Good news for mushroom lovers in California! Magic mushrooms may soon be decriminalized across the state if a new bill is passed. That’s right, no more hiding in the bushes if you want to take a trip – just make sure to do it responsibly! Magic mushrooms have been used for centuries for spiritual and medicinal purposes, so it’s about time that California catches up to the times. Here’s hoping the bill passes soon!
This week, a groundbreaking bill was proposed in California that would decriminalize the possession and personal use of specific psychedelic drugs like “magic mushrooms” and ayahuasca. Mental health professionals and veterans groups alike have strongly supported this legislation, citing potential benefits for those suffering from depression or PTSD. This historic initiative is one step closer to making these life-changing substances more widely available to those who need them most.
California Could Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms If This Bill Passes
Advocates of Senate Bill 58 believe it would be a crucial stride towards ending California’s “war on drugs.” Decriminalizing psychedelics could lead to improved treatment options for substance use disorders and other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Sadly, this bill is likely to face disapproval from law enforcement groups which have raised numerous questions regarding the potential public safety risks linked with hallucinogens.
After the original version of State Sen. Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) bill was canceled due to objections from law enforcement authorities and a few Democrats joining Republicans in voting against it, he reintroduced an updated version roughly four months later.
This new proposal deliberately leaves out synthetic psychedelics such as LSD and MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy, which were included in the earlier version.
SB 58 proposes to legalize a select range of botanical psychedelics, including psilocybin from “magic mushrooms,” dimethyltryptamine (DMT) used in ayahuasca brews, the psychoactive alkaloid ibogaine found in the iboga shrub and mescaline present in several cacti besides peyote.
This bill would provide access to these plant-based hallucinogens with safe parameters for consumers.
In a statement, Wiener expounded on the incredible healing potential of psychedelics – noting that these treatments could be life-saving for those facing PTSD, depression, anxiety and addiction. Despite their remarkable capacity to help people heal however, using them is currently criminalized.
California cities like San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Oakland have already decriminalized the possession of natural psychedelics. In addition to this success, voters in Oregon and Colorado recently passed similar ballot measures. The proposed statewide measure is supported by mental health professionals who believe that wider access to these drugs would benefit both research and treatment initiatives.
Dr. Sarah Abedi, a facilitator at the Treatment and Research in Psychedelics Program from the Pacific Brain Health Center, claims that decriminalizing psychedelics can support individuals struggling with mental health concerns by diminishing related stigmas. The bill proposed could generate opportunities to further study how powerful these substances are for managing issues such as opioid addiction and PTSD among veterans.
It’s not unexpected that people turn to psychedelics for therapeutic purposes when other traditional treatments have failed them, according to Abedi. Psychedelics can assist in bringing out “material to the surface that needs to come up for processing”, says Abedi – helping individuals get to the root of their health issues.
As opposed to full legalization, decriminalization of psychedelics in California would not make them as acceptable as marijuana.
This proposal does not support the sale of psychedelics at dispensaries or anywhere else, but it does ask law enforcement to refrain from placing criminal charges on individuals who possess small quantities of these substances for personal use. Moreover, this bill will shield minors from obtaining and using such drugs since their sale remains prohibited regardless.
After the Legislature reconvenes for the 2023-24 session in January, this bill will be going through its first committee hearing and legislative vote during springtime.
If the Senate and Assembly approve this bill, California will become the fourth state to decriminalize psychedelics.
The Far Right’s love of psychedelics may surprise some, but their embrace is driving a new revolution in America with questions about the role these drugs can have on our future.
Disclaimer
Magic mushrooms should only be used responsibly and legally in the state of California.
The decriminalization of Magic Mushrooms in California has the potential to open up a lot of interesting and exciting opportunities. Imagine the possibilities! Now, go out and enjoy your Magic mushrooms responsibly – California style!
Eager to learn more? Visit our blog for the latest news and updates about Magic Mushrooms in or other psychedelics.
