California Bill Decriminalizing Mushrooms, LSD & Ecstasy Put On Hold

State Sen. Scott Wiener (D) first introduced the legislation bill back in February, aiming to decriminalize drugs like mushrooms, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy).

Though the bill has passed through the Senate and Assembly policy committees, it seems to have hit a dead end.

Wiener announced on Thursday that the bill had been delayed, saying the “groundbreaking legislation moved significantly farther than anticipated.”

He added that now there is more time to “lay the educational groundwork with members and the public to ensure the bill’s success.”

Though disappointed, Wiener encouraged advocates and supporters to “capitalize on the momentum from this year while building support in the Assembly for next year.”

“I’m optimistic through education and member engagement we can pass this critical legislation next year,” Weiner said. “Decriminalizing psychedelics is an important step in ending the failed War on Drugs, and we are committed to this fight. Our mental health crisis is worse than ever, and psychedelics have shown great promise in treating mental health issues from PTSD to anxiety and depression.”

Advocates are studying the successful campaigns in many states to legalize cannabis as a model for their efforts.