Language in psychedelics ballot question would preempt local control

The five statewide ballot initiatives certified for the November election include one that would legalize natural psychedelic substances, with language that would preempt local control.

Question 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances (initiative 23-13) would legalize the possession and sale of natural psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, psilocin and mescaline, to people 21 and older. The initiative would also allow these psychedelic substances to be grown by those 21 and older in a 12-foot-by-12-foot area of secured personal property.

The proposed law would license and regulate facilities for the sale and use of these products, creating a statewide commission and advisory board to assist in their regulation. While municipalities may regulate the time, place and manner of these operations, they would not be allowed to prohibit the establishment or operation of such a facility.

Unlike the 2016 law that legalized marijuana in Massachusetts, which allowed municipalities to opt-out of recreational cannabis sales, the psychedelics ballot initiative would require all municipalities to allow natural psychedelic substance licenses within their borders, as well as the cultivation of these substances on personal property.

In April, the MMA expressed concerns in its testimony to the Legislature on the initiative.

In September, the Elections Division in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth will release a voter information booklet with the final language of each ballot question, as well as summaries.