Question 4 would legalize the personal and clinical use of psilocybin, psilocyn, DMT, ibogaine and mescaline in Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts voters appear to have rejected Question 4, a ballot measure that aimed to allow both personal and clinical use of certain natural psychedelics, including psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and mescaline. Early Wednesday, with 73% of votes counted, results showed 43.2% in favor and 56.8% against.
Question 4 proposed a two-part legalization approach. First, it would have created psychedelic therapy centers where clients could legally purchase and use these substances with supervision, subject to a 15% state tax. Second, it would have allowed residents to grow, share, and use these psychedelic plants at home, provided they weren’t advertised or sold.
The “Yes on 4” campaign, officially known as Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, expressed optimism despite the loss. “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,” a campaign spokesperson said early Wednesday morning. They acknowledged that concerns about home-grow provisions likely influenced the outcome but emphasized that the campaign had made strides in raising awareness. “We look forward to working with legislators in the new session to continue advocating for access, for hope, and for healing.”
Throughout the campaign, supporters highlighted research suggesting that natural psychedelics could help treat serious mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction. However, opponents raised concerns about potential health risks, especially if these substances were used unsupervised at home. They also worried that the high cost of treatment at the proposed therapy centers would make it inaccessible to many people in need.
Because the measure was defeated, it won’t be eligible to return to the ballot until 2028 under Massachusetts law, which prohibits the same question from appearing in two consecutive election cycles.
Several bills supporting psychedelic decriminalization were introduced in the Massachusetts legislature this session but failed to gain momentum. For instance, a bill by Republican Rep. Nicholas Boldyga (H 3589) would have allowed people 21 and older to use certain psychedelics, while similar bills from Democratic lawmakers Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Sen. Pat Jehlen (H 1754 / S 1009) aimed to permit use starting at age 18. All these efforts were sent to study orders, effectively halting their progress.
When asked about Question 4 last month, House Speaker Ron Mariano initially appeared noncommittal, joking, “Ah, psychedelics. I outgrew that stuff. Nah, there's no — I don’t know. I don’t know, I'll figure it out.” His office later clarified that the remark was meant in jest.
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