Discourse surrounding the legalization of Psilocybe cubensis (psychedelic mushrooms) is in full force. An article from the Associated Press states, “Advocates are attempting to place two initiatives to expand psychedelic use on the November 2024 ballot. One would legalize the use and sale of mushrooms for people 21 and older, and the other would ask voters to approve borrowing $5 billion to establish a state agency tasked with researching psychedelic therapies.” If affirmative votes pull through on the 2024 ballot, mushrooms would become legal for individuals who are 21 or older. The reason California lawmakers are vetoing the ballot is because people who already have the mushrooms will be scot-free. There would be no punishment for them. However, this is the same argument that accompanied the legalization of marijuana. 

Studies have shown that psychedelic mushrooms have helped cure cancer patients of depression and helped many others quit the bad habit of smoking cigarettes. States like California may want to legalize these mushrooms because they get the dispensary tax. Then the tax dollars can then go to the state’s infrastructure and improvement of the cities within. The cons of shrooms are still in the dark, meaning that there is few known cons. One problem is that people can still hallucinate after the drug wears off. A feeling called “ego death,” is when you detach yourself from all worldly concerns and anxiety that you feel. More widespread use will also mean higher absolute numbers of people falling victim to these negative consequences. People say they are against the use, which understandably, not wanting to trust a drug of any kind especially since they can make you “trip.” Doing these alone could lead to you injuring yourself or worse. So, know the effects and be safe.