ALBANY, NY (May 18, 2026) — New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives (NYMHA) expressed strong support for newly amended legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Senator Julia Salazar to establish a regulated framework for medical psilocybin access in New York State.
The program, administered by the New York State Department of Health, would allow patients to use psilocybin with authorization from licensed healthcare providers. The legislation aims to position New York as a leader in therapy alternatives, following a federal executive order on psychedelic therapies.
Advocates Support New Legislation
“New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives welcomes this legislation to establish a regulated framework for medical access to psilocybin,” said Joe McKay, spokesperson for NYMHA. “It is critical that policymakers explore safe, evidence-informed approaches.”
Assemblywoman Paulin emphasized the need to examine emerging therapies, stating, “This legislation establishes a carefully regulated framework that allows healthcare providers to evaluate patients individually.”
Senator Julia Salazar highlighted the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-assisted treatment, saying, “This legislation creates a regulated and medically supervised pathway that balances innovation with strong safeguards.”
Focus on Veterans and Patient Safety
The legislation focuses on veterans and individuals with major treatment-resistant conditions. It includes standards for production, testing, and distribution, and legal protections for participants.
Veterans and advocates expressed support for the bill. Jesse Gould, an Army Ranger veteran, noted, “This bill creates a carefully regulated pathway for medically supported psilocybin access.”
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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