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Bill

Bill

HB 4014

Relating to a study on the use of psychedelic therapies in the treatment of certain conditions.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bucy and 5 co-sponsors

Texas directs a state study on psychedelic therapies' medical effectiveness for PTSD, depression, and related conditions to inform future treatment policy.

Referred to Health & Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 4014

Legislative bill overview

HB 4014 authorizes the state of Texas to conduct a comprehensive study on the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances (such as psilocybin and MDMA) for treating specific medical conditions like PTSD, depression, and end-of-life anxiety. The bill does not legalize or decriminalize psychedelics but rather directs research institutions to evaluate their safety, efficacy, and potential medical applications within the current legal framework.

Why is this important

This study could position Texas as a leader in understanding emerging mental health treatments at a time when federal research restrictions are gradually loosening and clinical trials show promising results for treatment-resistant conditions. The findings could inform future state policy on therapeutic access, insurance coverage, and medical licensing for mental health practitioners, potentially benefiting thousands of Texans with conditions that respond poorly to conventional treatments.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state legal conflict: Psychedelics remain Schedule I controlled substances federally, creating potential complications for state-funded research and researcher liability despite FDA-approved clinical pathways
  • Scope and funding ambiguity: The bill's lack of specific budget allocation and research timelines raises questions about whether resources will be sufficient for credible, publishable results
  • Treatment access inequality: Study findings may create demand for therapies before infrastructure exists to deliver them equitably, potentially benefiting wealthy patients who access private clinical trials while others wait for public availability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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