Voters in Massachusetts have a decision to make about “magic mushrooms.” At the same time, voters in Oregon will soon decide if they’ll change their laws related to the psychedelic fungi.
If “Question 4” on the ballot passes in Massachusetts, it would allow people 21 or older to have, grow or use psilocybin. It would also create a commission and advisory board to regulate the licensing for it and a plan for taxing sales.
Supporters of the measures say psychedelics can help people struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Opponents say these substances can be dangerous to certain people including those with schizophrenia and advocate for them to be given under medical supervision.
Massachusetts would be the third state to legalize psychedelics following Colorado and Oregon.
But now Oregon is weighing that decision.
Four years after voters there approved the regulated use of mushrooms and more than a year after the first people began using them, 16 cities are asking voters to ban psilocybin businesses.
There are more than 30 licensed centers where people can get mushrooms.
Some opted out of the program in a local measure in 2022.
According to John Hopkins researchers, a substantial majority of people suffering cancer-related anxiety and depression found relief for up to six months from a single large dose of psilocybin.