California Psilocybin Legalization Initiative Looks to Legalize Magic Mushrooms
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A Candidate for the Mayor of Marina, Kevin P. Saunders, was just given permission from the Attorney General of California to start gathering signatures for his petition to legalize psilocybin. Psilocybin is the hallucinogenic chemical found in magic mushrooms.
LA Weekly reported that Saunders believes his proposal to decriminalize psilocybin could be successful if they can receive enough donations before the deadline. Sanders said that “Everything except actual money is coming our way. We’re one big donation away from being able to do this. We’re very excited. We see this as a civil rights issue.” There is research that indicates psilocybin can be effective in treating depression. Most people don’t realize it has health benefits, and there have been studies that suggest psilocybin can treat PTSD as well.
The Organizers of the California Psilocybin Legalization Initiative say that they would need about $3 million to ensure the success of the initiative. The Secretary of State published a synopsis of the measure stating that if successful, the measure will decriminalize psilocybin cultivation, possession, sale and transport of the drug for adults 21 years of age and older. Legalizing psilocybin could generate several million dollars by freeing up law enforcement resources, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Saunders is hopeful that people can have a thoughtful, mature dialogue regarding legalizing psilocybin about how it can benefit society. He added that legalizing it is the next logical step to legalizing weed and welcomes the chance for an honest discussion.
Approximately 30 million people in the United States consume hallucinogens, according the National Institutes of Health. The petition needs at least 365,880 signatures to win a place on the 2018 ballot. The deadline for the petition is on April 30 of next year.
Niko Mann is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles, California
