‘Magic mushrooms’ would be decriminalised in California under new bill
- Supporters of the bill say the legislation to decriminalise the possession and personal use of certain psychedelic drugs is a step towards ending California’s ‘war on drugs’
- The new proposal, backed by mental health professionals and veterans groups, excludes synthetic psychedelics including LSD and MDMA
The possession and personal use of certain psychedelic drugs such as “magic mushrooms” and ayahuasca would be decriminalised in California under a bill introduced on Monday backed by mental health professionals and veterans groups.
Supporters of Senate Bill 58 say that the legislation is a step toward ending California’s “war on drugs” and that decriminalising psychedelics could pave the way for better treatment options to alleviate substance use disorders and other health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The bill is likely to face opposition among law enforcement groups, which have raised concerns in recent years with the possible public safety risks associated with hallucinogens.
State Senator Scott Wiener reintroduced the bill roughly four months after an earlier version was gutted in a keystate Assembly committee amid opposition from police and a handful of Democrats who joined Republicans in voting against it.
The new proposal excludes synthetic psychedelics including LSD and MDMA – the latter known commonly as Ecstasy – which were included in the previous iteration.