Lawyer Allison Hoots posted the following to her Linked In Page today
https://psychedelics.top200lawyers.com/item/allison-bieber-hoots-hoots-law-practice-pllc/
I am beyond proud to share one of the most exciting projects I have worked on to date. For over a year, I have worked on a state model for legal access to psilocybin in New York by drafting a bill. I am deeply committed to the ways in which we can establish safe, legal, and accessible programs at a state level to allow for the most thoughtful, flexible, and realistic use of psilocybin. I have had the honor of being Head Policy Counsel at New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives during this effort.
Last week, NYS Assembly member Amy Paulin, who I worked closely with, introduced this bill:
A10375: Regulated Health Access and Support Services for Psilocybin Act — “An act to amend the public health law, in relation to promoting the health and well-being of the citizens of the state of New York by establishing a comprehensive framework supporting public health and safety through regulated adult use, support services, and cultivation of psilocybin-containing fungi.”
This bill would establish a permit model for adult users, requiring only a health screening and educational course (both could be accomplished online), and a permit holder may purchase, grow, and independently use psilocybin or consume it with a support services provider. There are no required service centers. You do not have to be sick or have one of the health conditions identified to receive a permit. Rather, there may be exclusion criteria based on medical information at the time regulations are drafted. Importantly, all permit holders can report beneficial or adverse effects of adult use of psilocybin in connection with existing health conditions through the Dept. of Health’s reporting program.
Support services providers are certified by taking an educational course on providing risk reduction services and by satisfying ongoing educational requirements. There will be a board to ensure ethical support services are provided to permit holders. And cultivators are licensed to grow and sell using an intrastate delivery system (no dispensaries).
By legalizing psilocybin at the state level, the bill empowers licensed healthcare professionals to participate in aspects of this framework, including assisting with the required health screening for a psilocybin permit and being able to providing services, like therapy, to a permit holder preparing for psilocybin use without concern of “encouraging” illegal activity. Healthcare professionals are protected if they want to serve as certified support services providers and, ideally, state medical boards will determine how professionals may provide licensed healthcare services concurrently with certified support services during psilocybin sessions.
Any activities outside of those authorized by the bill would be a violation, not a misdemeanor or felony.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this public health framework approach.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-hoots/
A10375 Summary:
| BILL NO | A10375 |
| SAME AS | No Same As |
| SPONSOR | Rules (Paulin) |
| COSPNSR | |
| MLTSPNSR | |
| Add Art 33 Title 5-B §§3369-aa – 3369-ii, Pub Health L | |
| Allows the growth, cultivation, and regulated adult use of psilocybin for the treatment of certain health conditions; provides for the certification of support service providers and the licensure of cultivators. | |
A10375 Actions:
| BILL NO | A10375 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 05/21/2024 | referred to health | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A10375 Memo:
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10375 SPONSOR: Rules (Paulin) TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the public health law, in relation to promoting the health and well-being of the citizens of the state of New York by estab- lishing a comprehensive framework supporting public health and safety through regulated adult use, support services, and cultivation of psilo- cybin-containing fungi PURPOSE: This bill would comprehensively regulate the manufacture, sale, and adult use of psilocybin in connection with a public health framework. Psilocybin has been shown to support wellbeing, resilience, and public health and may be used safely, particularly with education, health screening, safe sourcing, and support services. The public health frame- work established in this bill supports and provides protections for adult use of psilocybin, cultivators, and the providers of optional support services that will improve the general health of families and communities and address the harmful impact of certain physical and mental health conditions. Legal adult use of psilocybin with regulated educational requirements and other harm reduction mechanisms, culti- vation, and, optionally, support services during such use increases safety. The bill requires that persons engage in a prerequisite health screening process to identify health conditions and potential exclusion criteria and participate in an educational course, which is regularly updated with scientific and functional information, in order to receive a psilo- cybin permit. This requirement of health screening and education would address health issues and risks to the permit holder and the public. Permit holders will receive education during the health screening on the availability of medical healthcare options related to symptoms or diag- nosis of current or past health conditions and the risks of psilocybin use generally and particularly where there is exclusion criteria. Permit holders who are screened and well-informed will be authorized and empowered to purchase, grow, and gift to other permit holders psilocy- bin-containing fungi and engage optional support service providers during use of psilocybin, only where such providers are certified upon satisfying the requirement of ongoing educational training and satisfac- tion of ethical standards. Licensed healthcare professionals who desire to support the health screening process, provide advice on benefits and risks of psilocybin, or separately provide certified support services to clients will be enabled by protections in the bill, creating continuity of care within the psilocybin access framework. The bill regulates and requires psilocybin cultivation standards, test- ing, and disclosures. Licensing of cultivators will increase safe access to psilocybin-containing fungi within an intrastate system requiring testing and appropriate disclosures related to potency and dosing. With education on risk reduction and emergency protocol, a person may be certified