Proponents of Ballot Question 4 tout the benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health issues as a reason to vote yes. They say access to psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) can be beneficial for those suffering from depression and PTSD.
Legalizing psychedelics would also be good for black market sellers. That’s reason enough to hit the brakes.
Unlike the cannabis industry, the ballot issue does not require the retail sale of psychedelics. Instead, the state Commission on Natural Psychoactive Substances would regulate the licensing of the substances and their distribution to people 21 and older. This is where it gets murky.
according to Coalition for Safer Communitiesalthough these mental health centers are licensed, they are not required to be run by medical professionals. The question is—what happens if the client has an adverse reaction and requires medical intervention?
What about the cost?
“The yes side of this ballot question is to mention veterans and other people with different conditions,” said Chris Keohane of the Coalition for Safer Communities. WBUR . “I want to know how many people in Massachusetts are going through serious issues that can cost them $750 to $3,500 per trip. They give false hope to those who need it most.”
This high price tag is a strong incentive to enter the licensed facilitator business. It is also beneficial to the state’s revenue, as Question 4 also calls for a 15% excise tax on the sale of psychoactive substances in licensed administrative facilities. A profit motive and drugs make a dangerous combination.
Which brings us to the scariest element of Question 4: Bay Staters 21 and older are allowed to grow the stuff at home in a 12-by-12-foot area, consume it unsupervised, and give small amounts to friends and acquaintances. Family members over the age of 21, This was reported by State House News.
This is a golden ticket for black market operators who can consistently secure domestic products for sale. It would be legal to own this product. Uncontrolled consumption of psychedelics also begs the question: isn’t the purpose of licensed facilities to control psilocybin and other such drugs?
Psilocybin is not low-dose marijuana gum. According to the DEA, its psychological effects include hallucinations and an inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Panic reactions and psychotic episodes may also occur, especially if the user takes high doses.
Imagine a child entering a psilocybin growing area at home. .
Patients with major depression and PTSD who benefit from psychedelic therapy are impaired on Question 4. It would be one thing if it required legal use in medical facilities under the supervision of medical professionals. But Question 4’s simplified DIY approach will add to any positive.
A yes vote on Question 4 would open the door to the illegal sale of powerful substances, as well as the ability for virtually anyone over the age of 21 to grow, consume, and distribute these substances.
The Boston Herald favors No on Question 4.