National Psychedelics Reform Movement Gains Momentum Across the U.S.

LOS ANGELES- The movement for psychedelics reform in the United States is gaining significant traction, with numerous states considering decriminalization, legalization, or rescheduling proposals, as well as other measures to facilitate access to new therapies.

In California, the TREAT initiative, aimed at creating a state agency to fund and promote psychedelics research, was withdrawn from the 2024 ballot. However, advocates are refocusing their efforts under the new name TREAT Humanity. Additionally, the Psychedelic Wellness and Healing Initiative of 2024 was filed, proposing the legalization of adult use, possession, and cultivation of psychedelics for medical, therapeutic, and spiritual use. Another initiative by Decriminalize California, legalizing psilocybin, is also progressing.

Wisconsin is moving forward with companion bills SB 445 and AB 393 to legalize kratom products, removing them from the state’s schedule of controlled substances. This includes various kratom-based products intended for human or animal consumption.

Massachusetts has made notable progress, with the MA for Mental Health Options campaign collecting over 75,000 signatures, potentially placing a broad psychedelics legalization proposal on the state’s 2024 ballot. This proposal includes legalization of adult use, possession, gifting, home cultivation, and a regulatory framework for supervised access to psychedelics.

In Illinois, the introduction of SB 2612, the Illinois Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens (CURE) Act, aims to establish a state psilocybin advisory board and a regulatory framework for psilocybin products and services.

Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 959 proposes to align state-controlled substance scheduling with federal guidelines. This bill has passed the Senate and is currently in the House Judiciary committee.

At the federal level, the FDA has issued warnings over ketamine misuse, while the DEA has extended telemedicine flexibilities and proposed increased production quotas for psychedelics and cannabis research. Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson has called for including psychedelic treatments in universal healthcare for mental health conditions.

Locally, two cities, one in Maine and another in California, have taken steps to decriminalize possession and use of entheogens, often referred to as “natural” psychedelics.

These developments indicate a growing recognition of the potential benefits of psychedelics in various therapeutic contexts, reflecting a shift in public and legislative attitudes towards these substances across the United States.