as a support services provider with continuing education and ethical accountability for authorized non-medical, non-therapeutic, and non-directive risk reduction services. Support services for adult use of psilocybin will be authorized to permit holders with review of health screening forms and the opportunity to communicate with their clients' licensed healthcare providers with appropriate consent. Support services providers are required to provide additional education and receive a state-approved informed consent in provision of support services. The bill establishes an optional reporting system for permit holders to identify experience data with adult use of psilocybin and concerning conduct or breaches by support services providers. The Department of Health will oversee the educational programs, registry and reporting systems, permits for adult use of psilocybin, licensure of cultivators, and regulatory certification and requirements of support service providers to establish a functional and safety-oriented public health framework of access to psilocybin. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: The bill would create a new Title V-B in Article 33 of the Public Health Law entitled "Regulated Health Access and Support Services for Psilocy- bin," a comprehensive regulatory structure governing every aspect of the adult use of psilocybin in connection with a public health framework. Section 3369-aa establishes definitions for the purpose of this bill. Section 3369-bb establishes authority for the Department of Health to manage and promulgate rules to regulate a public health framework for the adult use of psilocybin with a Department issued permit. Section 3369-bb establishes a reporting system for permit holders to optionally identify health and experience data and allege violations or concerns about support services providers. Section 3369-bb requires the Depart- ment to report to the governor and the legislature on the regulated adult use of psilocybin. Section 3359-cc establishes the authority of a psilocybin permit for lawful use and cultivation of psilocybin in connection with a public health framework. Section 3359-cc establishes procedures and require- ments for a person to engage in a health screening and educational permit course as a prerequisite to a psilocybin, permit Section 3359-cc requires that permit holders update the health screening form periodically and complete a renewal permit course every four years. Section 3369-dd authorizes the Department to issue a certification to support services providers to any person that completes a risk reduction support services training course and participates in biennial continued education courses provided by the Department. Section 3369-dd requires that support services providers review a health screening of any permit holder prior to provision of services and that a permit holder confirms details in the health screening form. Section 3369-dd establishes that support services providers shall be subject to ethical conduct standards and accountability for provision of services with the reporting system established by the Department. Section 3369-ee authorizes the Department to issue, regulate, and record licenses to persons or business entities to cultivate and sell psilocy- bin-containing fungi to psilocybin permit holders within an intrastate system. Section 3369-d establishes requirements for licensed cultivators to cultivate, test for potency, make disclosures, and securely store psilocybin-containing fungi. Section 3369-ff provides the relation of this bill to other laws, including the removal of terms applicable to lawful use of psilocybin in the schedule of controlled substances under the public health law, the exclusion of psilocybin-containing fungi from the definition of food under the agriculture and,markets law, the distinction of psilocybin from drugs as provided in a pharmacy under the education law, and mini- mizes criminal penalties for unauthorized use of psilocybin under the penal law. Section 3369-gg establishes certain protections for psilocybin permit holders, licensed cultivators, and certified support services providers to eliminate penalties or disqualifications in connection with author- ized adult use and other activities under this title, while authorizing law enforcement to prohibit dangerous conduct, including intoxication in public or while operating a vehicle. Section 3369-gg establishes protections for licensed professionals to allow for lawful adult use of psilocybin or providing professional services to any permit holder. Section 3369-gg protects data received from permit holders about adult use of psilocybin and any registry established pursuant to this bill. Section 3369-hh establishes the Regulated Psilocybin Advisory Board within the Department to issue recommendations on the lawful use of psilocybin. Section 3369-hh establishes the criteria on the appointment of. 13 voting members of the Regulated Psilocybin Advisory Board, with each voting member serving four-year terms. Section 3369-hh establishes additional duties of the Regulated Psilocybin Advisory Board. Section 3369-ii establishes that the Department shall issue regulations to impose a tax on lawful use of psilocybin. Any fees or proceeds collected would be used to support the administration cost of the program under this bill, including but not limited to public education. JUSTIFICATION: The people of New York need a public health framework to improve commu- nity and address struggles with healthy lifestyles and mental and phys- ical health conditions, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, cluster head- aches, chronic pain, and substance use and behavioral disorders. Daily stress and obstacles for healthy persons and difficulties as a result of health conditions are affecting a significant population requiring whole health support. General failures in systems promoting health, safety, and support have disrupted the well-being and livelihoods of many and have deteriorated physical, mental, and spiritual health, resulting in disconnection, inability to engage fully in professional and social opportunities, substance use and behavioral disorders, chronic pain, and increased rates of suicide. Moreover, these harms disproportionately impact persons who have had traumatic experiences, such as military veterans, first responders, and victims of abuse, as well as their families and communities. With studies demonstrating positive outcomes with psilocy- bin for both healthy people and people with certain health conditions, including FDA designation of psilocybin as a breakthrough therapy, it is imperative to establish regulated access to psilocybin in connection