What psychedelics are legal in California? This is a question that many people are asking, especially now that the use of psychedelics is becoming more mainstream.
We can give you an overview of the most popular psychedelic drugs and their legality in the Golden State. So, what psychedelics are legal in California? Keep reading to find out!
California Psychedelics Bill
The Senate Bill 519 was sponsored by State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco, a Democrat. It would allow veterans to access psychedelic treatments while also decriminalizing LSD, ecstasy, mescaline, psilocybin “magic mushrooms,” and other drugs.
Adults 21 years of age or older could possess a certain amount of each, as well as cultivate and gift or distribute them to another person. The bill would legalize their usage and further study.
SB-519 passed the State Senate and is now awaiting action in the State Assembly. It could yet be modified along the way to the governor’s desk.
Psychedelic Decriminalization
Psychedelic decriminalization is different from legalization. Decriminalization refers to the elimination of criminal penalties for possession and use. Police are not to arrest people for personal use, possession, or cultivation of the following substances. The city is also restricted from using funds to enforce criminal penalties for these substances.
Oakland decriminalized naturally-occurring psychedelics and entheogenic plants or fungi, which and used for religious, ritualistic, or spiritual purposes. Santa Cruz, similarly, decriminalized all psychedelic plants and fungi.
These decriminalized psychedelics include:
Psilocybin Mushrooms
Over 200 species of molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools naturally produce psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in “magic mushrooms.” Mushrooms containing psilocybin have been utilized by civilizations all over the world for religious, spiritual, and recreational purposes for hundreds of years.
According to recent research by one of the country’s top medical research institutions, psilocybin, when combined with psychotherapy, can help patients suffering from treatment-resistant anxiety and depression.
Ayahuasca
The leaves of the Psychotria Viridis shrub, a perennial flowering shrub in the coffee family, and the stalks of the Amazonian vine Banisteriopsis caapi are used to make Ayahuasca. DMT is present in the shrub. The vine contains chemicals that prevent the DMT from being broken down, allowing for absorption.
According to recent research, ayahuasca may help with post-traumatic stress disorder, lowered stress and depression, and drug addiction.
Peyote Cactus
Mescaline is a psychedelic chemical found in cacti native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America. Peyote cacti, the San Pedro cactus, and the Peruvian Torch cactus are examples of this family.
The peyote cactus has the most mescaline of any cactus. Although it is primarily used as a recreational drug, it has also been used to enhance different forms of psychedelic therapy and meditation.
Ibogaine
Tabernanthe iboga, a Western African shrub, contains ibogaine, which is a psychedelic chemical found in it. It’s chewed on or brewed as tea from the roots or root bark.
According to studies conducted by academics and scientists in the United States, Canada, and the West Indies, ibogaine’s use to treat heroin and cocaine addiction patients has a lot of promise.
Closing on What Psychedelics Are Legal in California
It’s time to break the stigma that psychedelics are dangerous. Santa Cruz and Oakland have taken steps towards decriminalizing naturally-occurring psychedelics, which will reduce barriers for people who want access to these substances.
If Senate Bill 519 passes in California, it would make psychedelics legal under state law. This bill has already passed through State Senate, so there is a good chance this legislation could become enacted before too long if things continue progressing smoothly!
