A bill aimed at decriminalizing plant-based psychedelic drugs has cleared a major hurdle in California. Senate Bill 58, introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener last year, would allow for the decriminalization of natural hallucinogens like DMT, magic mushrooms, and mescaline.
Under the proposed legislation, law enforcement would be unable to charge individuals in possession of these drugs with a criminal penalty, although they would still be completely illegal for minors.
The bill was recently moved directly to the Senate without a vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee, because of Wiener’s use of a bypass rule. According to Senate Rule 28.8, if the Chair determines that the state cost of a bill isn’t significant, the measure will be sent directly to the Senate Floor for Second Reading without a hearing in the committee. Wiener invoked this rule to avoid the Appropriations Committee, which often scrutinizes drug bills, and sent the bill directly for a Senate vote.
In a statement, Wiener argued that these drugs were not addictive and had “significant potential in helping people to navigate and to become healthy who are experiencing mental health challenges and substance use challenges.” He added, “This is an important step for California. This is about making sure that people have access to substances that they need that are not addictive.”