As a Newton resident and President-Elect of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, I represent a majority of Massachusetts psychiatrists in voicing opposition to Ballot Question 4, which calls for the unregulated legalization of psychedelics.
This ballot measure allows unrestricted home cultivation and distribution of five psychedelic substances, including one with severe cardiac risks. It also proposes “therapy centers” but lacks guidelines on qualified operators, raising accountability concerns. Minimally licensed individuals could administer these substances without tools to manage adverse effects. Though early research shows potential for psychedelics in mental health treatments, these studies are preliminary, and safeguards are essential for safe use—safeguards this ballot measure lacks entirely.
Psychedelics can cause hallucinations and delusions. We routinely see these and other adverse events in the emergency departments of our hospitals. While the public will generally hear success stories; as physicians, we see the crises. One-third of regular hallucinogen users admit driving under the influence. Hallucinogen users have 50% more emergency room crises and hospitalizations, much more than with alcohol or cannabis. That’s why Massachusetts state troopers and emergency doctors associations oppose Question 4. This bill goes too far.
Decriminalization can be achieved without full legalization, and use of psychedelics, especially for therapy for mental health issues, should remain within the clinical realm. Please vote No on Ballot Question 4.
Jhilam Biswas, MD
Newton Highlands