In a Massachusetts showdown that could be straight out of a psychedelic soap opera, supporters of a November ballot to legalize certain psychedelic substances are groovin’ and movin’ in Springfield! Leading the charge is Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, boasting endorsements from state Reps. Lindsay Sabadosa and Carlos González. They argue that psychedelics could be the magic potion for veterans with PTSD and others grappling with mental health issues.
However, not everyone is ready to trip the light fantastic. Opponents predict a future filled with DUIs, rogue toddlers, and pets having out-of-body experiences, not to mention the rise of a psychedelic black market. For the record, this measure isn’t about turning Massachusetts into a 24/7 rave—it’s more about setting up a regulatory commission, not legalizing recreational use.
On the green side of things (and we’re talking cash, not plants), the “yes” campaign is rolling in dough, with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps cleaning up with a hefty donation. Even some wealthy Boston tech execs have chipped in, making campaign finance records read like a who’s-who of the Silicon Valley of the East.
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Safe Communities, the buzzkill squad, has been slower on the uptake but is now shaking the money tree and appealing to first responders, district attorneys, psychiatrists, and even veterinarians to join their cause.
This psychedelic proposition is just one of five hot-button statewide initiatives on the horizon, with some local spots already saying “yes” to decriminalizing psilocybin possession. Get your popcorn ready, Massachusetts, because this trip is just getting started!
Published Date: 2024-09-11