with a public health framework to empower certain populations to make informed, safer, and legal decisions. An access framework that allows for persons to acquire a permit for adult use of psilocybin will provide the opportunity to improve quality of life, address personal growth and spiritual development, and attend to the impact of trauma, grief, and health condition distress and recov- ery. While a public health framework supporting adult use of psilocybin would not directly provide medical or therapeutic treatment with psilocybin for any particular health condition, there is evidence of increased health and safety where licensed professionals may engage in aspects of support through professional services to a person considering or engag- ing in adult use of psilocybin. Optional support services by trained and certified support services providers who offer a risk reduction approach will increase the safety of psilocybin permit holders. A continuity of care model with licensed professionals in collaboration with, certified support services providers creates a crucial system of support. The framework provided in this bill would ensure that the large number of people that may benefit from adult use of psilocybin are educated sufficiently to make informed decisions, attain access to clearly labeled and well-sourced psilocybin-containing fungi, and ensure the training and strength of support services with accountability systems in place. These empowered permit holders, as well as cultivators, support services providers, and licensed professionals, may participate in a system without fear of prosecution, stigma from prohibition, or risk to their professions or custody of their children as a result of efforts to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. To expand and support the state's agricultural industry, and to ensure the supply of psilocybin is safe and sufficient for those that are authorized for adult use, persons and business entities would be given a legal pathway to grow psilocybin under stringent conditions, including as licensed cultivators. This bill would also ensure that sale and distribution of psilocybin would not be halted by burdensome licensing limitations and cultivation requirements. By ensuring that the state fosters substantial public education on psilocybin benefits and risks based on available medical information and establishing specific criteria for use, sale, and distribution of psilo- cybin, existing psilocybin use and services can be normalized and legal- ized to allow for safer access, professional legitimacy, elimination of criminal penalties, and taxation for the benefit of the state and its citizens. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: This is a new bill. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: TBD EFFECTIVE DATE: This bill would take effect immediately
A10375 Text:
STATE OF NEW YORK ________________________________________________________________________ 10375 IN ASSEMBLY May 21, 2024 ___________ Introduced by COMMITTEE ON RULES -- (at request of M. of A. Paulin) -- read once and referred to the Committee on Health AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to promoting the health and well-being of the citizens of the state of New York by establishing a comprehensive framework supporting public health and safety through regulated adult use, support services, and cultivation of psilocybin-containing fungi The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem- bly, do enact as follows: 1 Section 1. Article 33 of the public health law is amended by adding a 2 new title 5-B to read as follows: 3 TITLE V-B 4 REGULATED HEALTH ACCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PSILOCYBIN ACT 5 Section 3369-aa. Definitions. 6 3369-bb. Regulation of psilocybin programs. 7 3369-cc. Regulated adult use of psilocybin in connection with 8 public health framework. 9 3369-dd. Certification and authorized services of support 10 services provider. 11 3369-ee. Cultivator license and requirements. 12 3369-ff. Relation to other laws. 13 3369-gg. Protections. 14 3369-hh. Regulated psilocybin advisory board. 15 3369-ii. Taxation of psilocybin regulated activities. 16 § 3369-aa. Definitions. For the purposes of this title, the following 17 terms shall have the following meanings: 18 1. "Business enterprise" means any entity, including a sole proprie- 19 torship, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability 20 company or corporation, including not-for-profit corporations, which is 21 authorized to and engages in lawful business transactions in accordance 22 with New York law. 23 2. "Adult use of psilocybin" means the authorized adult, non-commer- 24 cial use of psilocybin in connection with a public health framework as 25 provided under this title. EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [] is old law to be omitted. LBD15437-03-4
A. 10375 2
1 3. "Cultivator license" means a written authorization permitting
2 natural persons or business enterprises to engage in the specified
3 activities of cultivation, distribution, and testing of psilocybin, as
4 authorized pursuant to this title. Only a person or business enterprise
5 with a cultivator license may engage in commercial transactions with
6 psilocybin-containing fungi.
7 4. "Department" shall mean New York state department of health.
8 5. "Exclusion criteria" means certain health conditions, prescription
9 medications, or consumption of other substances that, based on currently
10 available medical information and research, are contraindicated or have
11 a risk of negative interaction with the use of psilocybin. Exclusion
12 criteria shall be added or removed by the department.
13 6. "Health screening" means a screening form to allow a person to
14 certify symptoms or prior or current diagnosis of one or more health
15 conditions or exclusion criteria.
16 7. "Licensed healthcare provider" means a person with a valid license
17 or certificate from the department of education for a profession
18 provided in article one hundred thirty-one, one hundred thirty-two, one
19 hundred thirty-six, one hundred thirty-nine, one hundred forty, one
20 hundred forty-one, one hundred forty-three, one hundred fifty-three, one
21 hundred fifty-four, one hundred fifty-seven, one hundred fifty-nine, one
22 hundred sixty, one hundred sixty-three, one hundred sixty-four, or one
23 hundred sixty-seven or otherwise related to wellness, medicine, health-
24 care, mental health, or behavioral health. To be a licensed healthcare
25 provider under this title, such licensed professional's authorized scope
26 of practice does not need to but may include medical diagnosis or
27 prescription of medications.
