Drugs such as ayahuasca, MDMA (ecstasy/molly), LSD, peyote, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are federally illegal to buy, consume or sell in the United States.

But should they be?

Recent clinical trials have shown that controlled substances aren’t so bad when it comes to mental health. Microdosing with controlled substances has helped people who suffer from anxiety, dementia, depression, PTSD, OCD and even addiction. So why is there a stigma on these drugs if it helps with mental illnesses? 

“That’s what’s wrong with American society. The federal government created these laws to criminalize Schedule 1 drugs. At the end of the day, it was created to benefit the pharmaceutical companies. I rather have drugs on the streets than guns, that’s my opinion,” said by Delta student James Harris III.

Recent studies have proven that microdosing with MDMA can help people who suffer from PTSD. In September 2021, the Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy of PTSD was a successful clinical trial. 

The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder include flashbacks, high-anxiety, isolation, insomnia, avoidant behavior, and agitation. The PTSD patients were empathic, socially stimulated and willing to communicate and connect on emotional levels. These studies were successful, researchers have mentioned potential MDMA studies for couples therapy in the future.

In recent years, microdosing psilocybin in California has become a more open conversation, particularly with legislative moves looking to reclassify the drugs.

There are different methods when microdosing: tea, chocolate bars, capsules, gummies, and flavored drink enhancers. 

California Psilocybin Legalization Initiative was proposed for ballot in 2022. The Decriminalize California organization presented the bill to the state’s Attorney General’s office. Which was signed and approved. 

“The purpose of this act is to implement a comprehensive, statewide scheme authorizing and regulating the cultivation, processing, and distribution of Psilocybin Mushrooms and the chemical compounds contained therein for personal, medical, therapeutic, spiritual, religious, and dietary use.” California Psilocybin Initiative Act of 2022, Section II. 

The approval by the state’s Attorney General’s office was to collect more than 600,000 signatures to be on the ballot. However, the push gained less than 50 percent of those signatures. The organization’s goal is to make it on the 2024 ballot, according to senior-editor of the Marijuana Moment, Kyle Jaeger.

If psilocybin becomes legal, it gives Californians the choice to purchase, grow, sell and consume magic mushrooms legally. There is now proven evidence that microdosing helps people emotionally, mentally and spiritually. 

Why should the Federal government restrict people from alternative medicine, like psychedelics? If psychedelics improve people’s well-being, it should be that individuals’ right to have access.