What experts and readers are saying about legalizing psychedelics at Mass.

Readers say

Experts and readers weigh in on question 4.

Legalization of psychedelic substances in Massachusetts has attracted national attention and divided some Mass voters on either side the ballot measure now that November 5 is fast approaching.

The main proponent of the ballot measure, Massachusetts Mental Health Options (MMHO)says Question 4 outlines a comprehensive plan to treat adults over the age of 21 with serious mental health conditions “under the supervision and guidance of a trained, licensed professional in regulated therapy centers,” according to their website.

“What is known about psychedelics is that they produce a profound change in consciousness that is often experienced as something very meaningful, important or profound,” says Dr. Franklin King, instructor at Harvard Medical School and director of training and education at Massa. . General Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics.

If voters decide “yes” on Question 4, Mass third state in the country to have legislation allowing the use of psychedelic drugs by adults, following Colorado and Oregon.

“(Psychedelics) produce very powerful, potent states. These should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. King. “Certainly for some people there can be very challenging experiences. There are a lot of things that can potentially go wrong, just as a truly positive experience with psychedelics can create lasting changes.”

Founding partner at Shawmut Strategies and spokesperson for the Coalition for Safe CommunitiesChris Keohan is among the voters in Massachusetts who are confident of checking ‘no’ this fall.

“We have no doubt about the medical benefits of doing this under a doctor’s supervision. But this goes a significant step too far and reduces the overall safety of those here in Massachusetts,” Keohan said. “Not only with additional drunk or drugged driving issues, but also with the issues that come into play when growing from home to children, pets and (and) home insurance in general.”

The Coalition’s main concern with the ballot measure lies in the ability to grow psychedelics at home. The measure would make this possible up to 144 square meters be cultivated. The minimum dimensions of a primary bedroom in the state is 120 square meters.

“It’s an astronomical amount of square footage for home growth,” Keohan says. “I probably wouldn’t be involved in this voting question on the ‘no’ side if housing growth wasn’t included. The fact that this is so, in my view, poses a real threat to public safety.”

While in favor of universal legalization, some voters are concerned about restrictions on access.

This applies to leadership at Bay Staters for Natural Medicinea community group dedicated to educating members about the use of psychedelic drugs.

“Eight cities and counting have already said they want that policy implemented,” said James Davis, executive director and co-founder of Bay Staters for Natural Medicine. “If we simply implement that, in some ways that’s the best form of legalization, because it means people are getting this medicine from someone they know, and they’re going to grow it themselves.”

Still, there are varying opinions on how psychedelic drugs should be regulated in the state.

“We never thought a ballot question would be feasible in the state of Massachusetts,” Davis said. “We don’t think we’re there from a public opinion perspective, and that’s why we exist. To educate slowly, have hard conversations, meet people who disagree with us, and not just try to push it through by getting 51% of the vote.”

“That’s really what we want as an alternative form of legalization,” he said.

After the announcement of the certified voting questions, Boston.com surveyed readers asking whether or not they believe that psychedelic medical care for mental health care should be legalized in the state. Of the 430 total responses, 74% voted ‘yes’, 21 voted ‘no’ and 4% chose ‘I don’t know’.

Based on reader responses, public safety and mental health were two of the most common topics and concerns within legalization.

Here’s a sampling of what readers said and how they plan to vote on Question 4.

Some responses have been lightly edited for length or clarity.

Yes: Psychedelics are good for mental health

Out of the majority of “yes” votes, readers mentioned what psychedelic therapy could do for managing PTSD and other serious psychiatric diagnoses. Dr. King said, “There is a fair amount of work on the patient’s part simply in being open to the experience and not trying to shy away from the negative things that may come up.”

“People hear psychedelics and forget the word therapy,” added Dr. King added. “I see this as a way to address the kinds of contemporary issues we’re likely to see more of regarding psychedelics.”

“Post-traumatic stress disorder is a painful, painful disease that claims countless lives through suicide and destroys many more lives. It disproportionately affects veterans, first responders, and BIPOC people. Conventional medication and psychotherapy are insufficient to help these people. But research at Johns Hopkins, Columbia and other universities has shown remarkable and rapid benefits from short-term treatment with psilocybin. Nixon-era prejudice has cost us fifty years of unnecessary suffering. It’s time.”

– Mark M., Pittsfield, “yes” vote

“For medical and psychological use only – not recreational. The data is compelling.”

– Peggy B., Lenox, “yes” vote

“This medicine is so important for people dealing with PTSD or childhood trauma. It allows us to move past our fears and find self-care and love within ourselves. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the leading psychiatrist in the field of trauma therapy, has researched this and is an advocate of this type of treatment. It is discussed within his New York Times bestseller, ‘The Body Keeps the Score.’”

– Matt, Walpole, “yes” vote

“If this natural mushroom can help someone heal, it should be available to him or her. The more natural medicines are better for the body and our planet.”

– John, Woburn, “yes” votes

“Psychedelic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and there is clearly a reason for being used. It makes no sense that these mushrooms are still illegal while other substances, such as alcohol, which are generally more harmful, are not.”

– Cannon W., Framingham, “yes” vote

No: I’m concerned about public safety

A common reason why readers say they will vote “no” stems from concerns about the potential adverse effects this access could have. Keohan advises that people should “listen to the medical professionals. Listen to the psychiatrists.”

‘For mental health applications, yes. For recreational use, no. Since the legalization of marijuana, we have seen an increase in drug abuse. Our energy should be focused on treatment instead of legalization.”

– A Boston.com reader, “no” vote

“It has not been proven that psychedelics are drugs in themselves. What psychedelic research has shown is the potential therapeutic efficacy of psychedelic-ASSISTED THERAPY in highly structured/supportive environments. These substances pose real psychological/mental health risks that need to be better understood before their access is expanded in practice. The premature legalization process may have unintended negative consequences for mental health care, with certain vulnerable populations (such as high-risk youth) being most vulnerable.”

– A reader of Boston.com, Cambridge, votes “no.”

“Risks are known. The benefits are limited. Can be ‘administered’ at home, potential for abuse.”

– OJ, Brookline, “no” vote

“I am an ER nurse. Since marijuana was legalized, the number of trauma cases I see due to cannabis use has skyrocketed. I can smell it in some patients; others admit to using edibles. Most recently, I recorded the vitals of a driver who passed out while crushing and broke both femurs of the driver whose car he hit with his pickup. Human nature is what it is, and “patients” will abuse this “drug,” causing lasting harm to others. In case of alcohol consumption, the police could perform a blood or breath test on the spot to detect excessive use. That is not the case with previously illegal drugs.”

– A Boston.com reader: “no” vote

“It makes you wonder if the item wouldn’t be taxed if we pursued this. Things that disrupt normal cognitive functioning seem like the wrong thing to promote.”

– Magee, Dorchester, “no” vote

I am indecisive

‘I think we should legalize them. I don’t think the part of the bill where it needs to be included under license of very expensive ‘health centers’ (i.e.: for big profits for private companies) should be in this bill or allowed. These useful drugs should be decriminalized and allowed to be used without the reservation of health centers. We don’t do that with marijuana. This should not happen in this case either. It limits access to the very wealthy and those who need mental health care who are not wealthy are denied access under this bill.”

– Alex, Melrose, “I don’t know” voice

“I don’t know enough about it to give an honest opinion, but if something is described as ‘psychedelic’, isn’t that tantamount to distorting reality? I’m not sure how changing reality can be beneficial to anyone.”

– Erin, Nashua, “I don’t know” voices

Boston.com occasionally communicates with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinions.