THE FIGHT FOR QUESTION 4 IN MASSACHUSETTS
As the U.S. elections draw closer coverage of Massachusetts’ Question 4 is heating up, too. If voters endorse the ballot question the state would be tasked with decriminalising certain naturally-occurring psychedelics and establishing a regulated program similar to Oregon’s. But polling shows that the vote is currently too close to call, with donors pouring last-minute funding into the Yes campaign (See Bulletin 176 for more).
Massachusetts Psychiatrists Push Back on Psychedelic Reform as Ballot Vote Looms: An Interview with Nassir Ghaemi (Oct 10) ↗ Psychedelic Alpha
We spoke with Massachusetts Psychiatry Society president Nassir Ghaemi about why his group is opposing Question 4, as well as his broader views on psychedelics.
Psychedelic drugs have great therapeutic promise. But Question 4 goes too far. (Oct 10) ↗ Boston Globe
The Boston Globe’s editorial board shares their reasons for opposing the initiative.
Psychedelics ballot question: What scientists do and don’t know about their health benefits and risks (Oct 11) ↗ Boston Globe
The Globe also ran more of an explainer piece, which includes the testimony of a retired school teacher who found psilocybin to be beneficial to her trauma and depression.
Massachusetts ballot question 4: Supporters say people are using psychedelics already, and they should be legal (Oct 12) ↗ Boston Herald
The Herald speaks to the initiative’s supporters.
Emotional testimony as Easthampton council backs psychedelics ballot initiative (Oct 10) ↗ Daily Hampshire Gazette
Some local councils in Mass. are taking positions on the Question, too, or at least hosting hearings.