In this week’s Psychedelic Policy briefing, investigative reporter Jack Gorsline details the latest psychedelic reform developments out of Massachusetts and Louisiana, along with a curious development in the race to replace former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, potentially with another pro-psychedelic public health official currently serving in the Trump administration.
Massachusetts Lobbying Day Highlights Increasing National Influence over Psychedelic Reform Efforts
Massachusetts lawmakers have advanced two bills to establish state-sanctioned pilot programs for psilocybin and other psychedelic therapies, creating a narrow medical framework following the scandalous defeat of a broad legalization ballot measure in 2024. The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery approved the legislation on March 18, advancing it to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. While proponents view these clinical pathways as an opportunity to deliver regulated care to populations with PTSD and substance use disorders, the legislative push faces ideological divisions. Grassroots advocates argue for equitable access outside of traditional, expensive healthcare settings, while proponents of the bills, including Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), favor a stricter clinical model.
The bills also reveal the shifting economics of psychedelic reform as biotechnology firms and traditional healthcare entities intensify their lobbying efforts in the state. Simultaneously, grassroots organizations like Mass Healing are mobilizing a statewide coalition to expand the pilot beyond psilocybin to include compounds like ibogaine, which is derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga shrub. Because ibogaine carries distinct cardiac risks necessitating intensive medical oversight, advocates argue a state-level pilot would position Massachusetts at the vanguard of clinical research. Meanwhile, on June 18, VETS representatives, including Policy Director Logan Davidson, met with Massachusetts lawmakers at the State House to advocate for the research and clinical frameworks needed to integrate psychedelic-assisted therapies into veteran care.
“Progress begins with education, collaboration, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue,” VETS officials said in a social media post recapping the lobbying day.
”We left Boston encouraged by the thoughtful discussions that took place and grateful to everyone who took the time to listen, learn, and contribute to the conversation.”
Louisiana Opioid Settlement Fund Psychedelic Pilot Program Takes Effect August 1
Louisiana’s new law authorizing a pilot program for veterans and first responders officially takes effect on August 1, 2026, after passing without Governor Jeff Landry’s signature. Senate Bill 43, introduced by Senator Patrick McMath, mandates the establishment of a clinical framework to study the use of psilocybin, ibogaine, and MDMA in clinical trials. Eligible participants include those suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, opioid use disorders, and co-occurring substance use disorders. The law creates the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Program within the Louisiana Department of Health, ties the initiative into a national research consortium, and includes a 20% state revenue-share on any FDA-approved drug resulting from the research. The program will be funded by state opioid settlement dollars.
While the bill marks a significant policy shift, its focus remains strictly on clinical, research-based settings. Advocates and policymakers are now tasked with the regulatory roll-out, which must align with existing state health infrastructure and federal drug scheduling constraints.
FDA Shortlist Includes White House Aide and Psychedelic Supporter Heidi Overton
The Trump administration is finalizing its shortlist for a permanent FDA Commissioner following the May resignation of Marty Makary. Leading candidates include Heidi Overton, a deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy, oncologist Jeffrey Vacirca of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, and Pentagon health official Stephen Ferrara.
Overton, who served as a White House fellow during Donald Trump’s first term, was chief policy officer and vice chair of the Center for a Healthy America at the America First Policy Institute. Overton has become a central figure in the administration’s health policy portfolio, frequently appearing with President Trump at events regarding drug pricing and the administration’s April 18 executive order that fast-tracks research into psychedelic treatments. Other reported candidates include Ned Sharpless, the former leader of the National Cancer Institute, and Richard Pops, the retiring CEO of biopharmaceutical giant Alkermes.
The White House has not confirmed the candidate list, and Spokesman Kush Desai stated that reports of personnel nominations are “baseless hearsay.”
Note: This article was produced in partnership with Psychedelic State(s) of America – a nonprofit-sponsored news organization dedicated to rigorous independent psychedelic journalism. Learn more about PSA’s Media Partnerships Program and donate to the PSA Media Fund here.
