LOS ANGELES — The possession and personal use of certain psychedelic drugs such as "magic mushrooms" and ayahuasca would be decriminalized in California under a bill introduced Monday backed by mental health professionals and veterans groups.
Supporters of Senate Bill 58 say that the legislation is a step toward ending California's "war on drugs" and that decriminalizing psychedelics could pave the way for better treatment options to alleviate substance use disorders and other health issues such as anxiety and depression. The bill will likely face opposition among law enforcement groups, which have raised concerns in recent years with the possible public safety risks associated with hallucinogens.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, reintroduced the bill roughly four months after an earlier version was gutted in a key state Assembly committee amid opposition from law enforcement and a handful of Democrats who joined Republicans in voting against it.
