Local Legislators in Massachusetts Unanimously Vote to Decriminalize Psychedelics

Last week, local legislators in Massachusetts unanimously confirmed their support for a resolution that would decriminalize various psychedelics. The Somerville City Council heard the testimony of two individuals who had benefitted personally from the use of psychedelics therapeutically before approving the measure in a 9-0 vote. This measure was also backed by the mayor.

In addition to this, some council members debated the possible medical value of psychedelic substances, especially in mental health issues, as well as the failures of the drug war.

In a written statement to legislators, the Heroic Hearts Project, Bay Staters for Natural Medicines and Decriminalize Nature declared that by decriminalizing entheogenic substances, the state could make harm-reduction strategies the norm as health-care providers and therapists adopted these plants for spiritual, psychological and physical relief.

The organizations also stated that Somerville had the chance to not only put public health above imprisoning individuals in cases of abuse of controlled substances and addiction but also allow loved ones, neighbors and friends to seek the spiritual and physical relief that they require.

Under the approved measure, the enforcement of laws against psychedelics such as ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms would be among the city’s lowest priorities. The measure also requested that the county prosecutor stop pursuing cases for individuals who had been charged with distribution or possession of entheogens.

The resolution states that no employee, officer, commission, board, agency or department in the City of Somerville, including employees of the Somerville Police Department, should utilize any resources or funds of the city to help in the enforcement of laws that impose criminal penalties for the possession and use of psychedelic plants by adults.

Apart from this, the measure also highlights that the city would not permit the commercial sales of these entheogenic substances nor would it allow driving under the influence of the said substances.

At the end of the meeting, city council president Matt McLaughlin stated that he loved living in a city where the agenda in question was not controversial and received undivided support.

Additionally, the vote of approval allows Somerville to join other cities across the country that have also ratified psychedelics decriminalization. The first jurisdiction to decriminalize psychedelic substances was Washington, DC, through last year’s November ballot. Other cities that have also decriminalized the possession of fungi and plant-based psychedelics include Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Santa Cruz and Oakland, both in California.

Last year’s November election also saw Oregon become the first state in the United States to legalize the use of psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.

In neighboring Canada, Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) is on course to benefit from the $25 billion legal supplements market through its range of products made from fungi.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN

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