Boston Veterans Come Out in Support of Psychedelic Ballot

If Question 4 on the upcoming ballot passes, it would make Massachusetts the third state in the U.S to legalize plant-based psychedelics, after Oregon and Colorado. There would be a regulatory framework put in place for their therapeutic usage, specifically for people aged 21 and over at licenced therapy centers. However, like cannabis, substances like psilocybin and mescaline would remain illegal at the federal level. 

If passed, the law would create a “natural psychedelics substance commission” consisting of 5 members. Their job would be to oversee the new psychedelics industry in the state. 

According the secretary of state’s office;

“A ‘yes vote’ would allow persons over age 21 to use certain natural psychedelic substances under licensed supervision and to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their home, and would create a commission to regulate those substances.”

“A ‘no vote’ would make no change in the law regarding psychedelic substances.”

The First Psychedelic Therapy Centres Could Open in 2026

Licensed “psychedelic therapy centers” would be set up where adults could take certain psychedelics under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. The law would also allow for the cultivation and sale of five different substances; psilocybin, psilocin (both from magic mushrooms and truffles), ibogaine, mescaline, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). If green-lit the first centers could open in 2026.  

While it would not be legal for people to buy psychedelics at retail shops, the law would decriminalize possession and a limited growth of the drugs at home, for personal use. 

Supporters insist that limited legalization would be a vital step forward in the recovery from the government’s damaging ‘War on Drugs”. Their cause is galvanized by the numerous studies that show psychedelics’ potential as a treatment for those suffering from mental health issues, such as depression or addiction. 

Veterans Share Their Healing Experiences with Psychedelics

Those who have already intimately known the benefits of psychedelic treatment are speaking up in support of Question 4 too. On Thursday the 10th of October supporters gathered at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Boston Common for a press conference. At the press conference Army combat veteran CJ LoConte shared how psilocybin “saved his life”, and made him a better father and husband. 

LaConte, a former Officer, says he witnessed numerous soldiers attempt suicide when they were deployed to the Middle East. When he himself was hospitalized with suicidal ideation, it was a doctor that first recommended he try psychedelics. Having reached his “lowest point”, battling nightmares, excessive drinking,  feeling numb and lashing out, despite seeking help through the Veterans Association. 

LaConte said;

“I do credit my psilocybin experience with saving my life because seven days after my first experience, another former soldier of mine died by suicide, and that still hits hard,”

“That still hurts and it pisses me off, but that’s why doing this work is important. That’s why passing Question 4 is important.”

The veterans assembled emphasized psychedelics as a critical mental health treatment option, particularly when other medications and therapies are ineffective.

Veterans Should Not Have to Travel or “Break The Law” to Access Treatment

There are many for whom the access to psychedelics such as psilocybin could change their lives. Jamie Morey, who’s husband, an Iraq combat veteran, suffers from extreme PTSD and treatment-resistant depression spoke of how when she traveled outside the U.S to a trauma retreat she witnessed the “profound” healing powers of psychedelic assisted therapy. Morey questions why her husband, and others in Massachusetts, do not have the “legal right to access this care”, adding that they should not be forced to “break the law to access an unregulated underground” market, or travel overseas. 

Morey, who founded the advocacy group Parents for Plant Medicine said;

“I beg of my fellow citizens, before you vote on Question 4, please know that you hold real people’s lives in your hands, the lives of veterans, first responders and average citizens who have run out of options and are running out of hope,” 

 “Please educate yourself by reading up on the clinical research, which proves the safety and efficacy of this treatment, and listen to the countless stories of healing from those who have benefitted from psychedelic-assisted therapy.”

Recent poll results released from The Boston Globe and Suffolk University found that the vote is currently neck-and-neck with 46.8 of respondents in favor of Question 4, and 46 percent opposed. 

‘Healing and Hope”

In a few weeks we will know how the citizens of Massachusetts have voted. In the meantime, veterans, scientists, advocates, and ordinary people are doing their utmost to turn the psychedelic tides in their favor.  

Jennifer Manley, a spokesperson for Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, which has been the driving force behind the campaign, explained the seriousness of the ballot;

“Voting Yes on Question 4 will give veterans, patients with end-of-life distress and people who are suffering access to this life-saving mental health tool,” 

 “Psychedelic medicine can provide healing and hope where other mental health treatments have failed.”

We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Massachusetts!