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  • Newsom vetoed a bill to legalize some psychedelics
    California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium, his hands raised next to the microphone.
    California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking during a news conference in San Francisco on April 6, 2021.

    Topline:

    Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have decriminalized possession of some natural psychedelics, like "magic mushrooms," saying the state needs to establish regulations before they can be legalized. The bill would have also expanded research into the therapeutic use of psychedelics and mandated that findings and recommendations be brought forth to the Legislature.

    Why it matters: Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco sponsored the bill, pointing out benefits drugs like psilocybin could bring to trauma victims from first responders to war veterans. Wiener called the veto a "missed opportunity for California to follow the science and lead."

    The backstory: Wiener has said that the bill would keep individuals who use psychedelics from getting grouped together with those who use other controlled substances like meth and heroin, arguing that psychedelics are non-addictive and contain therapeutic properties.

    What's next: It's not the end of Wiener's fight. "I look forward to introducing therapeutic-focused legislation next year," he said in a statement.

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