We recently discussed a bill in California that would have decriminalized psychedelics. These are a type of drug that is hallucinogenic. Magic mushrooms are likely used most often, but ayahuasca and ibogaine are also psychedelics.
California would have become the first state to pass such a law, although some cities have already done so. That legal change is not to be, at least not at this point. Gov. Gavin Newsom has decided to veto the bill.
Why was this done?
It’s interesting that the bill was vetoed because California has always been fairly progressive regarding substance use, and the governor even claimed that he was interested in these “new opportunities.” There are various mental health conditions that can be treated with psychedelics, so some people see them as a way to vastly improve their lives.
The governor said he vetoed the bill because he doesn’t think that the proper guidelines have been set up within the state. Newsom mentioned issues with dosing information and treatment and therapeutic guidelines. He also said the state needed to set up rules to keep psychedelics from being exploited in ways that were not intended from these medical treatment options.
The governor left the door open for future bills that may accomplish the same goal. It may simply depend on how soon all of these details, regulations and guidelines can be sorted out. It will be very interesting to keep an eye on this moving forward. It’s important for anyone who is facing drug charges to know about changes to the law and how that may affect their case.