Bipartisan Effort Aims to Provide Mental Health Support
California Senator Scott Wiener and Republican Assemblymember Marie Waldron have joined forces to introduce a bill that would legalize the therapeutic use of psychedelics, including psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and mescaline. The proposal, which aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s vision, aims to provide mental health support and shift the state’s response to mental health crises away from criminalization.
Building on Success
Colorado and Oregon have already decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms and established regulated systems for therapeutic use. In California, several cities, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Cruz, have effectively decriminalized possession of psychedelic mushrooms. Senator Wiener believes that California residents can benefit from these substances when combined with therapeutic support.
Safeguards and Regulation
The proposed bill would require individuals to undergo a comprehensive screening process to determine their suitability for psychedelic therapy. It would also establish a new state licensing board to regulate the services provided by underground therapists who currently offer psychedelic therapy. The legislation aims to bring these therapists above ground while ensuring that proper safeguards are in place.
Breaking the Stigma
The bill seeks to shift public perception by creating an education program to reduce the stigma surrounding psychedelic substances. By doing so, supporters hope to create a safe and accessible environment for individuals seeking therapeutic treatment.
Support from Veterans and Advocates
The bill is sponsored by the Heroic Hearts Project, a nonprofit organization that works with veterans to overcome trauma. Marine Corps veteran and board member Juliana Mercer, who has used psychedelics to manage her PTSD, believes that regulation and education will allow people to access the healing benefits of these substances without fear of negative consequences.
The California Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education, which previously opposed the decriminalization of psychedelics, now supports the bill. Executive Director Susan Sagy emphasizes the need to balance the potential benefits of therapeutic treatment with the potential risks to public health.
Implementation and Timeline
If the bill becomes law, proponents estimate that it would take 18 to 24 months to implement the program. In addition to legalizing therapeutic use, the bill aims to create a regulated system that ensures the safety of individuals seeking psychedelic therapy.
