grassroots plant medicine advocates criticized him for explicitly opposing broader decriminalization measures.

In his prior testimony, Beatty slagged the failed 2024 Yes on 4 ballot initiative, calling it “a mistake representing an irrational exuberance about the potentials of psychedelics.” His testimony last week noted the personal experience that led him to this realm: “I founded my previous company … because I couldn’t find humane, medical … care in the community for a loved one of mine.”

Beatty was joined at the dais by state Rep. O’Day, the primary sponsor of H.4200. The representative began his testimony before colleagues by acknowledging that he “did not support the ballot initiative, but I absolutely support what this particular pilot program is attempting to generate.”

“As someone in long-term recovery,” O’Day said, “it’s my opinion that any move towards the use of psychedelics in Massachusetts should focus exclusively on mental health and SUD [Substance Abuse Disorder] treatment … and it’s important that the regulation should be free from the influence of the cannabis and pharmaceutical industries.”

Experts and familiar faces 

Dr. Franklin King, director of training and education at the MGH Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics, testified in favor of both bills. He noted in his remarks: “The fact that these bills are before you at all reflects meaningful progress—an acknowledgment that Massachusetts must begin exploring safe, evidence-informed models for psychedelic-assisted care.”

“Both bills share that goal of safety, scientific rigor, and accountability,” he said. The MGH psychiatrist specifically supports H.4200, which he said “offers the most feasible and evidence-informed path forward.” King continued: “It allows the commonwealth to lead responsibly—by generating real-world data, ensuring public safety, and beginning to correct a long-standing gap between federal policy and scientific reality.”

Jamie Morey, executive director of the psychedelics advocacy nonprofit Mass Healing, also spoke in favor of both bills while additionally calling for a “targeted, limited decriminalization amendment for veterans, first responders, and patients with qualifying conditions would offer a compassionate safety net."

Sarko Gergerian, a Massachusetts police lieutenant, peace officer, and Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) board member, testified: “Plainly: Massachusetts is falling behind.”

Gergerian recently appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience to discuss his psychedelic advocacy work. He said in his testimony on Beacon Hill: “People with resources are already traveling to Oregon, Colorado, and soon New Mexico to receive psychedelic-assisted therapies that they cannot access here at home.”

“Massachusetts already has more municipal decriminalization resolutions than any other state.” Gergerian continued: “Let us take this moment to establish Massachusetts as a doorway to deep healing, not a barrier to it any longer. When all else is failing, withholding these options from our people is not only unjust, it is immoral, shortsighted, and tragic.”

In another testimony, Entheogen Melanin Collective Co-Founder Julian Fox called for the inclusion of “community-based providers and diverse oversight.” Fox implored lawmakers to pledge their support to “help ensure that veterans of color are among the first to access these therapies safely and with dignity.”

“They are not fringe participants,” Fox said. “They are central to the story of why these reforms matter. H.4200 and H.2203 represent more than medical pilots; they are cultural interventions.”

Psychedelic lobbying activity

Beyond the hearing rooms on Beacon Hill, lobbying efforts surrounding psychedelic policy and reform in Mass remain robust in 2025, though spending is on track to dip slightly from last year’s peak. Current estimates suggest at least $198,000 will be spent this year, compared to a minimum of $250,000 spent in 2024 when several groups mobilized to oppose a failed statewide ballot question. 

Another key player, psychedelic biotech company Compass Pathways, increased its spending, hitting $54,000 in the first half of 2025, up from $32,100 in the same period last year. Rather than engaging on legislative proposals, Compass has exclusively focused its efforts on the executive branch, specifically the Department of Veterans Services and the governor’s office.

The legislative battle has also drawn new interest from the health care sector. Health New England, Inc. and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans have lobbied on H.4200, spending just under $140,000 combined in the first six months of the year, marking a noticeable shift for both organizations.

This article is syndicated by the MassWire news service of the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism. If you want to see more reporting like this, make a contribution at givetobinj.org.