Campaigners in Washington state have recently introduced Initiative Measure No. 2076, which aims to legalize the personal use of certain psychedelic plants and fungi. Across the entire state, adults 21 and over would be permitted to cultivate, possess, and use substances like mescaline (excluding peyote), psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT for non-commercial purposes. The measure would also allow supportive services like therapeutic and educational sessions. However, commercial sales of these substances would remain illegal.
Breaking down the measure
The 26-page proposal from the Responsible Entheogen Access and Community Healing Coalition (REACH WA) starts off by recognizing the societal and financial costs of the war on drugs and supports the idea that criminalization does not prevent drug use but instead makes it less safe. It also discusses the therapeutic benefits of natural psychedelics in treating various health conditions, which would be especially beneficial for veterans, front-line workers, and first responders.
The initiative then moves on to emphasize the importance of supportive services that would help mitigate risk, reduce harm, or enhance the benefits of using psychedelics. Supportive service providers are not the same as licensed professional practitioners, so they are not allowed to make misleading statements regarding themselves as a form of “therapy.” Providers must receive the participant’s informed consent before providing administration services, disclosing risks, side effects, and interactions with other substances. They must maintain the confidentiality of their participants unless there are legal requirements, emergencies, or the participant grants their concept. These services can be paid, yet they cannot directly sell psychedelic substances.
The measure was only introduced a month ago, and by June 27,, the state office approved it for a formal ballot title and summary. Nonetheless, it will unlikely appear on the ballot this year. The deadline for submitting the required number of signatures to qualify for a vote in the November election has already passed, on July 5. Yet whether they actually end up on the ballot or not, REACH WA is determined to continue advocating for the bill, gathering more support, and will try again in the next election.
“We are committed to refining and improving the language of our initiative,” said the campaigners on their Instagram page, “whether it’s for the next ballot or in hopes of finding a legislative sponsor.”