28 8. "Health conditions" mean certain health conditions that include but
29 are not limited to:
30 (a) adjustment disorder;
31 (b) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;
32 (c) attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder;
33 (d) arthritis;
34 (e) autism;
35 (f) Alzheimer's;
36 (g) anxiety;
37 (h) anorexia nervosa;
38 (i) bacterial infection or disease;
39 (j) behavioral/process addiction, including gambling, pornography, or
40 shopping;
41 (k) body dysmorphia;
42 (l) cataracts;
43 (m) cancer;
44 (n) cancer-related distress;
45 (o) chronic pain;
46 (p) chronic fatigue;
47 (q) cluster headaches;
48 (r) depressive disorder;
49 (s) degenerative disc or joint disease;
50 (t) eating disorder;
51 (u) effects from stroke;
52 (v) epilepsy;
53 (w) episodic migraines;
54 (x) fibromyalgia;
55 (y) functional gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel
56 syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD);
A. 10375 3
1 (z) glaucoma;
2 (aa) headache disorders;
3 (bb) HIV/AIDS;
4 (cc) insomnia;
5 (dd) Lyme disease;
6 (ee) mood disorder;
7 (ff) motor neuron disease;
8 (gg) migraine;
9 (hh) multiple sclerosis;
10 (ii) muscular dystrophy;
11 (jj) neurodegenerative disease including neuropathy;
12 (kk) obsessive-compulsive disorder;
13 (ll) Parkinson's disease;
14 (mm) panic disorder;
15 (nn) paresthesia;
16 (oo) phantom limb pain;
17 (pp) premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder;
18 (qq) prolonged grief disorder;
19 (rr) postpartum mental health disorder;
20 (ss) post-acute COVID-19 infection condition;
21 (tt) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic
22 stress disorder;
23 (uu) psychogenic pain disorder;
24 (vv) restless leg syndrome;
25 (ww) rheumatoid arthritis;
26 (xx) sexual disorder;
27 (yy) sensory processing disorder;
28 (zz) sleep disorder;
29 (aaa) substance use disorder, including for use of opiates, tobacco,
30 and alcohol;
31 (bbb) terminal illness or end-of-life distress;
32 (ccc) traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion;
33 (ddd) treatment resistant depression;
34 (eee) unspecified mood disorder; and
35 (fff) any novel or emergent health condition not categorized in the
36 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or known physical
37 health conditions where there is evidence of potential use of psilocybin
38 with positive outcomes in connection with such health conditions that
39 has been identified in a study published in a medical or scientific
40 journal, including preprint servers.
41 9. "Licensed cultivator" means a person or business enterprise,
42 including a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited
43 liability company, or other business enterprise, that possesses a culti-
44 vator license pursuant to this title.
45 10. "Noncommercial" means an action or transaction of goods that is
46 without remuneration or the exchange of money.
47 11. "Permit course" means the psilocybin regulation educational permit
48 (PREP) course that includes educational material and a test that must be
49 successfully completed by a person who has received a health screening
50 and is applying for a psilocybin permit. There will be no limit in the
51 number of attempts to complete the test component of the permit course
52 in order to receive a psilocybin permit, as the purpose of such test is
53 to enable education and information to increase safety of adult use of
54 psilocybin.
55 12. "Person" means a natural person.
A. 10375 4
1 13. "Psilocybin" means fungi that contain naturally-occurring psilocy-
2 bin and psilocin compounds produced by such fungi, including but not
3 limited to members of the genus Psilocybin.
4 14. "Psilocybin permit" means a written authorization from the depart-
5 ment issued to a person at least eighteen years old who has received a
6 health screening and successfully completed the permit course to allow
7 adult use of psilocybin in connection with a public health framework.
8 15. "School grounds" means any building, structure, and surrounding
9 outdoor grounds, including entrances or exits, contained within a public
10 or private pre-school, nursery school, elementary or secondary school's
11 legally defined property boundaries as registered in a county clerk's
12 office.
13 16. "Support services" mean the services consistent with this title
14 through actions of supportive care and response to adverse health
15 circumstances, provision of educational information, and other conduct
16 provided by a certified support services provider that increase the
17 safety and reduce potential risks associated with a psilocybin permit
18 holder's authorized use of psilocybin.
19 17. "Support services provider certification" means a certification
20 that is regulated and issued by the department that authorizes the
21 support services of a support services provider.
22 18. "Support services provider" means a person who has been granted a
23 certification to provide risk reduction support services, upon
24 completion and continued satisfaction of all requirements under section
25 thirty-three hundred sixty-nine-cc of this title, including ongoing
26 education and training in connection with a permit holder's adult use of
27 psilocybin.
28 § 3369-bb. Regulation of psilocybin programs. 1. The department shall
29 manage all operations of this title.
30 2. The department shall promulgate regulations to implement this
31 title.
32 3. The department may provide for the analysis and evaluation of the
33 operation of this title. The department may enter into agreements with
34 one or more persons, not-for-profit corporations, universities, or other
35 organizations, for the performance of an evaluation of the implementa-
36 tion and effectiveness of this title.
37 4. The department shall be responsible for regulating the adult use of
38 psilocybin with a permit, cultivation licenses and licensed cultivator
39 operation requirements, certification of support services providers, and
40 other authorized and related programs.
41 5. The department shall create a reporting program to allow permit
42 holders the optional opportunity to identify health and experience data
43 in connection with adult use of psilocybin, including on health condi-
44 tions and potential exclusion criteria, and also to make reports about
45 certified support services providers and the provision of ethical
46 services.
47 6. The department shall report every two years, beginning two years
48 after the effective date of this title, to the governor and the legisla-
49 ture on the regulated access of psilocybin under this title and make
50 appropriate recommendations.
51 § 3369-cc. Regulated adult use of psilocybin in connection with public
52 health framework. A psilocybin permit holder shall be permitted to
53 engage in the adult use of psilocybin in connection with qualifying
54 health conditions, provided that:
55 1. A person shall be provided a psilocybin permit upon completion of a
56 health screening and the permit course.
A. 10375 5
1 2. A person shall complete a health screening that certifies symptoms
2 or diagnosis of any health conditions and no existence of exclusion
3 criteria.
4 3. A health screening shall include a structured screening process
5 with a form where a person applying for a psilocybin permit self-reports
6 symptoms or diagnosis that indicate any health condition or exclusion
7 criteria.
8 4. A health screening form shall be updated by the permit holder if
9 there are any changes to the certifications of health conditions,
10 including any new symptoms or diagnosis, that constitute exclusion
11 criteria on the form filed with the department and recompleted biennial-
12 ly to maintain the psilocybin permit. Any changes to such form shall not
13 precipitate a requirement to engage in the permit course until the four
14 year requirement provided in this section.
