California Senate Approves Bill to Decriminalize Psychedelics
The California Senate has passed a bill to decriminalize certain psychedelics, removing penalties for adults over 21 and setting the stage for regulatory exploration
Key Points
- 1California Senate approves decriminalization of psychedelics for adults over 21
- 2Senator Scott Wiener champions the bill, critiquing the war on drugs
- 3Expungement provisions removed; task force to study regulatory frameworks
- 4Mescaline from peyote excluded due to cultural and environmental concerns
- 5Bill signals potential shift in drug policy and therapeutic use of psychedelics
In a significant legislative move, the California Senate has approved a bill to decriminalize the possession of certain psychedelic substances. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener, passed with a 21 to 16 vote. If enacted, the legislation will remove criminal penalties for adults over 21 possessing or sharing psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, ibogaine, LSD, and MDMA
Senator Wiener has been a vocal advocate for drug reform, emphasizing the failure of the war on drugs. He argues that criminalizing drug use has not deterred consumption or improved public safety. "Throwing people in jail for using drugs doesn't stop drug use," Wiener stated, highlighting the need for a new approach that moves away from punitive measures
Initially, the bill included provisions for expunging past convictions related to psychedelic possession. However, these measures were removed in the final committee review last month. The current version of the bill mandates the California Department of Public Health to establish a task force to explore regulatory frameworks for safe and equitable access to psychedelics, with recommendations due by January 1, 2024
The legislation also addresses specific substances, notably excluding mescaline derived from peyote due to its cultural significance to Native American spirituality and the plant's threatened status. This exclusion reflects ongoing debates among advocates and indigenous groups about peyote's role in psychedelic reform
Looking ahead, the bill's passage marks a potential shift in California's drug policy landscape, with implications for public health and criminal justice reform. As the state explores regulatory options, it may serve as a model for other regions considering similar reforms. The focus on safe access and public health could pave the way for broader acceptance and integration of psychedelics into therapeutic settings