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New Hampshire Lawmakers Take Up Bipartisan Bills To Legalize Psilocybin For Medical Use

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4 weeks ago

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New Hampshire lawmakers on Wednesday took up a pair of bipartisan bills to legalize the regulated use of psilocybin for medical purposes.

At a hearing before the House Health, Human Services and Aging Committee, members heard public testimony on the proposals: HB 1809 by Rep. Buzz Scherr (D) and HB 1796 by Rep. Michael Moffett (R).

Both measures seek to create a regulatory pathway for patients with certain conditions to access psychedelics for therapeutic use through a program overseen by the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). But Moffett’s legislation has more mandates about the regulatory framework.

“I’m hardly a major supporter of a measure like this,” Moffett told lawmakers at the hearing, saying he’s “always been very wary and skeptical” of psychedelics and has “always been averse to marijuana for many reasons, including the fact that I was constantly drug tested over many years in the Marine Corps and developed zero tolerance for illegal drug use.”

He said he changed his mind after seeing a presentation on psychedelic therapies at a national veterans conference last summer, where he learned that “a psilocybin treatment option can work for almost anyone, beyond military or ex-military.”

Scher, for his part, said that “a large amount of research is currently being done on the therapeutic uses of psilocybin.”

“Research to help those with treatment-resistant depression is pretty important right now,” he said. “Research is being developed on its broader use for those suffering from other types of PTSD. Research is also being developed on its use with people with other types of substance abuse.”

Jenny O’Higgins of the state Department of Health and Human Services said officials have some concerns about the lack of matching funds in Moffett’s legislation, saying the department “wouldn’t be able to absorb” the program under its current budget.

A representative of Smart Approaches to Marijuana’s New Hampshire affiliate testified against the proposals, saying psilocybin is an illegal Schedule I drug. He also argued that there is insufficient evidence to support the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.




Here are the main provisions HB 1809:

  • DHHS would be responsible for approving licensed medical professionals who are able to act as psilocybin providers for patients.
  • To qualify for the program, patients must be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, or another condition approved by an advisory board and DHHS.
  • The legislation specifically states that only natural psilocybin could be administered, excluding synthetic versions of the psychedelic.
  • Suppliers would also have to be approved by the department to grow and harvest their psilocybin products.
  • The process of treating qualifying patients with psychedelics should include a preparation session, an administration session, and an integration session.
  • A Medical Psilocybin Advisory Committee would be established, consisting of a DHHS representative, a qualified patient, a veterans advocate, and eight medical professionals.
    • Those medical experts should include a psychedelic researcher, two regulators overseeing existing medical psilocybin programs, and specialists in addiction treatment, palliative care, veterans affairs, naturopathy, nursing and mental health counseling.
  • The commission would look at DHHS’ data on patient outcomes, add requirements for participation in the program and decide whether to expand the law.
  • The program would be implemented if the advisory committee, within two years of the bill’s passage, notifies lawmakers, regulators and the governor that it can be effectively administered.

“The medical community has always recognized that patients have serious conditions that are highly resistant to effective treatments,” reads a statement of purpose for the measure. “Recently, studies have begun to show that some of these patients have had positive outcomes with closely supervised use of psilocybin for treatment.”

“Patients with significant post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant clinical depression, and severe substance use disorder have been shown to benefit from controlled, therapeutic use of psilocybin in a supervised setting,” he says. “The purpose of this action is to create a carefully controlled and closely supervised environment in which an approved medical provider can treat a carefully selected patient with appropriate doses of psilocybin produced by the same provider for a medical intervention.”

