California Senate Passes Psychedelic Decriminalization Bill

The California Senate last week approved a bill to decriminalize the possession of some psychedelic substances by individuals 21-and-older, including psilocybin, psilocyn, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline, KTXL reports. The measure moves next to the state Assembly.  

The bill would also repeal laws prohibiting the cultivation of “spores or mycelium capable of producing mushrooms or other material which contain psilocybin or psilocyn,” but the bill’s decriminalization of mescaline specifically excludes peyote derivatives. The ban on peyote derivatives is due to the fact that the plant is “nearly endangered” and is commonly used in spiritual ceremonies by Native Americans, according to the bill text. 

In an interview with the California Globe earlier this month, Sen. Scott Weiner (D) said the psychedelics covered under the bill “are not addictive drugs.” 

“And these are drugs that have significant potential in helping people to navigate and to become healthy who are experiencing mental health, challenges substance use challenges. We know that cities in California and elsewhere have passed resolutions to categorize enforcement of these particular criminal laws as the lowest law enforcement priority. This is an important step for California. This is about making sure that people have access to substances that they need that are not addictive.” — Weiner to the Globe 

Under the measure, psychedelics would continue to be barred from school campuses and the substances could not be provided to people under 21. 

A similar bill passed the state Senate in 2021 but was never considered by the full House.