The bill H.859 aims to create a Psychedelic Therapy Advisory Board in Vermont, tasked with reviewing research on psychedelics for mental health treatment, recommending a state program for healthcare providers, and evaluating the public health implications of legal access to these substances. The Board will include healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experiences of psychedelic therapy, and it will monitor laws in other states regarding psychedelic use while proposing pilot projects for psilocybin-assisted therapies. A report with findings and recommendations is required by January 15, 2027.

Furthermore, the bill directs the Department of Health to contract with a Vermont entity to conduct clinical drug development trials for ibogaine, which is proposed for treating opioid use disorder and other mental health conditions. The contract will necessitate matching state funding and ensuring broad access to ibogaine treatment post-FDA approval. The bill also establishes the Ibogaine Intellectual Property Special Fund to manage proceeds from the commercialization of intellectual property generated during the trials, with funds directed towards programs for individuals with treatable conditions. It includes provisions for trial progress reporting and legal immunity for healthcare professionals involved, except in cases of gross negligence or misconduct. The bill proposes an appropriation of $300,000 from the Opioid Abatement Special Fund for the fiscal year 2025 to support these initiatives and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.