In recent years, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize and legalize psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. California, known for its progressive stance on various issues, has been at the forefront of this movement. However, despite several attempts, the latest California psychedelics bill has failed to pass, leaving advocates disappointed.
Senate Bill 1012, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, aimed to bring psychedelics into the mainstream by legalizing psychedelic-assisted therapy for Californians. The bill proposed the creation of three new government entities to regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy and determine who could become licensed to facilitate psychedelic trips. It also emphasized the potential of psychedelics to help people heal and improve their lives, with veterans groups among the supporters.
Unfortunately, the bill stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, which culled hundreds of bills due to the budget constraints of the current year. This setback comes as a disappointment to Senator Wiener and advocates who have been working tirelessly for four years to legalize access to psychedelics in California.
“We’ve been working for four years to legalize access to psychedelics in California, to bring these substances out of the shadows and into the sunlight, and to improve safety and education around their use,” said Senator Wiener in a statement. “It’s disappointing for this bill not to move forward.”
The total ongoing cost of the bill was projected to be in the low millions, but opponents, including the California State Sheriffs’ Association, expressed concern about the government condoning and facilitating the use of mind-altering drugs. Some medical professionals also questioned the scientific research behind the therapeutic use of psychedelics.
The bill faced criticism for its proposal to create a new category of licensed professionals to facilitate psychedelic treatment, rather than allowing people seeking mental health care to obtain psychedelic drugs from their existing providers. It also did not allow for local control in cities that might want to forbid psychedelic treatment businesses.
This is not the first time Senator Wiener has sought to reform psychedelic laws in California. Last year, he attempted to decriminalize the possession and personal use of “magic mushrooms” and other hallucinogenic drugs. However, the bill was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite the setback, the governor encouraged lawmakers to try again and offered suggestions for establishing regulated treatment guidelines for psychedelics.
Jared Moffat, campaign director of the Alliance for Safer Use of Psychedelics, a group that sponsored the bill, expressed disappointment at California missing the opportunity to create a model policy for the rest of the country. Moffat highlighted the importance of creating responsible programs and promoting the safer use of psychedelics to alleviate mental health challenges.
While the California psychedelics bill may have failed, there are still efforts being made to make psychedelic sacraments available to military veterans and first responders. Oakland-based Bliss Mushrooms, a leading advocate for psychedelic therapy, is working with psychedelic churches such as the San Francisco Bay Area-based Ritual Church of Community Ceremony to achieve this goal.
Bliss Mushrooms aims to provide access to psychedelic sacraments in a safe and supportive environment. They believe that psychedelics, when used responsibly and with proper guidance, can be powerful tools for healing and personal growth. By working closely with organizations like the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony, they hope to make psychedelic therapy more accessible to those who can benefit from it the most.
The Ritual Church of Community Ceremony is a psychedelic church that embraces the sacramental use of entheogens for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. They provide a sacred space for individuals to explore the depths of their consciousness and experience profound healing and transformation. By collaborating with Bliss Mushrooms, they aim to expand their services and cater specifically to the needs of military veterans and first responders.
The partnership between Bliss Mushrooms and the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony is a testament to the growing recognition of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. As more research is conducted and public opinion shifts, it is becoming increasingly clear that psychedelics can play a significant role in addressing mental health challenges.
While the California psychedelics bill may have failed this time, the efforts of organizations like Bliss Mushrooms and the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony demonstrate that there is still hope for the future of psychedelic therapy. As the conversation around psychedelics continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize education, safety, and responsible use to ensure that individuals can access these potentially transformative treatments in a regulated and supportive environment.
The failure of the California psychedelics bill serves as a reminder that progress often faces challenges and setbacks. However, with continued advocacy and the commitment of organizations like Bliss Mushrooms and the Ritual Church of Community Ceremony, the potential of psychedelics to heal and transform lives will remain at the forefront of the conversation.
