Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO), the group sponsoring Question 4, has raised over $7.5 million.
Question 4 would legalize the possession and personal cultivation of up to one gram of DMT, 18 grams of non-peyote mescaline, 30 grams of Ibogaine, one gram of psilocybin, and one gram of psilocin. Possessing up to twice this amount would be punishable by a fine of up to $100. According to state data, MMHO has raised $7,510,352.82 as of October 23, and increase of nearly $2.5 million since the first week of September.
The initiative aims to “expand mental health treatment options in Massachusetts by providing new pathways to access natural psychedelic medicine therapy,” including “creating access to natural psychedelic medicine therapy and removing criminal penalties for personal possession of these medicines.” The law would allow licensed service centers to supply psychedelics, overseen by a newly-created Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission, modeled after the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.
Psychedelics under the initiative would be subject to a 15% excise tax. The initiative would take effect on December 15, 2024, with the commission formed by March 1, 2025.
According to a recent WBUR & CommonWealth Beacon Poll, 42% of voters in Massachusetts support Question 4, with 44% opposed and 14% undecided.
If Question 4 is approved by voters, Massachusetts will join Oregon and Colorado as states that have legalized at least some psychedelics.