California Moves to Decriminalize LSD, MDMA, DMT, & More

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Psychedelics are becoming even less and less taboo on the west coast. Last week, California advanced a new bill that will decriminalize an array of psychedelic substances that include psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, DMT, and more. The bill would allow those who are 21 and over to legally possess such substances for personal use as well as “social sharing.”

The bill is sponsored by California democrat senator Scott Weiner, who says “people’s lives are literally transformed because of these substances.” The bill was able to advance after ketamine, which opponents say can be used as a date-rape drug, was removed. It also explicitly states that sharing with those under 21 is still prohibited, and that substances would not be allowed on school grounds.

Thanks to forward-thinking research facilities, many are now understanding the medical and therapeutic benefits of some psychedelic drugs. Proponents of the bill are emphasizing the utilization of these substances for military veterans who are having serious mental health issues when returning home. Senator Weiner has cited multiple studies from acclaimed medical schools like Johns Hopkins, which have found that psychedelic therapies can often succeed where typical ones fail.

Last year, California’s northern neighbor, Oregon, decriminalized the use of all drugs. Denver has also decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms.