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The possible legalization of psychedelics in the state of Massachusetts has garnered a lot of attention, with voters holding different opinions on the drugs and their legalization. Question 4, the ballot measure being voted on in the upcoming November elections, is supported by Massachusetts for Mental Health Options.
It outlines a plan to treat individuals aged 21 and above who suffer from severe mental health issues with psychedelics, under the guidance and supervision of a licensed and trained professional at regulated therapy centers.
Mass. General Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics’ director of training and education, Dr. Franklin King, explains that psychedelics produce an intense change in consciousness when ingested.
If voters approve the measure, Massachusetts will be the 3rd state in the country to allow the use of psychedelics by adults. Other states that have legislation permitting this include Oregon and Colorado. Dr. King added that while some people could have challenging experiences with the drugs, positive experiences could bring about lasting changes.
A recently conducted poll asked whether or not voters believed that psychedelic treatment for mental health needed to be legalized in Massachusetts. The results, totaling 430 responses, showed that 74% were in favor of the new treatment while 4% were undecided. The remaining voted no on the question.
Based on the responses, the most common concerns regarding legalization were mental health and public safety.
The majority of those who voted yes referred to what psychedelic-assisted treatment could do for different mental health diagnoses like post-traumatic stress disorder. Mark M. Pittsfield, who voted yes on the poll, explained that different studies had demonstrated remarkable benefits from psilocybin treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
John Woburn, another yes vote, added that if natural mushrooms could help an individual heal then they needed to be available to them. Matt Walpole, who also votes yes, revealed that Dr. Bessel van der Kolk had studied the use of psychedelics for childhood trauma or PTSD. He added that psychedelics allowed individuals to move beyond their fears and find love as well as self-care within themselves.
Others who voted no based their vote on concerns regarding the possible adverse effects access to psychedelics could have. One Boston.com reader who voted no on the poll explained that psychedelics hadn’t proved to be medicine by themselves. They added that the drugs carried real mental health risks that needed to be better understood before their access could be broadened in the real world.
Among those who were undecided was Alex Melrose, who explained that while legalizing psychedelics was what needed to be done, the drugs being administered by for-profit centers would limit access and make it hard for those with mental health conditions to access them.
The sentiments expressed by the voters in Massachusetts could give drug development companies like Mind Medicine Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD) (NEO: MMED) (DE: MMQ) operating in the psychedelics space some ideas to think about as they conduct their R&D activities.
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