15 5. A health screening shall include clear disclosure that adult use of
16 psilocybin under this title is not to treat any health conditions and
17 the existence of health assessments and treatments for any potential
18 health conditions.
19 6. A health screening shall include clear disclosure that exclusion
20 criteria in connection with use of psilocybin may increase significant
21 health and safety risks.
22 7. Any indication of exclusion criteria shall disqualify a person from
23 a psilocybin permit due to health risks to such person or others.
24 8. A health screening shall be allowed to be taken in an entirely
25 online format provided by the department or with a licensed healthcare
26 provider, who shall then submit such screening to the department.
27 9. The permit course, which shall be no longer than five (5) hours and
28 allowed to be taken in an in-person or entirely online format, shall
29 provide the appropriate education and information about psilocybin and
30 psilocybin-containing fungi using a curriculum developed by the depart-
31 ment regarding the history of indigenous, religious, and cultural use,
32 safety, potency and effects of dosing amounts, contraindicated health
33 conditions and substances, the value of preparation and integration, the
34 appropriate setting for use, and any medically available evidence of
35 benefits, health risks, and the sensitivity period subsequent to psilo-
36 cybin use, and optional support services available, appropriate conduct
37 and informed consent required for such services, and the department
38 reporting system established pursuant to this title. The department
39 shall update the curriculum for the permit course with medically avail-
40 able information biennially.
41 10. A permit holder must successfully complete an abbreviated renewal
42 permit course based on changes to the curriculum or this title every
43 four years to maintain such permit holder's permit.
44 11. The cost of the permit course and the permit application shall not
45 exceed reasonable, accessible fees consistent with other state permits.
46 A permit course shall not exceed one hundred dollars and the permit
47 application shall not exceed eighty dollars.
48 12. The department may approve a permit course developed by a person
49 or business enterprise that satisfies the curriculum requirements and
50 will provide certification that such permit course, including the test,
51 was successfully completed to the department.
52 13. A psilocybin permit may be granted to a citizen of any state, but
53 such rights granted by the psilocybin permit only authorize the regu-
54 lated activities in this title within the state of New York.
55 14. A psilocybin permit holder may only lawfully purchase psilocybin
56 from a licensed cultivator pursuant to this title, cultivate their own
A. 10375 6
1 psilocybin, or receive it as a non-commercial gift from another permit
2 holder.
3 15. Permit holders have the option to engage support services provid-
4 ers for risk reduction support services during adult use of psilocybin.
5 16. Adult use of psilocybin shall not be permitted in a public
6 location within five hundred feet of a school grounds.
7 17. A permit holder is authorized to purchase from a licensed cultiva-
8 tor, as provided under this title, an allowable amount of two ounces of
9 processed, dried psilocybin-containing fungi each calendar month. The
10 department may increase this allowable amount.
11 18. Measuring weight of psilocybin-containing fungi for adult use
12 shall be measured based on the dried, processed condition of psilocy-
13 bin-containing fungi, and does not include the weight of any material of
14 which the substance is a part or to which the substance is added,
15 dissolved, held in solution, or suspended, or any ingredient or material
16 combined with the substance as part of a preparation.
17 19. A permit holder is authorized to personally cultivate psilocybin-
18 containing fungi in a cultivation space that produces no more than a
19 limited space in volume, as regulated by the department, for adult use
20 of psilocybin. No psilocybin permit holder shall be penalized for
21 possession in excess of the allowable amount if it is stored in a locked
22 container within their residence for adult use. Notwithstanding any
23 provision to the contrary, personal cultivation does not permit commer-
24 cial sales or rights granted by a cultivation license.
25 20. A permit holder may provide psilocybin to other permit holders
26 only if the psilocybin is a non-commercial transaction and a psilocybin
27 permit is provided to demonstrate authorization pursuant to this title.
28 A permit holder is prohibited from the transfer of psilocybin as a
29 remunerated commercial transaction unless authorized to do so as a
30 licensed cultivator pursuant to section three thousand three hundred
31 sixty-nine-ee of this title.
32 21. A licensed healthcare provider may, within the scope of such
33 healthcare provider's practice, offer professional services to support
34 patients and clients who are permit holders in such patients' adult use
35 of psilocybin with respect to the health screening or in preparation or
36 subsequent to support services.
37 22. Psilocybin permit holders who are in violation of this title in
38 more than two instances may be penalized by loss of such permit for a
39 period of two years and, after such penalization period, shall subse-
40 quently be entitled to apply for a psilocybin permit.
41 § 3369-dd. Certification and authorized services of support services
42 provider. 1. State-certified support services providers may provide
43 non-medical, non-therapeutic, and non-directive risk reduction support
44 services to increase the health and safety of a permit holder.
45 2. No support services certification establishes any licensure,
46 certification, or other authority to provide therapy, coaching, or
47 treatment in connection with adult use of psilocybin, but support
48 services providers are not precluded from contracting or providing sepa-
49 rately for such services.
50 3. In order to receive a support services provider certification from
51 the department, a person shall complete a support services training
52 course with a curriculum and written exam that includes education and
53 information about psilocybin regarding its history of indigenous use and
54 cultural relevance, benefits and health risks based on currently avail-
55 able medical evidence, effects of dosing amounts, contraindicated health
56 conditions and interacting substances that increase risks, informed
A. 10375 7
1 consent, risk reduction strategies, and adverse event and emergency
2 protocol, as determined by the department in regulation.
