California governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a major psychedelic decriminalization bill.
The legislation has been making its way through California’s congress for years, finally passing the Assembly and Senate last month. With approval from both houses, and with Newsom being a strong supporter of cannabis decriminalization and ending the war on drugs, a final signature from the governor was believed to be a good bet.
Governor Gavin Newsom however vetoed bill SB 58 on Saturday.
But all hope is not lost, as the governor expressed support for a more comprehensive bill that establishes guidelines for regulated therapeutic access to psychedelics. From his veto message:
“Psychedelics have proven to relieve people suffering from certain conditions such as depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other addictive personality traits. This is an exciting frontier and California will be on the front-end of leading it.”
“California should immediately begin work to set up regulated treatment guidelines – replete with dosing information, therapeutic guidelines, rules to prevent against exploitation during guided treatments, and medical clearance of no underlying psychoses.”
“Unfortunately, this bill would decriminalize possession prior to these guidelines going into place, and I cannot sign it. I urge the legislature to send me legislation next year that includes therapeutic guidelines. I am, additionally, committed to working with the legislature and sponsors of this bill to craft legislation that would authorize permissible uses and consider a framework for potential broader decriminalization in the future…”
Sen Scott Weiner, the bill’s sponsor, ensured that they’ll be coming back next year with a revised version that meets the governor’s requirements.
Gov Newsom vetoed SB 58, our bill to decriminalize mushrooms & other naturally occurring psychedelics.
So for now, folks who benefit from these non-addictive substances remain classified as criminals under CA law.
Our fight is not over. We’ll be back with legislation next year. pic.twitter.com/Dehiz9mG0K
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) October 7, 2023
