Massachusetts Lawmakers Hold Hearing On Psychedelic Therapy Bills

*“It means Massachusetts leads with compassion—the same way we did on
cannabis reform and overdose prevention.”*

*By Jack Gorsline, MassWire*

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 (D), would create a
broad psilocybin access program, while the latter, sponsored by state Rep.
James O’Day (D) and Sen. Cindy Friedman (D), 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 Massachusetts 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 and later called for “a limited
decriminalization amendment…to protect those who cannot wait.”

“Decriminalization doesn’t mean open sales or reckless use,” Morey said in
a statement after the hearing. “It means a mother isn’t arrested for
helping her husband heal, or a veteran isn’t prosecuted for trying to stay
alive… It means Massachusetts leads with compassion—the same way we did on
cannabis reform and overdose prevention.”

“Let’s be honest,” the South Shore mother and advocate added,
“criminalization doesn’t stop use—it just stops safety.”

Sarko Gergerian, a 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.*

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