California Legislators Look To Decriminalize Psychedelic Substances

California’s legislature could soon be discussing a new bill meant to decriminalize psychedelic substances.

State Senator Scott Wiener announced via Twitter his intention to introduce a new bill aimed at pulling back on penalties for the non-commercial use of these drugs, first reported Marijuana Moment.

The announcement comes days after Oregon and the District of Columbia passed referendums broadening access to psilocybin and other psychedelic substances.

Wiener will be working with Assembly Members Sydney Kamlager and Evan Low “on this important step toward a more rational, science-based, and public-health-focused approach to drugs.”

Wiener plans to introduce the bill when the legislature reconvenes in January.

San Francisco Could Act Sooner: In California, the jurisdictions of Oakland and Santa Cruz have already passed legislation decriminalizing the use of psychedelic plants and fungi in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

As per Marijuana Moment, Decriminalize Nature, a nonprofit that stands behind the psychedelics reforms in Oakland, Santa Cruz, Washington DC and Ann Arbor, announced plans to induce changes in the prohibition of psychedelics in San Francisco.

The group’s approach involves convincing District Attorney Chesa Boudin to cease prosecution of possession charges of psychedelic plants and fungi, therefore achieving a de facto decriminalization of the substances.

A meeting between Boudin and Decriminalize Nature is scheduled for Thursday.

Picture by Los Cocos.