Here are the main details HB 1796:

  • The bill would allow for the regulated use of psilocybin in a medically supervised setting, and DHHS would be responsible for overseeing the program.
  • To be eligible for psilocybin treatment, a patient 21 years of age or older must be diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, a terminal illness requiring end-of-life care, or any other condition authorized by DHHS.
  • A Psilocybin Licensing Board under the department will be responsible for licensing independent medical psilocybin suppliers, therapy providers, cultivation and testing laboratories.
  • There would be specific guidelines for facilities where psychedelics can be administered, including safety requirements and other safety protocols, such as ensuring that rescue medication is on site in case a patient experiences an adverse event.
  • The legislation would also establish a Psilocybin Therapeutic Treatment Fund, which would be funded by revenue from licensing taxes and fees. The funds would go towards studies on the possibility of expanding the program to include additional psychedelics in the program.
  • If the law is approved, it would take effect on January 1, 2027.

“The purpose of the Therapeutic Psilocybin Act is to allow the beneficial use of psilocybin for the relief of qualified medical conditions in a regulated system,” the bill’s purpose statement reads.

The chances of the bill moving forward this session are unclear, but lawmakers have become increasingly active in recent years in support of psychedelic reform.

Last June, the New Hampshire Senate voted to repeal the compromise legislation It would lower the state’s criminal penalty for first-time possession of psilocybin also creating mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl.

As originally introduced, the legislation would completely remove the penalties for obtaining, purchasing, transporting, possessing or using psilocybin, effectively legalizing it on an off-trade basis. However a The House Committee amended the bill before it could advance unanimously last march

Meanwhile in New Hampshire, the House last week passed a bill to legalize marijuana in the state– Although his chances of passing to the Senate remain doubtful, and the governor has expressed a clear position against the reform.

Also last week, the chamber approved a proposal to make medical cannabis dispensaries into non-profit businesses.

The legalization bill sponsored by Rep. Jared Sullivan (D) is one of several cannabis proposals filed for the 2026 session, including legislation by Rep. Jonah Wheeler (D) that seeks to put a constitutional amendment on the state ballot. let voters decide whether they want to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older“having a modest amount of cannabis for their personal use.”

Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) has already threatened to veto the legalization bill that reaches his desk, even though the proposal to amend the Constitution would not require gubernatorial action.

The governor said in August his position on the reform it would not change, even if the federal government moved forward with reorganizing the plant. Since then, President Donald Trump has ordered the attorney general to complete the process of moving cannabis from Schedule I to III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

At a committee meeting last year, Sullivan ultimately made a persuasive argument for moving forward with his legalization bill, pointing out. The House has repeatedly passed similar legislation and that the House should stand its ground, forcing the Senate and the governor to once again oppose a policy that is popular with voters.

“We know where it’s going. Let’s send a virtue signal,” Sullivan said. “Let them be the ones to piss off the voters who care about this.”

Meanwhile, the House also passed a bill by Rep. Wendy Thomas (D) last week allow medical marijuana dispensaries (known in the state as “alternative treatment centers” or ATCs) to convert their dispensary licenses into nonprofit entities.. HB 54, which adopted a concurrence schedule with other laws, had previously advanced unanimously out of the House Finance Committee.

Part of the motivation behind the legislation is the fact that medical marijuana dispensaries are not for-profit federal states. But in the state, they are considered non-profit organizations, which has disproportionately increased their operating costs.

Other bills introduced in 2026 include two proposals to protect the gun rights of medical cannabis patients.

There’s also some legislation aimed at regulating the sale of hemp, an issue that’s getting a lot of attention since Congress passed and Trump signed an appropriations bill that would effectively re-criminalize most consumable hemp products.

Meanwhile, after the House added provisions to a bill passed by the Senate last year that would have allowed medical marijuana patients to grow cannabis at home, those measures were removed in the conference.

user photo CostaPPR.

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CEA Awards handed out at Indoor Ag-Con

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20 hours ago

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February 12, 2026

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A new tradition in the CEA industry is the annual Gala Luncheon at Indoor Ag-Con, presenting the CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards. This year, Jiffy won the Product Innovation award for its gel, and Bright Farms won the Operational Excellence award. The Trainblazer Award was presented to Dr. Gene Fiacomelli, who has dedicated much of his professional and personal life to furthering the cause of growers.

