Massachusetts natural medicine ballot campaign could make bay state psychedelic battleground
New Approach’s strategy has been controversial. By funding local lobbyists and political strategists, the PAC pumps millions into state-level campaigns. Their tactic of colonizing other state ecosystems has drawn criticism from grassroots communities who feel strong-armed by the PAC.
In Oregon, groups like the Portland Psychedelic Society and Decriminalize Nature Portland worried that New Approach-backed Measure 109 would create an overly-complex and expensive system, making psilocybin inaccessible to many, aside from wealthy out of state tourists. So far, the program rollout has been problematic. The cost of most Oregon psilocybin services ranges from $2,000 to $15,000. Licensing fees are high, and consequently, aspiring businesses have closed their doors. Due to the resulting lack of licensing revenue, the state’s regulatory program, which was pitched to voters as being self-sufficient, has gone over budget. The Oregon Health Authority now asks taxpayers for a $6.6 million bailout. [In Massachusetts]… New Approach… the PAC faces a choice. It could collaborate with local communities like Bay Staters from the start. Alternatively, it could make Boston New Approach’s next battleground. The symbolism of filing ballot committee paperwork on the eve of Independence Day is striking. Massachusetts and Boston are hubs of psychedelic innovation… decriminalizing psychedelics in a record number of cities… home to groundbreaking psychedelic research at Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and McLean Hospital.
Original Article (Psychedelic Week):
Massachusetts natural medicine ballot campaign could make bay state psychedelic battleground
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