Decision 2024

Psychedelics legalization push fails on Mass. ballot

Question 4 would have legalized the personal and clinical use of psilocybin, psilocyn, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts voters on Tuesday rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed the personal and clinical use of some natural psychedelic drugs, namely psilocybin, psilocyn, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline.

Question 4 had a two-prong approach to legalizing the substances: It would have authorized a system of psychedelic therapy centers where clients could purchase the drugs, with a 15% state tax, and use them with supervision from someone who had been trained in accordance with state guidelines. It also would have allowed for residents to grow, share and use the plants at home, provided that they did not advertise and sell the drugs.

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Just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, results tabulated by the Associated Press showed about 43% in support and 57% opposed.

Jeff Saperstone takes a closer look at the five initiatives on the Massachusetts ballot this year.

"We spoke to tens of thousands of Massachusetts voters and heard broad agreement that natural psychedelics should be more accessible to those who cannot find relief through traditional medication and therapy. We understand there were concerns about the home grow provisions, and those concerns likely led to tonight’s result. But we have made hugely important strides on this issue of psychedelic therapy, and we will keep fighting to find new pathways for all those who struggle with their mental health. We look forward to working with legislators in the new session to continue advocating for access, for hope, and for healing," a spokesperson for the Yes on 4 campaign, which dubbed itself Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, said around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Over the campaign season, supporters pointed to research that shows natural psychedelics can be used to treat some serious mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as for addiction treatment. Opponents warned that the substances could have unintended health risks, especially if being used at home unsupervised, and that the likely high cost of treatment at one of the regulated psychedelic therapy centers would be a serious barrier to entry for some.

Massachusetts native actress Eliza Dushku Palandjian and her husband, Peter Palandjian, join NBC10 Boston to advocate for the state's ballot measure to legalize some psychedelics; we also speak with Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell about her support for Kamala Harris in the presidential race.

As the question did not pass, it cannot be brought back to ballot again until at least 2028. State law does not allow the same question to be on the ballot two election cycles in a row.

Legislative efforts this session to decriminalize psychedelic plants gained little traction, and would be unlikely to go much further next year given Tuesday's vote.

Bills from Republican Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (H 3589), which would legalize some psychedelic plants and fungi for people ages 21 and older, and similar bills from Democrats Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Sen. Pat Jehlen (H 1754 / S 1009) that would open up use of the so-called plant medicine to individuals ages 18 and older, were all sent to dead-end study orders this session.

With Ballot Question 4, Massachusetts voters are set to decide whether to legalize and regulate certain psychedelic drugs. Advocates say the hallucinogens have shown promise in research for people battling things like opioid use disorder and mental health conditions, but opponents worry it could be dangerous.

Asked about his opinion on Question 4 last month, House Speaker Ron Mariano took no particular position.

"Ah, psychedelics. I outgrew that stuff. Nah, there's no -- I don't know. I don't know, I'll figure it out," Mariano said.

The speaker's office later told the State House News Service he was "joking" when he made the remark.

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