California’s Psychedelic Dilemma: Governor Newsom’s Tightrope Walk on SB58

LOS ANGELES— Six decades of advocacy for psychedelic legalization in California might finally culminate with the passage of SB58, a landmark bill proposing the decriminalization of certain natural psychedelics for therapeutic use. Having cleared the state legislature on September 7, the bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature or veto.

However, nearly a month since the bill landed on his desk, Governor Newsom has yet to indicate his stance, leaving many in suspense. In a recent conversation with Politico, he acknowledged the therapeutic potential of psychedelics but remained non-committal on whether he would sign SB58 into law.

Throughout the interview, Governor Newsom showcased his political savvy, emphasizing caution in his words, avoiding potential media pitfalls and clickbait headlines. He expressed: “I already could see the headlines on that. I will regret it. I know the media. I know your job. I respect it.”

Newsom’s guarded stance in the interview leaves the fate of psychedelic regulation in California uncertain. A recent FM3 poll suggests that a significant 60% of Californian voters support SB58. While only 30% strongly endorse the bill, these figures indicate that if put to a popular vote, the bill might have a favorable outcome.

Yet, in the present scenario, the power rests squarely with Governor Newsom, whose decision on SB58 carries considerable political implications. This legislation, aiming at significant drug reform, finds parallels in only two other states — Oregon and Colorado. However, it’s worth noting that in these states, the decision to decriminalize and legalize psychedelics was a direct result of citizens’ votes, bypassing the need for politicians to declare their stand on such a divisive issue.

While the future of SB58 remains uncertain, Governor Newsom has recently endorsed another psychedelic-related bill. This legislation permits physicians to prescribe any drug reclassified from Schedule 1 to a lower tier, encompassing substances like MDMA and psilocybin. While this move doesn’t necessarily facilitate direct access to these drugs, it does generate significant headlines. It could be interpreted as Governor Newsom’s nod to the burgeoning psychedelic reform movement. Conversely, it might be a strategic maneuver, appeasing the significant chunk of Californians supporting such measures without explicitly endorsing SB58.

With a substantial portion of Californians in favor of SB58 and some influential opposition groups vocally challenging it, Governor Newsom’s decision is poised on a razor’s edge. Time, however, is of the essence. The Governor has until October 14th to determine the fate of SB58 among other legislative decisions. Whether he endorses it, vetoes it, or lets it become law by inaction, the state — and the nation — watches closely.