HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers, medical experts, and advocates gathered Tuesday for a House Majority Policy Committee hearing to examine psilocybin and other alternative treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition affecting thousands of Pennsylvanians who have not found relief with existing therapies.
Emerging research suggests psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, could provide rapid and durable improvements in mental health conditions when administered under strict medical supervision. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to rule on pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin within the next two years. Advocates warn, however, that Pennsylvania’s drug scheduling process could delay access even after federal approval.
Rep. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) has introduced legislation requiring the state to align its drug schedules with the FDA and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ensuring patients can access FDA-approved psilocybin promptly. “Different people react to different therapies, and those struggling with treatment-resistant depression are left looking for more answers,” O’Mara said. “In some situations, time is of the essence.”
The hearing featured emotional testimony from patients, advocates, and medical professionals. Ryan Gardill, President of the Manheim Township Professional Firefighters and a Marine Corps veteran, shared his experience living with post-traumatic stress injuries. “Firefighters are called day and night to assist the public on their worst day. It is time to assist firefighters on theirs,” Gardill told lawmakers.
Brett Waters, co-founder of Reason for Hope, said psilocybin therapy helped him after years of struggling with an eating disorder. Waters, whose mother died by suicide, called for safe and affordable access to prevent similar tragedies.
Compass Pathways, a biotechnology firm developing psychedelic-based medicines, highlighted its COMP360 formulation, which has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA. Company representatives said clinical trials show COMP360 is well tolerated, with evidence of rapid and lasting benefits for patients with TRD and post-traumatic stress injuries.
Medical experts, including Dr. Michael Thase of the University of Pennsylvania, urged lawmakers to support policies that allow patients to access promising therapies as soon as they are federally approved. Witnesses emphasized that timely access could save lives, particularly among first responders, veterans, and others at heightened risk of suicide.
Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia), who chairs the committee’s health subcommittee, said the testimony underscored the urgency of reform. “Mental health care must be treated as a necessity, not a luxury,” Khan said. “The testimony we heard today proves we have more work to do to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to the treatments and support they need, when they need it.”
The hearing marked a pivotal step in Pennsylvania’s debate over integrating psychedelic-assisted therapies into its mental health system, with advocates pressing for policies that balance safety, accessibility, and innovation.
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