Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes California Psychedelics Bill, Leaves Door Open For New Bill Next Year

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a bill on Saturday that would have decriminalized the possession and personal use of certain hallucinogens, including psychedelic mushrooms. The bill would not have legalized the sale of these substances, but rather sought to ensure that individuals were not arrested or prosecuted for having small amounts of plant-based hallucinogens. 

Newsom said in a statement that more needs to be done before California decriminalizes hallucinogens.

“California should immediately begin work to set up regulated treatment guidelines - replete with dosing information, therapeutic guidelines, rules to prevent against exploitation during guided treatments, and medical clearance of no underlying psychoses," Newsom said.

“Psychedelics have proven to relieve people suffering from certain conditions such as depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other addictive personality traits. This is an exciting frontier and California will be on the front-end of leading it,” the governor said in a veto message.

Supporters, including veterans, have praised the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for treating a variety of mental illnesses, including PTSD.  

First Responder's Experience

“Psilocybin gave me my life back,” said Joe McKay, a retired New York City firefighter who responded to the 9/11 attacks, at an Assembly hearing in July. “No one should go to jail for using this medicine to try to heal.”

David Bronner, Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s said in an email statement to Benzinga that when used responsibly natural psychedelic medicines can be life-saving. 

“Our world is grappling with epidemics of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction that millions suffer from. Natural psychedelic medicines used responsibly are life-saving medicines that the world needs now, especially traumatized populations such as veterans and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities,” he said.

Path Forward

Bronner, a board member of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), called Newsom's veto a setback but said there is still a path forward. 

“Although the veto of SB 58 is a major disappointment to our coalition and a setback for all who are committed to criminal justice and mental health reform, Gov. Newsom’s veto message shows there is still a path forward. Despite this delay, we are confident that we will soon decriminalize and achieve legal access to psychedelics in the state of California.” 

The bill, which passed the California Assembly and Senate and was introduced by California state Senator Scott Wiener, also sought to establish a working group to inform new regulations, information campaigns and harm reduction techniques.