© Eelkje Pulley | MMJDaily.com

© Eelkje Pulley | MMJDaily.com

“These teams are setting the pace for controlled environment agriculture while pushing the boundaries in innovation, operations and product development while proving what’s possible in our industry right now,” said organizers Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower Magazine.

The awards program is designed to recognize and celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, highlighting achievements in three categories: Operational Excellence, Product Innovation and a special Trailblazer Award.

© Eelkje Pulley | MMJDaily.com

Voltiris and Zayndu were nominated for the Product Innovation Award, but Jiffy won for Jiffy Gel, a biodegradable gel-based substrate specifically designed for controlled environment agriculture (CEA).

© Eelkje Pulley | MMJDaily.com

The nominees for the Operational Excellence Award were haven greens and Planet Farms, and Bright Farms ended up winning. In their words: “BrightFarms measures its success through operational expansion and measurable business results.”

© Eelkje Pulley | MMJDaily.com

For the Trailblazer award, there were no nominees, but there was a winner. “In our industry there are those who explore the unexplored, ask the questions that no one else asks and push the boundaries of what is possible,” said the organizers. “The Trailblazer Award recognizes those who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and push research and CEA application into new areas.” And that’s Dr. Gene Fiacomelli. Since the beginning of the 80s, his research interests include the research, design, development and applications of controlled environment plant production systems (greenhouse and growth chamber): crop production systems, nutrient supply systems, environmental control, mechanization and labor productivity.

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Colorado Marijuana Revenue Is Declining As Other States Legalize, But It Still Outpaces Alcohol Taxes, Report Shows

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20 hours ago

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February 12, 2026

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Marijuana sales tax revenue has steadily declined in Colorado over the past five years as more states have implemented legalization and intoxicating hemp products have grown in popularity, state officials say in a new report. However, cannabis brings in more tax dollars than alcohol or cigarettes.

In a memo to the nonpartisan Legislative Council of the Colorado legislature, staff “wanted to answer common questions about how marijuana industry revenues fit into Colorado’s state budget.” That includes $231.1 million in cannabis collected by the state in fiscal year 2024-25.

Adult marijuana is taxed at three levels in Colorado: a 15 percent excise tax, a 15 percent sales excise tax, and a 2.9 percent general state sales tax. As one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, Colorado’s revenue from such sales “grew steadily over the first eight years of legalization, reaching $424.4 million in FY 2020-21.”

After that, however, “revenues fell for the first time in 2021-22, and have declined every year,” the Legislative Council said. “Marijuana tax revenue fell to $231.1 million in FY 2024-25, 45.5 percent below the peak in FY 2020-21.”

It is remarkable notice He says the decline in marijuana tax revenue in recent years “has been largely due to low prices and a drop in demand as other states across the country legalize marijuana, and alternatives like intoxicating hemp become more available.”

Gov. Jared Polis (D), a longtime champion of cannabis reform, noted the potential economic impact of expanding legalization, He hoped states like Texas would continue to stave off the problem by scoffing so Colorado could continue to collect marijuana tourism dollars.

Texas may remain a prohibitionist state, but cannabis is now legal for adults in almost half of US states, a broader shift. has obviously contributed to the decrease in income.

But the new report also says the rise of intoxicating hemp products is diverting tax dollars. Whether the federal ban on such products changes when it takes effect in November remains to be seen.

Even as statewide legalization expanded and consumer demand increased in the hemp market, however, the Legislative Council released data comparing marijuana to other vices, including alcohol and cigarettes.

In fiscal year 2024-25, marijuana sales generated more tax revenue than alcohol ($54.3 million), tobacco products ($68.2 million), nicotine products ($91.6 million) and cigarettes ($213.9 million).

through LCS.

Until then, surveys have consistently found this More and more Americans are choosing marijuana and cannabis-infused drinks over alcohol and cigarettes.

