Encouraging More Drug Use, In The Midst Of An Addiction And Homelessness Crisis, Would Be A Disaster
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former drug policy advisor to the Obama White House, released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of California Senate Bill 58, which would have decriminalized personal possession and use of psychedelics, including psilocybin/psilocyn (mushrooms), Dimethyltryptamine (“DMT”), and more:
“Governor Newsom’s veto of this dangerous legislation wasn’t just politically expedient; it was the right thing to do for public health and safety. Californians from Sacramento to San Diego spoke out against this legislation because they recognize that in the middle of a drug and homelessness crisis, encouraging more drug use would be a disaster.
“However, the governor ultimately is still signaling support for making these drugs more available. That’s welcome news for investors who see big profit margins. Politicians can’t just deem psychedelics as medicine—that’s for the FDA’s scientific process. Signaling more support for the use of dangerous drugs will worsen the state and the nation’s addiction and mental health crises. In fact, 39 percent of those who had used psilocybin described it as one of ‘the top five most challenging experiences’ of their lives. Even with guidelines, allowing personal possession of psychedelics will also require more resources to address the physical and mental health consequences associated with drug use.”