Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Will Be on the State Election Ballot

This November, four questions have been approved to appear on the state election ballot. One, Question 4, is about allowing and regulating natural psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. There has been much attention lately on the potential use of natural psychedelic substances in the treatment of mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. While these conversations hit a speedbump recently when the use of the synthetic psychedelic, MDMA, was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PTSD, the discussion is far from over.

Question 4 would allow the use of natural psychedelic substances such as mescaline, psilocybin, and more, under the supervision and direction of a licensed facilitator and would establish a commission that "would adopt regulations governing licensing qualifications, security, recordkeeping, education and training, health and safety requirements, testing, and age verification," according to the Final Summary on the state's website.

Burlington's Democratic Town Committee will be hosting an event where you can learn more about the potential value of these therapeutics and how a Yes vote on Question 4 might impact our community. Brennan Spencer from Massachusetts for Mental Health Options will be speaking to the public on August 28, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in Grandview Farm's second floor meeting room.

Note that this ballot question would not allow for retail sales of psychedelic substances and is specifically directed at psychedelic-assisted therapy for patients aged 21 years or older.

Burlington DTC meetings are free & open to the public. If you have any questions, please email them at burlingtonmadtc@gmail.com.