California is once again trying to decriminalize psychedelics, as Sen. Scott Wiener re-introduces a psychedelics decrim bill, SB 58.
This is the second effort by the Californian Democrat to remove criminal penalties for psychedelics. Last year, SB 519, a similar decrim bill made decent progress through the legislature, being approved by several committees, before being shot down by an Appropriations Committee.
The new bill (SB 58) would decriminalize plant-based hallucinogens like psilocybin and DMT, as well as ibogaine and mescaline.
“Psychedelics have tremendous capacity to help people heal, but right now, using them is a criminal offense. These drugs literally save lives and are some of the most promising treatments we have for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction.” – Sen. Wiener
The bill is sponsored by the Heroic Hearts Project, a veteran advocacy group providing support for soldiers suffering PTSD using psychedelic therapy.
With recent decrim wins in Colorado, perhaps Weiner and his Californian supporters think the political timing is right to attempt to pass this bill again.
Let’s see how far it gets this time around.
