On Sunday, Governor Newsom vetoed a bill that would decriminalize psychedelics.
He stated that work needs to be done in regard to treatment guidelines such as what psychedelics can be used for, proper dosing, and preventing potential abuse of the substances. He said these guidelines need to be set in place before he can sign the bill.
A concern from Californian parents is teens having easier access to psychedelics and the unknown long term effects.
Clinical Assistant Professor David Dadiomov stated that the centuries long, cross cultural use of psychedelics counters the safety concerns voiced by many Americans and the governmental stance on their use.
David Dadiomov: “You know, because there’s been centuries of use. They are generally safe. There aren’t too many instances where individuals develop addictions to these substances despite the fact that they’re currently schedule one controlled substances.”
Professor Dadiomov continued, citing that psychedelics are currently in phase three trials and could potentially be an FDA approved therapy in the near future.
Dadiomov:” “We can feel pretty confident in the safety. But that that is why there is, you know, a whole FDA approved process for making sure the treatments are safe and effective, you know, prior to them actually being released.”
The Harris Poll conducted a survey, where they found that 65% of Americans with mental health disorders want access to psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.
Senator Scott Wiener introduced the bill in late 2022, following the lead of states like Oregon and Colorado where psychedelics have already been decriminalized.
Senator Wiener released a statement on Saturday, stating that while Governor Newson’s veto is a setback, he will be introducing legislation next year focusing on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics
For Annenberg Media, I am Chuck White.