California Governor Signs Bill to Fast-Track Marijuana and Psychedelics Research Through 2028
New Legislation Aims to Remove Barriers to Studying Controlled Substances for Medical Use
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a landmark bill designed to expedite scientific research on marijuana and psychedelics, marking another step forward in the state’s ongoing effort to explore the medical potential of controlled substances.
The legislation, signed on Friday, October 10, 2025, empowers the Research Advisory Panel of California (RAPC) to fast-track the review and approval process for studies involving Schedule I and Schedule II drugs—categories that include substances like cannabis, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. The new system will remain in effect through January 2028, giving researchers greater flexibility to conduct clinical studies focused on mental health, addiction, and trauma treatment.
A Bill Designed to Eliminate Red Tape and Save Lives
The measure, introduced by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), allows RAPC’s chairperson to delegate authority to two or more panel members to conduct expedited reviews and approve research proposals without waiting for full panel meetings.
In addition, the bill authorizes asynchronous communication between panel members—enabling them to collaborate remotely, share expertise, and move research proposals forward more efficiently.
According to the legislative summary, the intent is clear: to accelerate critical research into the potential of marijuana, psychedelics, and other controlled substances to treat conditions such as opioid use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other mental health challenges, particularly among California’s veteran population.
“Eliminating any and all unnecessary delays in commencing such clinical research in California will save lives,” the summary declares.
Strong Support from Veterans and Mental Health Advocates
One of the most vocal supporters of the legislation was Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), a nonprofit group advocating for psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD and depression.
In a public appeal before Newsom signed the bill, the organization said the measure would “cut through red tape and expedite approval for psychedelic research projects at California’s world-class institutions.”
“These studies will not only benefit veterans in California but will ripple across the nation, changing lives, advancing science, and offering hope where it’s desperately needed,” VETS stated.
Veterans groups and mental health advocates argue that current bureaucratic barriers slow down the approval of promising studies that could provide lifesaving alternatives to conventional psychiatric treatments and opioids.
Newsom’s Signature Continues California’s Progressive Approach to Drug Policy
While Newsom did not issue a formal statement when signing the bill, his approval reflects California’s broader commitment to science-based drug policy. The governor has consistently positioned the state as a leader in both cannabis reform and psychedelic research, balancing regulatory oversight with opportunities for innovation.
The new law builds upon earlier efforts to streamline the approval process for studies involving controlled substances. In 2024, Newsom signed a separate bill by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R) that cleared a backlog of psychedelic research applications. That measure allowed RAPC to hold closed-door meetings to protect trade secrets and confidential research data—removing a major obstacle to progress.
The latest bill not only extends those exemptions until January 1, 2028, but also adds new procedures to ensure rapid yet responsible review of research applications.
A Broader Effort to Advance Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Research
California’s move to simplify research approvals comes amid growing national and global interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and cannabis. Substances like psilocybin and MDMA are now being studied for their ability to treat depression, PTSD, and anxiety with promising early results.
State officials hope that expediting research approvals will enable universities and medical centers to attract more federal and private research funding, positioning California as a hub for cutting-edge mental health science.
By focusing on controlled, evidence-based clinical studies, the state seeks to move beyond political debates and instead generate reliable data to guide future policy decisions.
A Legislative Momentum Fueled by Bipartisan Support
Interestingly, the push to reform research oversight in California has garnered bipartisan support, with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers championing the cause.
Assemblymember Ward emphasized that the bill is not about legalization or deregulation—it’s about access to science. “We have the world’s best researchers and institutions here in California,” Ward said in earlier committee hearings. “They should not be waiting months or years to begin studies that could save lives.”
Even some conservative lawmakers, historically cautious on drug policy, supported the bill on the grounds that it benefits veterans and public health.
Newsom’s Broader Cannabis Agenda: Balancing Regulation and Growth
Governor Newsom’s recent signature adds to a series of actions aimed at refining California’s cannabis landscape. Just last month, he approved legislation temporarily pausing a scheduled marijuana tax increase—a move intended to help struggling licensed operators compete with the illicit market.
The state has also launched a second round of public education and research grants under its cannabis tax-funded programs. These grants are designed to promote awareness of California’s marijuana laws, fund community reinvestment, and help local policymakers make data-driven decisions.
In June, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) distributed over $52 million in California Community Reinvestment Grants (CalCRG) to nonprofits and local agencies addressing the social and economic impacts of cannabis prohibition.
This marks the seventh round of funding since legalization, demonstrating the state’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting marijuana tax revenues into community health and recovery.
Judicial and Legislative Wins Strengthen California’s Cannabis Market
The state’s momentum in cannabis reform was reinforced by a California Supreme Court ruling in June, which overturned a lower court’s finding that federal prohibition could invalidate local cannabis operations. The decision was hailed as a major victory for the state’s regulated cannabis market, safeguarding local businesses from legal uncertainty.
Meanwhile, regulators released a comprehensive report analyzing California’s cannabis economy, revealing that federal restrictions on interstate commerce continue to fuel the illicit market by limiting supply chain efficiency.
In response, lawmakers and industry leaders continue to press for interstate trade agreements, although such arrangements remain on hold pending federal approval or a legal determination by the state’s attorney general.
Psychedelics Legislation Still Faces Challenges
Despite the progress in research policy, not all psychedelic-related legislation has advanced smoothly. A recent California Senate committee declined to advance a bipartisan proposal that would have created a psilocybin pilot program for veterans and first responders.
Advocates argue that while the new RAPC research law is a step forward, clinical access to psychedelic-assisted therapies will require additional legal reforms in the years ahead.
A Future Defined by Science and Compassion
California’s new law to expedite marijuana and psychedelics research reflects a growing recognition that innovation in mental health treatment requires breaking down bureaucratic barriers. By empowering scientists to study the effects of these substances safely and efficiently, the state is embracing a public health first approach grounded in evidence and compassion.
Governor Newsom’s signature signals a continued evolution in California’s approach to controlled substances—one that prioritizes research, transparency, and hope for communities most affected by mental health crises and addiction.
As the law takes effect, advocates believe its impact could extend far beyond California’s borders, accelerating a new era of discovery in the fields of cannabis science, psychedelic therapy, and mental health care.
