California Poised To Be Third U.S. State to Decriminalize Psychedelics

LOS ANGELES–California is poised to become the third state in the nation to decriminalize the use of psychedelics, following the State Assembly’s recent approval of a bill. This legislation would grant individuals aged 21 and older the right to possess and utilize limited quantities of natural psychedelic substances like psilocybin (found in hallucinogenic mushrooms), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline (excluding peyote).

Introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener in 2021, Senate Bill 58 passed with a 42-11 vote, marking a significant step toward legalizing these substances within California. Beyond decriminalization for personal use and cultivation, the bill seeks to establish practices centered on “community-based healing,” encouraging therapeutic group settings for psychedelic experiences.

Senator Wiener took to the platform formerly known as Twitter to express his joy at the bill’s passage, after a previous attempt stalled in the Assembly last year. He highlighted support from various quarters, including veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals.

Image: State Senator Scott Wiener

Advocates of decriminalizing psychedelics emphasize their potential for improving mental health. Preliminary research from The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research suggests that psilocybin therapy can reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder for up to a year. Senator Wiener underscored the importance of providing access to these promising plant-based remedies for individuals dealing with conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction.

He stated, “We know these substances are not addictive and show tremendous promise in treating many of the most challenging conditions contributing to our nation’s mental health crisis. It’s time to cease criminalizing individuals who turn to psychedelics for healing and personal well-being.”

In parallel, recent surveys reveal growing national support for reforming psychedelic drug policies. The first UC Berkeley Psychedelics Survey disclosed that 61 percent of registered voters endorse legalizing regulated therapeutic access to psychedelics. Nearly half of respondents expressed a preference for removing criminal penalties associated with personal use and possession.

The passage of S.B. 58 in California follows in the footsteps of two other states that have already made history by decriminalizing psychedelics. In 2020, Oregon voters approved the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act, establishing a regulatory framework for psilocybin use. Two years later, Colorado followed suit by legalizing five natural psychedelic substances.

Before becoming law, the bill will return to the Senate for approval and ultimately require the signature of California Governor Gavin Newsom. If signed, S.B. 58 is slated to take effect on January 1, 2025.