By Mira Donaldson
Boston University News Service
With medical marijuana becoming legal in 2012 and now available for recreational use in Massachusetts, some states have become more aware of modern approaches to treating various ailments. In this upcoming election, Ballot Question 4 will consider the legalization of psychedelics for mental health purposes.
In Massachusetts, approximately 19% of adults —about 1.1 million people— experience mental illness, surpassing the national average, according to Mental Health America (MHA) (“Prevalence Data 2024,” MHA). Furthermore, around 4.4% of adults, or about 243,000 residents, report serious thoughts of suicide, highlighting a critical mental health need statewide (MHA; “Behavioral Health Roadmap,” Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts).
Question 4 would allow naturally occurring psychedelic drugs —such as psilocybin, mescaline, DMT and ibogaine— to be grown, shared and used at home, as well as in clinical settings, for those over 21 years old. If passed, this bill would also regulate the licensing of psychedelic substances.
Proponents argue that psychedelics could significantly benefit individuals struggling with PTSD and other mental health disorders.
“Typically, the way we approach mental healthcare is through a long path of seeing a therapist for potentially years,” said Gina Giorgio, Director of Strategy for Students for Sensible Drug Policy. “Psychedelic therapists say that treatment may only require one or two sessions, which is why this is so exciting.”
However, some oppose the measure, citing gaps in the ballot question.
“What we’re saying is that the ballot question itself is written contradictory,” said Anahita Dua, a vascular surgeon at a Massachusetts hospital. “This is not to say that people who use psilocybin are bad.” She emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding the question itself and making sure there’s enough data to know who these drugs would best work for.
While numerous studies suggest psilocybin can aid with PTSD, anxiety and depression, there are also concerns regarding its safety. “There are studies showing that psilocybin can help with PTSD and anxiety. However, there are reports of cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity,” Dua said. “For patients with schizophrenia who are already taking medications that affect neurotransmitters, you don’t want to risk pushing them into psychosis.”
Although there are gaps in research, some doctors may eventually feel comfortable with psychedelics used medically. “We need time to study the drug,” Dua said. “We need to determine who it works for and how much should be administered, and we simply do not have that data at this point.”
While some may be considering psychedelics for healing for the first time, these substances have a long history of use in indigenous communities for emotional and physical well-being. This context is vital for reframing perceptions of psychedelics and fostering a better understanding of their potential safety and benefits.
“It’s a different approach than we’re used to, which can be confusing. You’re not going to need to take psychedelics all the time,” said Giorgio. “That’s not how they work.”
“A lot of people view drugs as party-oriented substances. However, they have been part of many indigenous traditions for similar reasons, as catalysts for personal growth,” added Maya Howler, an education officer for Students for Sensible Drug Policy at the University of Washington.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of viewing psychedelics not merely as recreational substances but as tools for personal and communal healing.
Many hope for increased education on drugs and their effects, both positive and negative. “I got a lot of my information on the Internet. I’m just glad I was the researching type,” Howler said. “I experimented as a teenager, but it’s not like I wouldnt have ever wanted to have a conversation with an adult.”
Currently, approximately 3.2 million Americans use psychedelics for mental health purposes, driven by a rise in clinical research and FDA support for certain substances like MDMA and psilocybin as “breakthrough therapies” for conditions including PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
Notably, about half of Americans who have recently seen a therapist report openness to using psychedelics for mental health treatment if administered under medical supervision (Verywell Mind; “Breakthrough Therapy Status,” FDA).
Dua said: “There are absolutely people who would benefit from these medications, given that they are delivered in medication form.”
