Massachusetts Legislators Consider Legalizing Therapeutic Use of Natural Psychedelics
Last week, Massachusetts legislators held a joint legislative committee hearing to discuss a groundbreaking initiative: the legalization of natural psychedelics for therapeutic use. The proposal, which could be approved by the legislature or put to a vote this November, has sparked both support and opposition.
Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO) Backs Psychedelic Legalization
Leading the charge for this initiative is Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO), a group affiliated with New Approach, a political action committee that successfully supported the legalization of psychedelics in Oregon and Colorado. If passed, the measure would legalize the use of “naturally occurring” psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and ibogaine in regulated and taxed therapeutic settings.
Supporters Rally for Ballot Measure
MMHO has already gathered nearly 100,000 signatures on petitions to support the ballot measure, sending it to the state legislature for consideration. If lawmakers do not approve the measure by May 1, supporters have until July 3 to collect an additional 12,429 valid signatures. If successful, the initiative will be placed on the ballot for the November general election.
Joint Committee Holds Hearing on Psychedelics Therapy Legalization
On March 26, the Massachusetts state legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on the proposed ballot measure (Bill H.255). Emily Oneschuk, a military veteran and MMHO’s grassroots campaign director, shared her personal struggles with mental health while serving in the U.S. Navy, including sexual assault, bullying, and harassment. She also spoke about her positive experience with psilocybin at a legal retreat in Jamaica.
Experts Speak Out in Support of Psychedelic Therapy
Dr. Franklin King, director of training and education at the Mass General Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, testified about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He emphasized that there is substantial evidence showing their effectiveness in treating mental health conditions and that they can be taken safely and responsibly.
King also criticized the current legal status of psychedelics, stating that it is “egregiously incorrect” and hindering research and access to potential benefits for millions of patients. He argued that the strict controls of the medical model are not necessary for this class of psychedelics, as the risks are minimal and the potential for abuse is close to zero.
The Future of Psychedelic Legalization in Massachusetts
As the debate over the legalization of natural psychedelics for therapeutic use continues, it remains to be seen whether the measure will be approved by the legislature or put to a vote in November. But one thing is clear: the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy cannot be ignored, and advocates are determined to make it a reality in Massachusetts.
