California is considering a bill to decriminalize the possession and personal use of certain psychedelics, such as psilocybin, psilocyn, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline (excluding peyote), and ibogaine. The bill is supported by several state senators and assembly members and is seen as a step forward in ending the “war on drugs” and its failed and destructive policies.
The move to decriminalize psychedelics follows successful studies of various substances used to alleviate mental health and PTSD issues. Veterans Affairs has also been studying psychedelic therapy to treat veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced Senate Bill 58 to decriminalize the personal use of psychedelic drugs.
“These drugs literally save lives and are some of the most promising treatments we have for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction. We need to end the outdated, racist, failed war on drugs and finally pursue drug policies that help people instead of incarcerating them,” Wiener said.
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
