News Update Feb 2022: Magic Mushrooms in Massachusetts

For centuries, people have used psychedelics in a spiritual context.

Psychedelics are substances that produce alterations in perception, mood, and consciousness.

The main classifications of psychedelics are hallucinogens and entheogens.

Hallucinogens Vs. Entheogens

Hallucinogens can cause a person to experience hallucinations and delusions. Examples of these are MDMA or molly.

Entheogenic plants are psychedelics that come from plants or fungi. These are often used to achieve spiritual experiences and are often considered sacraments in some religions. Examples of these are psilocybin, ayahuasca, ibogaine, mescaline, and marijuana.

Recent Developments on Their Use

There has been a growing attraction to the potential of psychedelic plants. This is true, especially in the field of medicine. 

As a result, various species were the subject of fierce debate. These include psilocybin and cannabis.

Now, findings offer hope, especially to those seeking an alternative cure. 

Their Effects on Mental Health

There is growing evidence that natural psychedelics may help treat mental health conditions. 

These include anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

These psychedelics seem to work by altering the way we process information. Thus, they open up new perspectives on life.

According to Rick Doblin, people need to practice caution. Regardless, more results show that these substances have medical and therapeutic benefits. 

He is the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies founder and executive director.

Massachusetts’ Unique Psychedelic Scheduling vs. the Other States

Federal Law categorizes psychedelics as a Schedule 1 drug. These substances are illegal because they have a high potential for abuse. Also, they have no currently accepted medical use.

But, there are times when the Drug Enforcement Administration grants special licenses. 

Currently, possessing any quantity of any controlled substance is a Class A misdemeanor. This criminal charge is punishable by a hefty fine and prison time.

With the rising interest in psychedelics, several states explored its legalization. Its potential therapeutic benefits and medical use were the forefronts of the movement. 

In 2019, Denver, Colorado, was the first to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms.

Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for their therapeutic purposes.

Psychedelic laws in Massachusetts are now less stringent.

Local Advocacy for Psychedelics in Massachusetts

Early on, there was tremendous resistance at the local and state level to drug use.

But now, more people advocate for the decriminalization of these controlled substances. Why? Because most of these people have experienced their therapeutic use.

One of the advocacy groups in Massachusetts is the Bay Staters for Natural Medicine. James Davis, the city-level organizer, believes in the freedom to use alternative treatments. 

He said that if cigarettes and alcohol were available at every corner store. Instead, the government should allow people to use entheogenic plants. Why? Because people can use these substances to heal themselves.

City Measures on Natural Psychedelics

Last January, Somerville was the first city to decriminalize natural psychedelics. The Somerville city council voted to pass the measure. Also, they received support from various local advocacy groups.

They will no longer enforce laws against the possession or use of this natural medicine.

Cambridge followed suit.

Last year, Northampton was the third Massachusetts city to decriminalize psilocybin. Unfortunately, the resolution also included certain psychedelics. 

The Northampton City Council voted on the measure. Many advocates also voiced their support.

Beyond these cities, the medical community also supports natural psychedelics. 

Massachusetts General Hospital has already established the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics. 

Other cities, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor, and Washington D.C., also followed suit. Also, they decriminalized the possession of entheogenic plants and fungi. 

These plant and fungi-based psychedelics and fungi include psilocybin mushrooms and medical marijuana. 

Current Legal Landscape in Massachusetts

Psilocybin is illegal under United States law. But under the Massachusetts state law, it’s not.

Thus, possession or use of psilocybin is one of the lowest law enforcement priorities.

These entheogenic plants and fungi include psilocybin mushrooms and medical marijuana.

Final Thoughts

Cultivation, possession, and use of magic mushrooms in Massachusetts was once a crime. But now, it’s entering the mainstream as an alternative medical treatment.

Psychedelics show promise as treatments for a variety of mental health issues. More research on soldiers with PTSD, trauma victims, and autism are underway. 

It would be best to research the long-term effects of psychedelics. Also, scientists need to study more about its safety and efficacy.

The efforts of individual and group advocates are commendable. They hope to see a future where drugs are available to those who need them.

Soon it should be available in the market. So that people can access them for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. 

After all, magic mushrooms have the power to make significance in human lives.