California Senate Votes to Decriminalize Psychedelics

California lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 58, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that decriminalizes the possession and personal use of specific natural psychedelics, including psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), mescaline, and DMT (known as ayahuasca). 

The bill, which is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision, aims to transform the state’s approach to drug policy and promote the therapeutic potential of these substances.

The bill received a mixed response in the state legislature, with the Senate approving it by a narrow margin of 21 to 14, with some Democrats opposing. However, it passed the Assembly with strong bipartisan support in a 42-11 vote.

Under Senate Bill 58, individuals aged 21 and older would no longer face criminal penalties for possessing or using limited amounts of these psychedelics. Importantly, it does not permit the sale or transfer of these substances in dispensaries. Instead, it focuses on preventing arrests for personal possession.

Advocates of this measure argue that it is a significant step towards ending the “war on drugs.” Veterans and criminal justice reform supporters have highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, often outperforming traditional treatments.

The bill’s passage represents a modified version of the original proposal, which sought to decriminalize MDMA and LSD as well. Lawmakers narrowed the focus to include only three plant-based psychedelics and introduced an age requirement of 21 to address concerns.

Newsom has until October 14 to make a decision on the bill. If signed into law, it will take effect on January 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in California’s drug policy landscape and opening doors to further research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.


Information for this story was found via LA Times, X, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

2026 Could Be Gold’s Biggest Year Yet!? | Ryan King – Equinox Gold

Gold Is Screaming Higher While Currencies Burn | Simon Ridgway – Rackla Metals

We Have the Highest-Grade Antimony Deposit in North America!? | Jim Atkinson -Antimony Resources

Recommended

Canadian Copper Secures $8 Million Lead Order From Ocean Partners As Part Of Larger Funding Round

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Related News

Amazon Sued for Inflating Prices, Penalizing Merchants for Offering Lower Prices on Rival Sites

E-commerce giant Amazon was slapped with a lawsuit from the state of California on Wednesday,...

Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 05:07:04 PM

California Lifts Environmental Regulations for Fire Recovery

Governor Gavin Newsom’s suspension of environmental regulations to speed wildfire recovery has intensified California’s long-running...

Monday, January 13, 2025, 12:07:00 PM

Tensions Escalate In The Brewing Civil War Between Trump and Newsom

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly threatened to withhold...

Monday, June 9, 2025, 10:47:00 AM

California Introduces Bill That Would Allow Businesses to Terminate Commercial Lease Agreements

As lockdowns across the US are beginning to subside, it appears that many small and...

Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Trial To Be Set As California Guns To Revoke Tesla’s Manufacturer And Dealer Licenses

It was more than a year ago when the Department of Motor Vehicles in California...

Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 02:58:00 PM