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Voters in the state of Massachusetts have rejected a ballot measure that would’ve removed penalties for the sharing, possession, and non-commercial production of a range of naturally occurring psychedelics.
Results from the election night show that 57% of voters voted No to Question 4, which would’ve permitted individuals aged 21 and above to use psilocyn, psilocybin, mescaline, ibogaine, and DMT. Eligible persons would’ve also been able to cultivate a personal amount of these psychedelics and been able to help others in those activities.
The limits for possession stipulated in the measure were 1g for psilocybin, psilocyn or DMT, 30g for ibogaine, and 18g for mescaline. Possessing higher amounts was classified as a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine. Those found in possession of more than twice the stipulated amount would’ve been charged with a criminal offense.
Under the state’s current law, possessing psychedelics is punishable by up to 12 months in jail for first-time offenders and up to 2 years for the second strike.
The measure would’ve also allowed the establishment of state-licensed psychedelic treatment centers. The on-site consumption of the psychedelics at treatment centers would’ve been regulated by a commission focused on Natural Psychedelic Substances.
Additionally, the measure would’ve imposed a 15% tax on psychedelic purchases and permitted local governments to levy additional taxes not exceeding 2%. Furthermore, local governments would’ve been allowed to regulate the therapy centers without banning them.
Massachusetts for Mental Health Options led the Question 4 campaign and primarily emphasized the psychotherapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. The group also discussed how the measure would permit regulated access to psychedelic drugs with the potential to manage depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder.
They also called attention to the fact that the drugs would only be available in approved settings and be administered under the supervision of licensed and trained facilitators.
The measure was opposed by various organizations, led by Coalition for Safe Communities, who depicted it as a rash experiment. In a statement, the organization explained that while it wasn’t advocating against the medicinal properties of psychedelics, the measure didn’t address any concerns raised by mental health professionals and public safety advocates.
Question 4 is similar to a resolution voters in the state of Colorado approved two years ago, which covered the same drugs. Both resolutions also went further than a 2020 measure introduced in Oregon that permitted the establishment of state-licensed psilocybin service centers only and didn’t allow personal use.
The rejection of the decriminalization measure in Massachusetts shows how unreliable it may be to use the ballot to enact major drug policy reforms targeting psychedelics. A more dependable route is the one that entities like Compass Pathways PLC (NASDAQ: CMPS) have opted for, which entails developing treatments that can be approved by regulators like the FDA and become available within the mainstream medical system.
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