3 4. The cost of any support services training course shall be a reason-
4 able, accessible amount and not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars
5 and the certification application shall not exceed eighty dollars.
6 5. A support services provider is obligated to participate in biennial
7 continued education courses with a curriculum determined by the depart-
8 ment in regulation.
9 6. Any training course for support services providers shall be avail-
10 able for a reasonable fee and may be provided entirely online to create
11 affordability, accessibility, recognize need for culturally competent
12 risk reduction support, and diversity.
13 7. The department may approve a support services training course
14 developed by a person or business enterprise that satisfies the curric-
15 ulum requirements under this title and will provide certification that
16 such training course, including the exam, was successfully completed to
17 the department.
18 8. Support services providers may provide support services in any
19 location, as determined by the department and to create accessibility,
20 including but not limited to appropriately zoned settings such as
21 private offices and commercial use, or residences of the permit holder
22 or the support services provider where a home occupation is allowed.
23 9. The department shall develop an informed consent document that must
24 be used and may be modified to include additional but not conflicting
25 information by a support services provider in each instance of provision
26 of such services to a psilocybin permit holder.
27 10. One or more support services providers may provide support
28 services to one or more permit holders simultaneously consistent with
29 certain rules, such as the proportion of service providers to permit
30 holders, as determined by the department in regulation.
31 11. A person may, but shall not be required to, have a psilocybin
32 permit and support services certification concurrently.
33 12. The department may establish additional levels of certification
34 pursuant to research and medical standards.
35 13. The department shall create a certification board to review
36 support services provider certification and the compliance of a support
37 services provider.
38 14. A support services provider shall be entitled to offer support
39 services in exchange for compensation as a commercial transaction.
40 15. A support services provider may engage in the commercial trans-
41 action of their authorized support services under this title and, if a
42 permit holder, simultaneously engage in the noncommercial transaction of
43 gifting psilocybin to the permit holder engaging such provider for
44 support services.
45 16. A support services provider shall require confirmation of a valid
46 psilocybin permit and review the health screening form provided by the
47 permit holder engaging support services prior to provision of services
48 during the adult use of psilocybin authorized under this title. A permit
49 holder shall confirm accuracy of responses on the health screening form
50 before each instance of support services.
51 17. A support services certification under this title shall not be a
52 professional license under the education law.
53 18. The department of education, the department, and any applicable
54 state licensing boards may establish certifications, licensure, or
55 related regulations to allow a licensed professional to provide profes-
56 sional services simultaneously with support services with a support
A. 10375 8
1 services provider certification or as otherwise determined in regu-
2 lation.
3 19. This title shall allow the licensed professionals to share
4 patient-approved information with support service providers through
5 lawful disclosures and agreements, as consistent with the health insur-
6 ance portability and accountability act, as applicable.
7 § 3369-ee. Cultivator license and requirements. 1. For the purposes
8 of this title, psilocybin-containing fungi shall not constitute a
9 "food," or "food product," as defined and regulated by section 161.21 of
10 title one of the compilation of codes, rules, and regulations of the
11 state of New York, to be distinguished from fungi that do not contain
12 psilocybin that are cultivated under controlled conditions.
13 2. The department may issue a cultivator license to a cultivator of
14 psilocybin-containing fungi to cultivate and engage in commercial trans-
15 actions of psilocybin-containing fungi consistent with this title to
16 psilocybin permit holders. Cultivation of psilocybin-containing fungi
17 includes production, manufacture, processing, and required testing and
18 disclosures. Commercial transaction of psilocybin-containing fungi
19 include, sale, distribution, and delivery.
20 3. To obtain a cultivator license, an applicant must show ability to
21 satisfy the requirements of this section. Maintenance of a cultivator
22 license requires the demonstration of the satisfaction of all require-
23 ments of this section and any regulations promulgated by the department
24 pursuant to this section.
25 4. A licensed cultivator must cultivate psilocybin-containing fungi in
26 a properly zoned and licensed facility approved for cultivation. Proc-
27 essing and packaging of psilocybin-containing fungi must be performed in
28 a manner consistent with the relevant safety regulations. Psilocybin-
29 containing fungi must be stored under sanitary conditions.
30 5. A licensed cultivator shall cultivate psilocybin-containing fungi
31 using controlled conditions that adhere to current food safety protocol
32 in order to reasonably reduce fungi contaminants.
33 6. A licensed cultivator shall clearly label the psilocybin-containing
34 fungi with the required disclosures, including the full registered name
35 of the licensed cultivator, such cultivator's office address, a
36 description of contents providing the disclosure of the strain, and the
37 culture-specific approximate psilocybin equivalent potency of the psilo-
38 cybin-containing fungi.
39 7. A licensed cultivator shall engage in annual testing for each
40 culture used for cultivation in order to reasonably confirm satisfaction
41 of all relevant protocol, including strain and potency, through author-
42 ized in-state testing facilities, as regulated by the department. Any
43 new cultures shall be subject to the requirements of this section.
44 8. A licensed cultivator may sell directly to permit holders within an
45 intrastate system established by the department. Sales by licensed
46 cultivators may be accomplished using direct to consumer delivery
47 services solely to permit holders in the state. Deliveries may be facil-
48 itated by contracting with additional persons or business enterprises
49 and remain an authorized activity pursuant to a cultivator license.
