Local lawmakers hold ‘Yes on 4’ press conference Olivia Ray — WWLP

State lawmakers and local leaders gathered on the State House steps on Tuesday to urge voters to vote yes on 4–a ballot question that would decriminalize psychedelic substances.

BOSTON (WWLP) – State lawmakers and local leaders gathered on the State House steps on Tuesday to urge voters to vote yes on 4–a ballot question that would decriminalize psychedelic substances.

If legalized, psychedelic substances like psilocybin–or magic mushrooms–may be used as part of a treatment plan for mental health issues like PTSD.

The ballot initiative includes having the legal sale age set at 21 and creates a commission that will oversee administration. The mayor of Easthampton says psychedelics carry medical benefits for all types of people in her city.

“Mayors need all the tools in the toolbox to help folks on their streets, to help folks in our schools, to help folks, veterans, of which we have a large population. That’s our responsibility,” said Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

Hampshire Representative Lindsay Sabadosa filed legislation during the last session that would legalize psychedelics. It is very similar to the ballot question. “We’ve really viewed the ballot question as a way to move the legislation forward a little bit faster. It was a first file, as you know, and first files tend to take a while,” said Sabadosa. “So this is really exciting for voters to have an opportunity to weigh in.”

Sabadosa says her support for this initiative stems from hearing from her constituents about their personal experience with using psychedelics as part of a treatment plan for mental health issues.

Opposition to question 4 says that concerns raised by public safety advocates need to be better addressed before decriminalizing these drugs.

This question–and four others–will appear on your November presidential ballot.

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