California Psychedelics Bill Hits Roadblock in Senate Committee Despite Governor’s Support

A California Senate committee has effectively killed a bill aimed at legalizing psychedelic service centers, dealing a significant blow to advocates’ efforts to expand access to substances like psilocybin, MDMA, mescaline, and DMT.

Bill Details

The proposed legislation, known as the “Regulated Therapeutic Access to Psychedelics Act,” authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D), sought to establish licensed facilities where adults aged 21 and older could access psychedelics in a supervised environment under the guidance of trained facilitators. Unlike earlier proposals, this bill did not include provisions for decriminalizing low-level possession of psychedelics.

Setback in Senate Appropriations Committee

After progressing through two prior committees, the bill faced its demise in the Senate Appropriations Committee, which declined to advance it to the Senate floor. This setback marks another disappointment for advocates who had hoped for progress on psychedelic reform in California.

Governor’s Influence

The revised bill was crafted in response to concerns raised by Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who last year vetoed a broader psychedelic reform bill. Despite efforts to address the governor’s reservations, the Senate committee’s decision effectively ended the bill’s chances of becoming law this session.

Advocates Express Disappointment

Advocates, including the newly formed Alliance for Safer Use of Psychedelics (ASUP), expressed deep disappointment at the legislature’s failure to enact the policy. They emphasized the need for regulated access to psychedelics to promote safety and provide guidance to individuals seeking therapeutic benefits from these substances.

Remaining Efforts

While Wiener’s bill faced defeat, other initiatives related to psychedelics are still in play. Assembly member Marie Waldron (R) is sponsoring a separate bill focused on research and creating a framework for regulated therapeutic access. Additionally, grassroots campaigns continue to explore avenues for psychedelic reform, though they face various challenges.

Local-Level Reform

In the absence of statewide action, some California municipalities are taking steps to decriminalize psychedelic substances at the local level. Cities like Eureka have adopted resolutions to deprioritize enforcement of laws against personal use and possession of psychedelics, reflecting a growing trend of local reform efforts across the state.

As the landscape of psychedelic policy continues to evolve, advocates remain committed to advancing initiatives that prioritize safety, education, and equitable access to these substances.