50 9. Sales shall not need to be through a dispensary, however the
51 department may promulgate rules related to a dispensary contracted with
52 a licensed cultivator and meets other applicable requirements of this
53 title.
54 10. Any commercial transaction requires provision of an informational
55 document that gives information about strength of psilocybin-containing
56 fungi and dosing and identifies optional support service providers.
A. 10375 9
1 11. Any person or business enterprise that is contracted for services
2 by a licensed cultivator, for or to accomplish an authorized activity
3 under such cultivator license, such as delivery services to permit hold-
4 ers or testing of potency, shall be considered a licensee to the extent
5 of the performance of the contracted services and shall not be in
6 violation of this title.
7 12. Licensed cultivators shall maintain secure storage of psilocybin
8 prior to distribution to prevent diversion and in a manner that will
9 maintain the disclosed potency and prevent contamination.
10 13. Licensed cultivators must maintain records of all cultivation
11 production and sales. Upon request by the department, licensed cultiva-
12 tors must provide these records and engage in annual inspections.
13 14. The department shall maintain a registry of cultivators who are
14 licensed for permit holders to purchase psilocybin-containing fungi.
15 § 3369-ff. Relation to other laws. 1. Nothing under this title permits
16 or authorizes the promotion of use of psilocybin as a drug, substance,
17 or product intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or
18 mental health or other health conditions.
19 2. Section three thousand three hundred six of this article shall be
20 amended to remove "psilocybin" and "psilocin" from the schedules of
21 controlled substances and to provide an exception for "psilocybin" and
22 "psilocin" from "hallucinogenic substances".
23 3. For the purposes of this title, psilocybin and psilocin shall not
24 be deemed to be a "drug" for purposes of subdivision twelve of section
25 three thousand three hundred two of this article.
26 4. For the purposes of this title, psilocybin-containing mushrooms
27 shall not be deemed a food or food product under the agriculture and
28 markets law.
29 5. For the purposes of this title, psilocybin shall not be deemed to
30 be a "drug" for purposes of article one hundred thirty-seven of the
31 education law and is not intended to be distributed through any pharma-
32 cy.
33 6. To use, manufacture, deliver, sell, or distribute psilocybin with-
34 out authorization by psilocybin permit or cultivator license shall not
35 exceed a finding of a violation pursuant to section 55.10 of the penal
36 law.
37 7. Where a provision of this title conflicts with another provision of
38 this chapter, this title shall apply.
39 § 3369-gg. Protections. 1. Psilocybin permit holders, licensed culti-
40 vators, and certified support services providers shall not be subject to
41 arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or
42 privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary
43 action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or
44 bureau, solely for the adult use of psilocybin or for any other action
45 or conduct in accordance with this title.
46 2. An applicant or holder of a professional or occupational license,
47 certification, or registration under state law and through a state
48 department shall not be subject to disqualification, denial, suspension,
49 revocation, professional discipline, or loss of a professional license
50 or certification for any activities authorized under this title.
51 3. No person shall be disqualified from any authorized rights,
52 programs, or provision of this title due to a violation of any federal
53 or state laws relating to controlled substances.
54 4. A professional or occupational licensee or any person with licen-
55 sure, certification, or registration under state law or through a state
56 department shall have the right to provide services within the scope of
A. 10375 10
1 such license or certification to support clients or patients who are
2 seeking to become or are psilocybin permit holders in connection with
3 conduct authorized under this title, including but not limited to
4 discussions with such licensee's patients about the potential benefits
5 and risks of adult use of psilocybin.
6 5. This subdivision shall not bar the enforcement of a policy prohib-
7 iting an employee from performing such employee's employment duties
8 while impaired by a controlled substance. This subdivision shall not
9 require any person or business enterprise to engage in any act that
10 would put the person or business enterprise in direct violation of
11 federal law or cause it to lose a federal contract or funding.
12 6. An otherwise enforceable contract related to programs or activities
13 authorized under this title shall not be unenforceable on the basis of
14 state or federal controlled substances laws.
15 7. Use of psilocybin by ingestion may only be considered to cause an
16 intoxicated state when substantially impaired, and any related conduct,
17 including driving, shall be regulated consistent with applicable state
18 laws including laws restricting driving under the influence. A drug
19 screening that contains positive results of the use of psilocybin is not
20 sufficient evidence to demonstrate intoxication without other conduct
21 that indicates impairment.
22 8. (a) The fact that a person is a psilocybin permit holder, a support
23 services provider, a licensed cultivator and/or acting in accordance
24 with this title shall not be a consideration in a proceeding pursuant to
25 applicable sections of the domestic relations law, the family court act,
26 or the social services law.
27 (b) Conduct permitted by this title shall not, by itself:
28 (i) constitute child abuse or neglect without a finding of actual
29 threat to the health or welfare of a child based on all relevant
30 factors;
31 (ii) be the basis to restrict parenting time with a child without
32 finding that the parenting time would endanger such child's emotional
33 development; or
34 (iii) be the basis to deny eligibility for any public assistance
35 program, unless required by federal law.
36 9. (a) Information contained in any database created as part of this
37 title shall be deemed exempt from public disclosure under sections
38 eighty-seven and eighty-nine of the public officers law.
