Nevada may soon lead the way in expanding access to innovative mental health care with the introduction of a psychedelic therapy pilot program. This proposed legislation, known as AB 378, aims to offer carefully regulated psychedelic-assisted therapy to military veterans and first responders who are living with serious mental health conditions.
The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Max Carter (D) and supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Inspired by Carter’s own healing journey through psychedelic-assisted treatment following a personal tragedy, the legislation emphasizes the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches in communities hit hardest by trauma.
Why Nevada Is Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Nevada ranks among the states with the highest rates of mental illness and suicide. First responders and veterans—who often face elevated rates of PTSD, depression, and suicidality—are among the most impacted. The psychedelic therapy pilot program is designed to address these crises directly, allowing participants access to substances such as psilocybin, DMT, mescaline, and ibogaine under medical supervision.
By launching the program under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the state hopes to create a structured and secure environment for administering these treatments. The goal is not only to provide healing but also to gather data and evidence that could support broader implementation in the future.
What Would the Program Look Like?
The bill calls for the creation of an “Alternative Therapy Pilot Program” managed by Nevada’s Division of Public and Behavioral Health. At least one licensed producer would be authorized to cultivate or manufacture the necessary psychedelic substances, although the likely approach would be through academic partnerships or licensed private sponsors with DEA approval.
This pilot program is specifically geared toward treating mental health conditions in military veterans and first responders—populations that face systemic barriers to care and heightened stigma around mental health support.
Retired law enforcement officer Diane Goldstein, now an advocate for psychedelic medicine, stressed the urgency: “We must act urgently to begin utilizing these innovative therapeutic approaches.” Research shows that nearly one in four Nevada adults reported a mental illness in the past year, a rate significantly above the national average.
Psychedelic Therapy Pilot Program: Legally and Socially Groundbreaking
The psychedelic therapy pilot program could also protect participants and providers from criminal penalties. Under the proposal, licensed individuals and program participants would be exempt from civil or criminal liability for legally sanctioned activity within the program.
This legal framework is designed to reduce the stigma around psychedelic-assisted care and to promote its use in a responsible, evidence-based manner. Supporters also believe that this legislation will pave the way for larger federal changes. A companion Senate resolution urges Congress to reschedule key psychedelic substances, recognizing their potential for medical use and low abuse risk when administered properly.
Building Momentum for Mental Health Innovation
This isn’t the first time Nevada has explored psychedelic reform. In 2023, legislation to legalize psilocybin was scaled back, but it successfully created the state’s Psychedelic Medicines Working Group. Their report emphasized the need for regulated access and inspired the formation of this new pilot initiative.
As Senator Rochelle Nguyen put it, “This is not just about legalization. It’s about creating pathways for healing and dignity.”
What’s Next?
Lawmakers will continue to review AB 378 and the proposed pilot framework. While it hasn’t yet passed into law, there was no public opposition during its first committee hearing—a rare bipartisan show of support.
If successful, Nevada’s model could serve as a national blueprint for integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy into mainstream mental health care, particularly for populations most in need.
Citations:
Carhart-Harris RL, et al. (2021). Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032994
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD. https://maps.org/research/mdma/
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