Meanwhile, only in 2025, Colorado saw more than $1 billion in marijuana sales, a milestone the governor announced in December. And while the Legislative Council attributed part of the decline in cannabis sales to the sale of intoxicating hemp products, Polis also said recently. The pending federal ban will “stifle growth and innovation” in the market.

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It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters By pledging at least $25 per month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

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Meanwhile, the governor said that last week his state did not have to join a lawsuit supporting a federal ban on the possession of guns by people who use marijuana that’s now before the US Supreme Court, and he personally opposes the state attorney general’s “legal position on it.”

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Large Dutch greenhouse grower turns energy volatility into opportunity

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2 days ago

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February 11, 2026

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Volatility in energy prices continues to affect greenhouse gas producers across Europe, as the growing share of renewable energy and developments in electricity markets lead to stronger and more frequent price increases. For a large Dutch greenhouse grower, this challenge became the starting point for a more flexible and efficient approach to lighting management.

Like many high-intensity greenhouse operations in the Netherlands, the business faced rising electricity costs and major surprises while requiring precise light control to maintain consistent crop quality throughout the year.

To meet these challenges, the manufacturer implemented the Netvion intelligent control system. The solution enables real-time control of light intensity and spectrum without the need to rewire or make major changes to the existing greenhouse infrastructure.

© Netvion

Responding to extreme electricity prices
Electricity prices in the Netherlands have shown considerable volatility in recent years, ranging from negative prices during periods of renewable overproduction to sharp peaks in demand. “Traditional wired lighting systems offer limited flexibility to respond to rapid price changes,” says Sharan Avati with Netvion. “This often results in inefficient energy use and higher operational costs.”

With Netvion’s system, the grower can dynamically adjust lighting levels based on real-time electricity prices. During high price periods, light intensity is reduced to the minimum level required for crop development. When prices are low or negative, lighting levels can be increased to support plant growth, taking advantage of favorable market conditions.

© Netvion

Improve crop yield through clear precision
High-value greenhouse crops require precise control of light intensity at different growth stages. Using Netvion’s multi-channel lighting control, the manufacturer fine-tuned light levels from 30 µmol/m²/s at high prices to 200 µmol/m²/s when energy costs were low.

This level of precision optimized energy consumption while maintaining consistent crop quality. Instead of increasing stem length, the cultivar saw a measurable increase in crop weight, reporting 3-7% heavier crops, depending on crop type and growing conditions.

According to the grower, this improvement was driven by better alignment of light levels to plant needs during favorable energy price windows, without overstressing the crop during high-cost periods.

© Netvion

Fast financial impact through the fast energy manager
The financial impact of the wireless lighting system was very dynamic. With a capacity of 3 MW to connect to the grid (“knip”), the producer uses Netvion to respond quickly to fluctuations in electricity prices.

© Netvion In practice, correcting lighting levels allows growers to recover approximately 20-30% of their total daily energy costs in 15 minutes under extreme market conditions.
Depending on electricity prices, it can be worth up to 1,500 euros received in a single 15-minute window, shares Sharan. “This emphasizes the importance of real-time control speed rather than fixed hourly savings.”

“Combined with the reduced installation and maintenance costs enabled by the wireless infrastructure, the system provided a strong business case and approximately a two-year return on investment, while also reducing cabling, labor requirements and overall system complexity.”

© Netvion

Easy integration into existing greenhouses
Although Netvion is designed to integrate with existing climate control platforms, this manufacturer followed a different approach. Instead of using a standard third-party climate computer, the company developed custom in-house software to handle the control logic and system connections.

Netvion’s open and flexible architecture enabled integration with this custom-built platform, allowing the producer to implement their own advanced control strategies, taking advantage of wireless high-resolution lighting.

Sharan: “For other greenhouse operations using commercial climate control systems, integration can be easier. This case demonstrates that Netvion supports both standard integration and highly customized control environments based on the grower’s operational configuration.”

© Netvion

For more information:
Netvion
+31 613921828
(email protected)
www.netvion.io

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