In a landmark decision, California is poised to become the third state in the nation to decriminalize psychedelics. The state Assembly has passed a bill that will grant adults aged 21 and older the right to possess and utilize small quantities of plant and mushroom psychedelics.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 58 and introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D), was approved in a 42-11 vote on Wednesday. This bill will legalize a range of naturally occurring psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and psilocin (the psychoactive compounds found in hallucinogenic mushrooms), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline (excluding peyote), within California.
Furthermore, in addition to decriminalizing personal possession and cultivation, the bill aims to establish “community-based healing” practices that encourage group therapeutic use of psychedelics.
Sen. Wiener took to X, the newly renamed Twitter platform, to celebrate the passage of this groundbreaking legislation. His previous attempt at passing a similar bill failed when it stalled out in the Assembly last year, despite gaining Senate approval.
“The Assembly just passed our psychedelics decriminalization bill (SB 58),” Wiener wrote. “It’s supported by veterans, 1st responders, and health professionals.”
Advocates for the decriminalization of psychedelic drugs have highlighted the promising mental health benefits associated with certain entheogenic plants and fungi. Preliminary data from The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research has indicated that psilocybin therapy can alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder for up to one year.
“California’s veterans, first responders, and others grappling with PTSD, depression, and addiction deserve access to these promising plant medicines,” Wiener emphasized in a press release.
“We recognize that these substances are not addictive, and they exhibit tremendous potential in treating many of the most stubborn conditions contributing to our nation’s mental health crisis. It’s time to stop criminalizing individuals who employ psychedelics for healing or personal well-being.”
In the meantime, recent surveys have revealed a growing support nationwide for the reform of psychedelic drug use. According to the UC Berkeley Psychedelics Survey, 61 percent of registered voters favor legalizing regulated therapeutic access to psychedelics, with nearly half in favor of eliminating criminal penalties for personal use and possession.
California’s passage of S.B. 58 follows the historic actions of two other states. In 2020, Oregon voters approved The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (Measure 109), making it the first U.S. law to establish a regulatory system for the controlled administration of psilocybin. Two years later, Colorado followed suit by legalizing five natural psychedelic substances.
Before becoming official, the bill will require Senate approval and the signature of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). If enacted, S.B. 58 is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.
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