Massachusetts ballot aims to legalize psychedelics
Massachusetts Voters May Legalize Psychedelics in 2024
Exciting news for the residents of Massachusetts! There is a ballot proposal currently awaiting final approval from the secretary of state that could legalize certain psychedelics in 2024.
The proposed law, known as the Natural Psychedelic Substances Act, aims to allow adults aged 21 and older to use and cultivate substances like psilocybin, psilocyn (found in magic mushrooms), mescaline, ibogaine, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). These substances are currently classified as Schedule I drugs by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to their perceived lack of medical use and potential for abuse.
However, the law would not permit the retail sale of these psychedelics. Instead, individuals would only be able to purchase them at specific locations where they must consume them under the supervision of a licensed facilitator.
If the proposal is passed in November, it will take effect on December 15, 2024, bringing Massachusetts in line with the six cities in the state that have already decriminalized magic mushrooms: Northampton, Easthampton, Amherst, Somerville, Cambridge, and Salem.
The Committee Behind the Proposal
The ballot question was put forth by Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO), a committee established by political consultants Danielle McCourt and Meredith Lerner Moghimi. McCourt, who previously served as the finance director for Massachusetts attorney general and now governor Maura Healy, founded her own political consulting firm in 2018.
MMHO’s grassroots outreach director, Emily Oneschuk, a former Navy member who left as a conscientious objector, expressed her support for psychedelic drugs in a press release. She believes that plant-based therapeutics are highly effective in treating mental health challenges faced by veterans.
The committee filed two versions of their ballot petition, with “Version A” allowing individuals to grow psychedelics at home.
Backers of the Proposal
MMHO received support from New Approach PAC, a political action committee founded in 2013 to advocate for the legalization of marijuana. The PAC’s founder and director, Graham Boyd, is also associated with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Drug Law Reform Project and has a background in law.
Dr. Bronner’s, a California-based company specializing in organic soaps and personal care products, has been a major funder of New Approach PAC. The PAC has also received significant contributions from the Van Ameringen Foundation and Scotts Miracle-Gro, totaling over $25.9 million in the past decade.
Other States’ Progress on Psychedelic Legalization
Massachusetts would not be the first state to legalize magic mushrooms. Oregon took that step earlier this year, following a similar model to Massachusetts by not allowing retail sales and requiring supervised consumption at approved locations. Washington, D.C., also legalized psychedelics in 2020, and Colorado voters approved legalization last year, set to take effect in the near future.
California came close to legalizing hallucinogenic drugs, including magic mushrooms, with a bill passed by the legislature. However, Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed the bill.
This is a very big deal. https://t.co/LIZqAU3lEw
— Graham Boyd (@grahamaboyd) June 1, 2021
What are the arguments for and against the legalization of psychedelics in Massachusetts
Petty officer third class, spoke about the motivations behind the proposal. She explained that the committee’s goal is to provide access to alternative treatments for mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, that have not responded well to traditional therapies.
Oneschuk emphasized that psychedelics have shown promise in clinical trials for treating these conditions, with studies revealing their potential to alleviate symptoms and promote healing and personal growth. She pointed to research conducted at institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London, which have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin.
The committee believes that legalizing psychedelics is a necessary step to ensure access to these treatments for those who can benefit from them. They argue that removing the stigma and legal barriers associated with these substances will enable individuals to explore these options under the guidance of medical professionals.
The goals of MMHO align with a growing movement in the mental health field that recognizes the potential of psychedelics as a tool for healing and personal transformation. The increasing acceptance and integration of these substances into mainstream medicine have led to numerous academic and clinical studies, as well as the exploration of their therapeutic potential.
Opposition to the proposal has been voiced by some lawmakers and conservative groups, who believe that legalizing psychedelics could lead to increased drug abuse and public safety concerns. However, proponents argue that the proposed law includes strict regulations and safeguards to prevent misuse and ensure the responsible use of these substances.
If Massachusetts voters approve the proposal in November, the state will become the third in the country to legalize psychedelics, following in the footsteps of Oregon and Washington, D.C., which passed similar initiatives in 2020. This would mark a significant step forward in the national conversation around psychedelic legalization and further contribute to the growing body of research and evidence supporting their use in mental health treatment.
In conclusion, Massachusetts residents may have the opportunity to legalize certain psychedelics through a ballot proposal in 2024. The proposed law aims to provide access to alternative treatments for mental health conditions and aligns with a growing movement in the mental health field that recognizes the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. While opposition exists, proponents argue that the proposed law includes regulations to prevent misuse, ensuring responsible use of these substances. If approved, Massachusetts would join a small but growing number of jurisdictions that have embraced the potential benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
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