Decriminalizing Psychedelic Drugs in California: As State Senate Considers Bill, Debate Continues

A bill to decriminalize psychedelic drugs is currently being considered by the California Legislature.

Senate Bill 519, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, would allow doctors to prescribe psychedelics for treating mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD. It would also allow psychedelics for personal use, and expunge criminal records for people with prior convictions for possession.

Earlier this week, the medical journal Nature Medicine published results of a study using the psychedelic drug MDMA, also known as ecstasy, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder among research participants who received the drug, along with counseling. Sixty-seven percent felt their condition had improved to the extent that they no longer qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD.

This study adds to a small but growing body of scientific literature exploring the use of psychedelics like MDMA, LSD and psilocybin as therapy for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, eating disorders and end-of-life anxiety. The bill now working its way through the state Legislature aims to build on this momentum.
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