A new Emerson College Polling/WHDH survey shows that a majority of voters in Massachusetts support legalizing psychedelics.
Mescaline (top left), ibogaine (top right), psilocybin mushrooms (bottom left), and DMT (bottom right). All four would be legalized if Question 4 is approved.
The poll, released just days prior to the November 5 presidential election, found that 50% of likely voters in Massachusetts plan to vote yes on Question 4, with 44% planning to vote no and 6% undecided.
The survey was conducted between October 24 to 26, and included 1,000 participants, all likely voters. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3%. The data sets were weighted by gender, education, race, age, party registration, and region based on 2024 likely voter modeling. Turnout modeling is based on U.S. Census parameters, exit polling, and voter registration data.
Question 4, put forth by the nonprofit Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO), 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.
The initiative would “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.
As of October 5, MMHO has raised over $6..1 million in support of their measure.
A WBUR & CommonWealth Beacon Poll released last month found that 42% of voters in Massachusetts support Question 4, with 44% opposed and 14% undecided.
