Revolution or Risk? Massachusetts Set to Vote on Controversial Psychedelic Therapy Law

This November, Massachusetts voters will face a groundbreaking decision: whether to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapy as a new approach to mental health treatment. With the “Natural Psychedelic Substances Act” appearing as Question 4 on the ballot, the state could become a pioneer in the fight against mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction using substances long regarded as taboo.

The Somerville City Council took a significant step on July 11 by endorsing the measure, becoming the first city in Massachusetts to back the proposed act. This move aligns with Somerville’s history of progressive drug policy, as the city had already decriminalized entheogenic plants and fungi in 2021. Following Somerville’s lead, the Cambridge City Council also endorsed the act in early August.

If passed, the “Natural Psychedelic Substances Act” would allow adults 21 and older to legally grow, possess, and use certain psychedelics that have been shown to offer therapeutic benefits. Unlike typical legalization efforts, this measure does not include provisions for retail sales or take-home products. Instead, it focuses on providing regulated, supervised access to these substances in licensed therapy facilities across the state. This approach aims to decouple psychedelics from the black market while ensuring safe, therapeutic use under strict guidelines.

Supporters of the measure argue that psychedelics hold tremendous potential in treating mental health conditions that are resistant to conventional therapies. Graham Moore, educational outreach director for Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, described his personal experience with psilocybin as "life-changing" and instrumental in helping him overcome mental illness. This sentiment is echoed by many in the mental health community, who believe that psychedelics could revolutionize the way we approach treatment for disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

However, the path to legalization is not without its challenges. Critics of the act raise concerns about the potential commercialization of psychedelics, which could make these treatments inaccessible to those who need them most. James Davis, co-founder of Bay Staters for Natural Medicine, argues that if psychedelic therapy is priced out of reach for low-income individuals, then it isn’t truly accessible. He points to Oregon, where the cost of legal psilocybin-based treatment can exceed $2,000 per session, as a cautionary example of what could happen in Massachusetts.

Another point of contention is the creation of the Massachusetts Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission, which would oversee the implementation of the new law. Critics like Mason Marks, a visiting law professor at Harvard Law School, argue that the bill’s provisions allow for the appointment of commissioners who might not have any ties to Massachusetts, raising concerns about outside influence and accountability.

Despite these concerns, proponents like Somerville City Councillor Jesse Clingan believe that the measure is a crucial step forward. Clingan, who played a key role in the city’s 2021 resolution to decriminalize entheogenic plants, advises against letting the pursuit of a perfect bill prevent progress. “Don’t make perfect the enemy of the good,” Clingan said. “This is a move in the right direction.”

The outcome of the November vote will not only determine the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Massachusetts but also reflect broader trends in drug policy reform. As public opinion shifts and more jurisdictions explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, Massachusetts has the opportunity to lead the way in integrating these treatments into mainstream mental health care.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question remains: Will Massachusetts embrace this new approach to mental health, or will concerns about commercialization and access hold back this potentially transformative therapy?

Do you believe psychedelic-assisted therapy could be the future of mental health treatment?