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California lawmakers Thursday night passed a proposal to decriminalize the use of plant-based psychedelic drugs including magic mushrooms.
“I’m thrilled. This has been a three-year process working with our coalition of combat veterans, firefighters and health professionals on what’s really a commonsense bill,” author Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said after the vote. “When people have and are using mushrooms for whatever benefit they’re getting from it, we shouldn’t arrest them. We know these substances have significant, potential benefits. Like any substance, people need to be educated and careful.”
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The state Senate finalized the Legislature’s approval with a 21-14 vote, a decision that not only divided Democrats but also Republicans. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Oct. 14 to sign or veto the bill. If Newsom signs, it would go into effect at the start of 2025.
“Law enforcement does not like it,” State Sen. Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, said. “I’m concerned that we’re going to have a lot of people out there taking mushrooms thinking it’s decriminalized, and so for me, I stand with law enforcement on this. They’re the experts in this area. We’re probably going to see more driving under the influence and trying to deal with it like we did with the decriminalization of marijuana.”
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The proposal specifically legalizes the possession, preparation, obtainment, or transportation of certain quantities of psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline for those 21 years and older.
Veterans groups have said the substances have been helpful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. The bill directs the state to also launch a study into the effects of plant-based psychedelics.
California could become the third state to make such a move. Oregon and Colorado have passed similar measures.
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Decriminalizing magic mushrooms, natural psychedelics OK'd by California lawmakers – KCRA Sacramento
