After passing the state Senate’s final approval, California is considering decriminalizing natural psychedelics like magic mushrooms.
The CB58 bill would remove criminal penalties for personal possession of psychedelics, including “magic mushrooms,” which contain hallucinogens. The measure is now heading to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his verdict.
Supporters of the legislation claim the bill would assist in facilitating therapeutic access to the drugs, offering potential treatment to various mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance misuse disorders.
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According to Forbes, the Bill limits the possession of mescaline at four grams, while the limit set for drugs including DMT, psilocybin and psilocin is set to one gram. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Scott Wiener of San Francisco back in December 2022.
“This is a well-crafted, targeted bill to stop criminalizing people who are using these substances, including for health purposes,” Wiener told Marijuana Moment on Thursday. “I’m so grateful to my colleagues for their support, and I look forward to making the case to the governor that the bill deserves his signature.”
BREAKING: Our bill to decriminalize personal possession & use of mushrooms & several plant-based psychedelics (SB 58) just received final approval from the Senate & is heading to the Governor!
— Senator Scott Wiener @scottwiener.bsky.social (@Scott_Wiener) September 7, 2023
The California Health and Human Services Agency would investigate any issues surrounding psychedelics, including the safety and efficacy of using them to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, addiction and more.
“California’s veterans, first responders, and others struggling with PTSD, depression, and addiction deserve access to these promising plant medicines,” Wiener said in a statement. “SB 58 has prudent safeguards in place after we incorporated feedback from three years of deep engagement with a broad array of stakeholders.”
Growing magic mushrooms: How does a BC lab extract psilocybin?#biotechcompany #biotechnology #bioinformatics #psilocybintherapy #psilocybinresearch #psilocybin #PsilocybinAssistedTherapy #magicmushrooms #psychedelic #psychedelicresearch #psychedelicscience #psychedelicnews pic.twitter.com/EQTzW8oHOM
— BioTech Network (@network_biotech) September 5, 2023
“We know these substances are not addictive, and they show tremendous promise in treating many of the most intractable conditions driving our nation’s mental health crisis,” he added. “It’s time to stop criminalizing people who use psychedelics for healing or personal well-being.”
“Crime and homelessness are out of control in California. If Democrats don’t think this will make things worse, they’re hallucinating – no mushrooms needed,” Gallagher said in a statement.
The deadline for Gov. Newsom to either approve or veto the bill is October 14. If approved, the bill would go into effect on January 1, 2025.
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