Policy letter to NYS Senate

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Dear Chair Rivera and Members of the Senate Health Committee,

I write as a constituent of [Your County/City], New York, to respectfully urge the Committee to consider reforming the classification of psychedelics (for example, psilocybin and LSD) within New York State. Specifically, I ask that the Committee explore de-classification or re-classification of these substances, in recognition of the fact that their prohibition in the 1970s was largely founded on political motivations and misinformation, rather than modern scientific evidence and public health considerations.

Background​

• The federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 designated many psychedelics as Schedule I — defined as substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
• Since that era, substantial research by leading institutions has emerged showing responsible, supervised therapeutic uses of psychedelics, including for PTSD, depression, end-of-life anxiety, addiction, and other serious conditions.
• The original scheduling and subsequent state-level classifications did not fully reflect the potential therapeutic benefit or harm-reduction frameworks that are now supported by evidence and evolving treatment models.

Why This Matters in New York​

• The work of the Senate Health Committee, under your leadership, Chair Rivera, has consistently emphasized health equity, increasing access to care, addressing substance use disorders, and harm reduction. New York State Senate+1
• Reforming psychedelics classification aligns with these priorities: it can offer new therapeutic pathways, reduce criminal justice disparities tied to substance classification, and bring New York’s policy into closer alignment with current scientific understanding.
• Doing so at the state level allows New York to craft responsible regulatory frameworks (rather than blanket prohibition) that prioritize public health, safety, and equity.

Key Recommendations​

1. Commission a state-level review or study into the efficacy, risks, and therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including the experiences of other jurisdictions that have taken reformist action.
2. Re-classify psychedelics from the most restrictive schedule (or create a special regulatory category) to enable supervised therapeutic use, clinical research, and equitable access.
3. Embed equity and justice safeguards: ensure historic over-criminalization is addressed, and that marginalized communities benefit from access and regulation frameworks.
4. Establish regulatory oversight for safe therapeutic use: licensed practitioners, standardized protocols, monitoring outcomes, and public reporting.
5. Public engagement and education: ensure communities are informed, and that any reforms are accompanied by strong public health messaging and harm-reduction supports.

Conclusion​

New York, under your stewardship, Chair Rivera, has taken bold steps in health reform — from expanding coverage to strengthening patient protections and substance-use disorder frameworks. New York State Senate+1 Reforming the classification of psychedelics offers an opportunity to build on these advances: aligning policy with science, promoting healing over criminalization, and ensuring equitable access to emerging therapeutic possibilities.

I respectfully ask that you consider introducing or supporting legislation that initiates this review and sets the stage for responsible re-classification. I would be pleased to provide additional research material, stakeholder contacts, or constituent testimony if helpful.

Thank you for your time and for your ongoing advocacy on behalf of New York families and communities.

 

[kiely]

Members of the Senate Health Committees :

Please Legislate !!

Dear Chair Rivera and Members of the Senate Health Committee,

I write as a constituent of [Your County/City], New York, to respectfully urge the Committee to consider reforming the classification of psychedelics (for example, psilocybin and LSD) within New York State. Specifically, I ask that the Committee explore de-classification or re-classification of these substances, in recognition of the fact that their prohibition in the 1970s was largely founded on political motivations and misinformation, rather than modern scientific evidence and public health considerations.

Background​

• The federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 designated many psychedelics as Schedule I — defined as substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
• Since that era, substantial research by leading institutions has emerged showing responsible, supervised therapeutic uses of psychedelics, including for PTSD, depression, end-of-life anxiety, addiction, and other serious conditions.
• The original scheduling and subsequent state-level classifications did not fully reflect the potential therapeutic benefit or harm-reduction frameworks that are now supported by evidence and evolving treatment models.

Why This Matters in New York​

• The work of the Senate Health Committee, under your leadership, Chair Rivera, has consistently emphasized health equity, increasing access to care, addressing substance use disorders, and harm reduction. New York State Senate+1
• Reforming psychedelics classification aligns with these priorities: it can offer new therapeutic pathways, reduce criminal justice disparities tied to substance classification, and bring New York’s policy into closer alignment with current scientific understanding.
• Doing so at the state level allows New York to craft responsible regulatory frameworks (rather than blanket prohibition) that prioritize public health, safety, and equity.

Key Recommendations​

1. Commission a state-level review or study into the efficacy, risks, and therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including the experiences of other jurisdictions that have taken reformist action.
2. Re-classify psychedelics from the most restrictive schedule (or create a special regulatory category) to enable supervised therapeutic use, clinical research, and equitable access.
3. Embed equity and justice safeguards: ensure historic over-criminalization is addressed, and that marginalized communities benefit from access and regulation frameworks.
4. Establish regulatory oversight for safe therapeutic use: licensed practitioners, standardized protocols, monitoring outcomes, and public reporting.
5. Public engagement and education: ensure communities are informed, and that any reforms are accompanied by strong public health messaging and harm-reduction supports.

Conclusion​

New York, under your stewardship, Chair Rivera, has taken bold steps in health reform — from expanding coverage to strengthening patient protections and substance-use disorder frameworks. New York State Senate+1 Reforming the classification of psychedelics offers an opportunity to build on these advances: aligning policy with science, promoting healing over criminalization, and ensuring equitable access to emerging therapeutic possibilities.

I respectfully ask that you consider introducing or supporting legislation that initiates this review and sets the stage for responsible re-classification. I would be pleased to provide additional research material, stakeholder contacts, or constituent testimony if helpful.

Thank you for your time and for your ongoing advocacy on behalf of New York families and communities.