Psychedelic Therapy in California Advances with Senate Bill 1012

The TDR Three Takeaways for Psychedelic Therapy in California:

1. Senate Bill 1012 propels psychedelic therapy forward, emphasizing safety and professionalism.
2. Psychedelic therapy is separated from non-therapeutic use of psychedelics in California.
3. California’s latest legislation could push forward psychedelic therapy, making it more accessible.

Regulated psychedelic therapy in California has made headway with this week’s approval of Senate Bill 1012 by the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. Spearheaded by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bill seeks to establish licensed service centers where adults aged 21 and over can access substances like psilocybin, MDMA, mescaline, and DMT under the supervision of professionally licensed facilitators. This legislative effort is a tailored response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s call for a more restrained approach to psychedelic reform, following his veto of a broader decriminalization bill last year. This is significant progress compared to what we shared about RAP-C stalling California psychedelic studies.

Psychedelic therapy’s potential in treating mental health and addiction issues is at the forefront of this legislative initiative. Proponents of the bill, including Senator Wiener, argue that offering a safe, supervised environment for psychedelic therapy not only addresses public health concerns but also acknowledges the emerging scientific support for these treatments. The bill outlines strict guidelines for facilitators, requiring them to hold professional health licenses and undergo specific training, thereby ensuring that therapy is conducted responsibly.

Moreover, SB 1012 establishes a regulatory framework under the California Department of Consumer Affairs, with a new Board of Psychedelic Facilitators tasked with overseeing the licensing and operation of service centers. This includes developing safety protocols, conducting health screenings for participants, and ensuring follow-up care, which underscores the bill’s focus on public health and safety.

Accessibility and affordability are also central to the legislation’s goals. The bill mandates that psychedelic therapy services be reasonably priced and accessible to lower-income individuals, ensuring that the benefits of psychedelic therapy are not limited to those who can afford them. Additionally, a Public Education and Harm Reduction Fund will be created to promote awareness about the safe use of psychedelic substances and educate the public on their potential benefits and risks.

This decision by California’s legislature reflects a growing recognition of the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics, aligning with efforts in other states and cities to reform drug policies around substances that have historically been marginalized in medical discussions. As the bill progresses to the Senate Public Safety Committee and potentially to a broader legislative approval, it represents a significant shift in how drug policy and mental health treatment are approached in the state.

Psychedelic therapy in California underscores a broader trend towards evidence-based policy reforms that prioritize safety, accessibility, and the de-stigmatization of substances like psilocybin and MDMA. Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research and news, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.