39 (b) The name, contact information, and other information relating to
40 support services providers registered with the department under this
41 title shall be public information and shall be maintained on the depart-
42 ment's website and accessible to the public in searchable form. Howev-
43 er, if a support services provider notifies the department in writing
44 that such support services provider does not want such provider's name
45 and other information disclosed, such support services provider's name
46 and other information shall thereafter not be public information or
47 maintained on the department of education's website, unless the support
48 services provider cancels the request.
49 § 3369-hh. Regulated psilocybin advisory board. 1. The regulated
50 psilocybin advisory board or "advisory board" is established within the
51 department to advise and issue recommendations on the adult use of
52 psilocybin and all programs under this title in the state of New York.
53 2. The advisory board shall consist of thirteen voting appointed
54 members, along with the following members serving as non-voting ex-offi-
55 cio members: (a) the commissioner, or their designee; and (b) a repre-
A. 10375 11
1 sentative from the department who is familiar with public health
2 programs and public health activities in the state.
3 3. The governor shall have seven appointments, at least one of which
4 shall be a member of a federal or state recognized Native American
5 tribe, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the
6 assembly shall each have three appointments to the board. Advisory board
7 members shall have statewide geographic representation that is balanced
8 and diverse in its composition. Appointed members shall have an exper-
9 tise in agriculture and mycology, public and behavioral health, psilocy-
10 bin-assisted therapy research, mental health (including PTSD, depression
11 and anxiety), substance use disorders, pain management, access to care
12 in underserved communities, veteran health care, policy or legal exper-
13 tise related to psilocybin, pharmacology, or harm reduction and risk
14 reduction training.
15 4. The members shall be appointed to the advisory board to each serve
16 four-year terms and in the event of a vacancy, the vacancy shall be
17 filled in the manner of the original appointment for the remainder of
18 the term. The appointed members and representatives shall receive no
19 compensation for their services but shall be allowed their actual and
20 necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as board
21 members.
22 5. The chairperson of the advisory board and the vice chairperson
23 shall be elected from among the members of the advisory board by the
24 members of such advisory board. The vice chairperson shall represent the
25 advisory board in the absence of the chairperson at all official advi-
26 sory board functions.
27 6. The advisory board shall enact, and from time to time may amend,
28 bylaws or rules in relation to its meetings and the transaction of its
29 business. The board may also establish committees and subcommittees
30 necessary for the operation of the board. The advisory board shall work
31 with established religious, cultural and community-based psilocybin
32 groups and cultivators on recommendations to the department regarding
33 guidelines for safe and effective services, safety standards, industry
34 best practices, code of professional conduct, education, training, and
35 examination for support services providers, production, and long-term
36 strategic plans for service. A majority of the total number of voting
37 members which the board would have were there no vacancies, shall
38 constitute a quorum and shall be required for the board to conduct busi-
39 ness. All meetings of the advisory board shall be conducted in accord-
40 ance with the provisions of article seven of the public officers law.
41 (a) Within the first two years of the establishment of the advisory
42 board, the board shall meet at least once every calendar month at a time
43 and place determined by the chairperson or a majority of the voting
44 members of the board. After the first two years, the advisory board
45 shall meet at least once every calendar quarter at a time and place
46 determined by the chairperson or a majority of the voting members of the
47 board. The advisory board may also meet at other times and places speci-
48 fied by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the voting
49 members of the board.
50 (b) After the first year of the implementation of the programs, there
51 shall be: (i) a program audit incorporating permit holder optional feed-
52 back through the reporting program; and (ii) a state and independent
53 review of efficacy, efficiency, cost, and equity. The audit will include
54 consideration of whether and how to expand psilocybin access, including
55 additional certifications and licenses relating to use of psilocybin in
A. 10375 12
1 connection with qualifying health conditions and psilocybin assisted
2 therapy.
3 7. The advisory board shall have the following duties:
4 (a) Provide advice to the department regarding the provisions of this
5 title and make recommendations on available medical, psychological,
6 scientific studies, research and other information relating to the safe-
7 ty of use of psilocybin.
8 (b) Determine exclusion criteria to preclude issuance of psilocybin
9 permits.
10 (c) Make recommendations to the department on the requirements, spec-
11 ifications, and guidelines for providing support services to a permit
12 holder.
13 (d) Make recommendations to the department on public health and safety
14 standards and industry best practices under this title.
15 (e) Develop a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that psilocybin
16 services in the state will become and remain a safe, accessible and
17 affordable therapeutic option, including in therapeutic and medical
18 treatments, for all persons eighteen years of age and older for whom
19 psilocybin services may be appropriate.
20 (f) Monitor and study federal laws, regulations and policies regarding
21 psilocybin.
22 § 3369-ii. Taxation of psilocybin regulated activities. 1. Notwith-
23 standing any laws to the contrary, persons or business enterprises who
24 collect any amounts of monies under this title, including but not limit-
25 ed to for support services, remuneration for psilocybin properly
26 distributed by a licensed cultivator, and fees for courses, shall be
27 taxed as income under state law.
28 2. Any expenses incurred in any business operated in accordance with
29 this title shall be treated as tax-deductible under state law.
30 3. Proceeds and fees under this title shall be used to support the
31 costs of the department towards administration and other costs relating
32 to programs pursuant to this title, including but not limited to public
33 education and risks of using psilocybin.
34 4. The department shall issue regulations to implement and impose the
35 tax.
36 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
