Nevada Legislature Passes Resolution Urging Congress to Reschedule Psychedelics and Expand Medical Research

State Lawmakers Finalize Joint Resolution Supporting Federal Action on Therapeutic Use of Psychedelic Compounds

The Nevada Legislature has officially approved a joint resolution encouraging Congress to reschedule certain psychedelic substances under federal law, ease restrictions on research, and provide legal protections for individuals and organizations acting in accordance with state-regulated programs.

Following an initial round of legislative review and subsequent amendments by the Assembly, the Senate gave final concurrence to the revised version of Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR 10), cementing its approval in the final days of May. The measure now moves to federal leaders and agencies, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, congressional leaders, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Resolution Highlights Federal and State Momentum Behind Psychedelic Therapies for Mental Health

The resolution reflects growing interest in the potential of psychedelic therapies for treating complex mental health conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and major depressive disorders. It cites scientific research and federal developments—including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s designation of certain psychedelic compounds as “breakthrough therapies”—as justification for urging federal rescheduling.

Specifically, SJR 10 advocates for the reclassification of psilocybin, psilocin, MDMA, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline under the Controlled Substances Act to a schedule that acknowledges their medical value, relatively low abuse potential, and safe use under professional supervision.

Lawmakers Seek Increased Federal Research Funding and Streamlined Approval Pathways

Beyond rescheduling, the resolution calls on Congress to increase funding for psychedelic research and create an efficient, streamlined process for approving and conducting studies involving these substances. Lawmakers emphasize the need for a national framework that allows science and clinical data to guide regulatory progress, enabling faster access to promising treatments for military veterans, first responders, and patients with treatment-resistant conditions.

The measure encourages collaboration between states and the U.S. Attorney General to evaluate the public health outcomes of state-regulated psychedelic programs. These partnerships would provide insight into the real-world impact of such therapies and help develop evidence-based policy.

Final Amendments Reinforce State and Local Compliance Requirements for Legal Protections

The final version of the resolution includes amendments that clarify the scope of protections from federal prosecution. Individuals and entities would be protected only if they are fully compliant with both state and local laws governing the supervised adult use of psychedelic compounds.

This clarification restores language from the original resolution that was briefly removed in earlier revisions. By reinstating the term “supervised,” lawmakers underscored the importance of structured and medically overseen programs rather than unregulated personal use.

These legal safeguards are designed to prevent federal enforcement from interfering with participants in legitimate state-approved therapeutic initiatives.

Legislative Action Reflects State’s Broader Commitment to Psychedelic Policy Development

The passage of SJR 10 builds upon ongoing legislative and regulatory activity in Nevada surrounding psychedelic substances. Earlier in the 2025 session, a separate Assembly bill advanced by a health committee proposed the creation of a state pilot program allowing military veterans and first responders with qualifying conditions to access supervised psychedelic therapy using substances like psilocybin and ibogaine.

This initiative was inspired by recommendations from the Nevada Psychedelic Medicines Working Group, a state-commissioned body formed in 2023 to explore regulatory models. The group’s report urged lawmakers to establish a formal system for therapeutic access and further research.

The resolution’s lead sponsor, Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, and Assemblymember Max Carter—who also sponsored the pilot program—have emerged as key champions of psychedelic medicine in the state, appearing at recent summits and advocacy events to promote evidence-based policy reform.

Nevada Continues to Position Itself as a National Leader in Psychedelic Research and Policy Reform

Nevada’s latest resolution adds to a growing list of state-level initiatives across the U.S. that seek to push the boundaries of federal drug policy and encourage new approaches to mental health treatment. While the resolution itself does not carry the force of law, it signals strong bipartisan support for aligning federal scheduling with modern scientific understanding.

In past sessions, efforts to legalize psilocybin outright were scaled back in favor of research-focused initiatives. Yet the momentum continues to build, with legislators, researchers, and stakeholders collaborating to lay the groundwork for a future where psychedelic-assisted therapies may be integrated into mainstream mental health care.

As federal agencies consider expanding access through clinical trials and reclassification, Nevada’s unified legislative message is clear: the time has come for Congress to recognize the therapeutic promise of psychedelic compounds and act accordingly.

Additional Cannabis and Drug Policy Legislation Under Consideration in Nevada

Separate from the psychedelics resolution, the Nevada Legislature is also reviewing measures that could impact broader drug policy. One such proposal would allow individuals with prior marijuana convictions—if those offenses are now legal under state law—to become eligible to serve as foster parents.

Current regulations prohibit anyone with a history of controlled substance use or distribution from participating in the state’s foster care system, even if the conviction involved activities now permitted under state legalization statutes.

This effort aligns with broader attempts to harmonize state social policies with evolving cannabis laws and remove barriers created by outdated enforcement frameworks.