California Governor Newsom Vetoes Bill Decriminalizing Psychedelic Mushrooms, Citing the Need for Further Research
California Governor Gavin Newsom has chosen to veto a bill aimed at decriminalizing the possession and personal use of various hallucinogens, including psychedelic mushrooms. The legislation, which had gained momentum, would have allowed individuals aged 21 and older to possess psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component found in psychedelic mushrooms. It also encompassed other substances such as dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and mescaline.
However, Governor Newsom, a Democrat known for leading the legalization of cannabis in 2016, voiced his concerns about the lack of comprehensive research before proceeding with the decriminalization of hallucinogens. In a statement released on Saturday, he emphasized the need for California to establish regulated treatment guidelines, including dosing information, therapeutic guidelines, rules to prevent exploitation during guided treatments, and medical clearance to ensure no underlying psychoses. Newsom highlighted that the bill would decriminalize possession before implementing these essential guidelines, leading to his decision to veto it.
The proposed legislation, slated to take effect in 2025, would have also mandated the California Health and Human Services Agency to conduct a study on the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances and present recommendations to lawmakers. Despite potential advancements at the state level, it is crucial to note that these substances would still remain illegal under federal law.
In recent years, psychedelics have gained recognition as an alternative approach for treating various mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The recognition from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression in 2019 further validated the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. The FDA has recently published draft guidelines outlining the use of psychedelics in clinical trials.
While supporters of the bill argue for the merits of decriminalization and the potential benefits of psychedelic substances, Governor Newsom’s veto underscores the importance of comprehensive research and regulatory frameworks before these substances are decriminalized. As California navigates this complex landscape, it remains to be seen how the state will approach the therapeutic use of psychedelics in the future.
