What experts and readers say about legalizing psychedelics in Mass.

readers say

The legalization of psychedelic substances in Massachusetts has drawn national attention and divided some Mass. voters on either side of the vote as Nov. 5 approaches.

The ballot measure's major proponent, Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO)says Question 4, outlining a comprehensive plan to treat adults over the age of 21 with serious mental illnesses “under the supervision and guidance of a trained, licensed professional in regulated treatment centers,” in response to its website.

“Psychedelics are known to produce a profound change in consciousness, often experienced as something deeply meaningful, important or profound event,” said Dr. Franklin King, lecturer at Harvard Medical School and director of education and training on the Mass. Generally Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics.

If voters vote “yes” on Question 4, Mass third state within the nation There are laws allowing adult use of psychedelic drugs, lagging behind Colorado and Oregon.

“[Psychedelics] create very powerful, powerful states. These should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. King. “Certainly it can be a very challenging experience for some people. There are a lot of things that can potentially go wrong, just as a really positive experience with psychedelics can leave lasting change.”

Founding partner of Shawmut Strategies and spokesperson for Coalition for Safe CommunitiesChris Keohan, is amongst Massachusetts voters confident of voting “no” this fall.

“We do not question the medical benefits of this under medical supervision. But this goes a significant step too far and reduces the overall safety of people here in Massachusetts,” Keohan said. “Not only with the additional problems of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but also with the problems that would come with the growth of the home for children, pets, etc. [and] Household contents insurance in general.”

The coalition's major concern with the ballot measure is the power to grow psychedelics at home. The measure would make this possible as much as 144 square meters have grown. The Minimum dimensions A main bedroom within the state is 120 square feet.

“That’s an astronomical amount of square footage for home improvement,” Keohan said. “If homeownership growth wasn't taken into account, I probably wouldn't be involved on the 'no' side of this ballot question. The fact that this is the case, I think, poses a really significant threat to public safety.”

While some voters support general legalization, they worry about access restrictions.

This applies to the leadership of Bay Staters for Natural Medicinea community group dedicated to educating its members concerning the use of psychedelic drugs.

“Eight cities and counting have already indicated they want this policy implemented,” said James Davis, executive director and co-founder of Bay Staters for Natural Medicine. “If we just implement this, in some ways it's the best form of legalization because it means people are getting this drug from someone they know and growing it themselves.”

Still, there are differing opinions about how psychedelic drugs needs to be regulated within the state.

“We never thought a ballot question would be viable in the state of Massachusetts,” Davis said. “We don't believe we exist from the perspective of public opinion, and that's why we exist.” Educating slowly, having tough conversations, meeting with individuals who don't agree with us, and not only attempting to force it through , by getting 51% of the vote.”

“That’s really what we want as an alternative form of legalization,” he said.

Following the announcement of the certified ballot questions, Boston.com polled readers whether or not they consider psychedelic mental health care needs to be legalized within the state. Of the full 430 responses, 74% voted “yes,” 21 voted “no,” and 4% voted “I don’t know.”

Based on reader responses, two of probably the most common themes and concerns surrounding legalization were public safety and mental health.

Here's a collection of what readers said and the way they plan to vote on Question 4.

Yes: Psychedelics promote mental health

Of nearly all of “yes” votes, readers commented on what psychedelic-assisted therapy could do in managing PTSD and other serious mental health diagnoses. Dr. King said, “The patient has to do a lot of work, just being open to the experience and not shying away from negative things that might come up.”

“People hear psychedelic and forget the word therapy,” added Dr. King added. “I think this is simply an exploration of the contemporary issues that we can probably expect more of when it comes to psychedelics.”

“Post-traumatic stress disorder is a debilitating, agonizing illness that claims countless lives through suicide and devastates many more. Veterans, first responders and BIPOC people are disproportionately affected. Conventional medications and psychotherapy are not enough to help these people. But research at Johns Hopkins, Columbia and other universities has shown remarkable and rapid benefits from short courses of psilocybin. The bias of the Nixon era cost us 50 years of unnecessary suffering. It’s time.”

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“For medical and psychological purposes only – not for recreational purposes. The data is compelling.”

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“This medication is so important for those struggling with PTSD or childhood trauma. It allows us to overcome our fears and find self-care and love within ourselves. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the leading psychiatrist in trauma therapy, has studied this and is a proponent of this type of treatment. It is discussed in his best-selling book, The Body Keeps the Score.”

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“If this natural mushroom can help someone heal, it should be available to them. The more natural medicines there are, the better they are for the body and our planet.”

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“Psychedelic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and there is clearly a reason for this. It makes no sense that these mushrooms are still illegal when other substances, such as alcohol, which are generally more harmful, are not.”

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No: I’m concerned about public safety

A typical reason readers vote “no” is concern concerning the potential detrimental impact this access could have. Keohan advises people to “listen to medical professionals.” Listen to the psychiatrists.”

“For the mental health of the clinic, yes. For recreational purposes, no. We have seen an increase in drug abuse since the legalization of marijuana. Our energy should go toward treatment rather than legalization.”

“Psychedelics have been proven not to be medicine in their own right. What psychedelic research has shown is the potential therapeutic effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy in highly structured/supportive environments. These substances actually pose mental/mental health risks that need to be better understood before their access is expanded in the real world. The premature legalization process may have unintended negative impacts on public mental health, with certain vulnerable populations (e.g., high-risk youth) being most at risk.”

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Risks are known. The advantages are limited. Can be “administered” at home, path to abuse.”

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“I’m an emergency room nurse. Since marijuana was legalized, the number of traumatic cases I see due to cannabis use has skyrocketed. In some patients I can smell it; others admit to consuming edibles. Most recently, I took the vitals of a driver who passed out during shatter therapy and broke both femurs of the driver whose car he hit with his pickup truck. Human nature is what it is and “patients” will abuse this “medicine” and cause everlasting harm to others. In the case of alcohol, the police could conduct a blood or breath test on site to detect excessive alcohol consumption. Not so with previously illegal drugs.”

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“One wonders whether the item would not be taxed if we pursued this. Things that distort normal cognitive function don’t seem to benefit.”

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I'm undecided

“I think we should legalize them. I do not think that the part of the bill that requires it to be adopted within the framework of licensed, very expensive “health” centers (for large profits for private companies) should be included or allowed in this bill. These useful drugs should be decriminalized and allowed to be used by health centers without reservation. We don't do that with marijuana. This should not happen in this case either. It restricts access to very wealthy people, and people with mental health problems who are not wealthy will be denied access under this proposed law.”

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“I don't know enough about them to give a fair opinion, but when something is described as 'psychedelic,' isn't that tantamount to distorting reality? I’m not sure how altering reality could be of any use to anyone.”

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