Politics
The bill, SB 519, is on hold to allow a coalition of supporters to build support for the bill among legislators.
In “smoke signal” to federal agencies, a House Committee report urges government funded psychedelic research.
Amendments to the SB 519 California decriminalization bill include limits on personal possession, a switch from social sharing to “facilitated or supported use,” harm reduction training and education for first responders.
The new group of about a dozen practitioners aims to advance legal protections by setting standards for the ceremonial use of ayahuasca, psilocybin, and other sacramental plant medicines.
The removal of ketamine prior to the Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing marks the latest concession on the path to move psychedelic decriminalization bill SB 519 through California’s legislature.
Legislation to reform drug laws and criminal justice policies sponsored by Democratic Reps reflects new emphasis on harm reduction, but is low priority for the Biden administration.
SB 519, the California legislation that would decriminalize certain psychedelic substances, passed the state senate in a close vote.
The former majority leader joins one of largest psychedelic medicine companies as it turns its attention toward federal policymakers.
California legislators amended SB 519, which would decriminalize many psychedelics under state law, to lower the bill’s cost during a crucial committee hurdle.
Researchers and activists are cautiously optimistic for drug policy reforms despite Biden’s past support for punitive drug laws.
