Senate moves S114 establishing psychedelic therapy advisory working group to third reading

The Senate advanced S114, which establishes a psychedelic therapy advisory working group to study therapeutic approaches and implementation considerations for psychedelic‑assisted therapy in Vermont. The bill's reporter emphasized the measure focuses on clinical and policy study, not on decriminalization of substances.

Senator from Chittenden Central described the working group's structure, membership, duties, and reporting timelines. The Vermont Psychological Association was designated to assist with scheduling and staffing the group's work. Witnesses included practitioners and researchers such as Dr. Rick Barnett (Psychedelic Society of Vermont), Dr. Charles McClain (UVM), Kathleen McLean (researcher), and Kurt White (Brattleboro Retreat); the Health and Welfare Committee voted 3–0 to report the bill favorably.

Appropriations reviewed the potential fiscal implications for the working group and concluded any cost would be de minimis; the committee reported favorably and the Senate adopted the committee report as amended and ordered third reading.

Next steps: The Senate ordered S114 for third reading; if passed, the working group will prepare a report per the bill's schedule and the Vermont Psychological Association is named as a support entity for administrative tasks.