Dr. Bessel van der Kolk: Why voters should pass Question 4
Oct 21, 2024
"Psychedelics allow the brain to get reorganized and process information from a new perspective, making mind and brain temporarily more malleable and able to learn."
Question 4 will create regulated therapeutic access to natural psychedelic medicines to help veterans with PTSD, patients with end-of-life anxiety, and others who are suffering.
Question 4 is a citizen-led ballot question supported by military veterans, doctors, caregivers, and others who are affected by our mental health crisis. The measure will create a carefully regulated therapeutic program for adults to access natural psychedelic medicines that show promise for treating serious mental health conditions.
Under Question 4, natural psychedelic medicine therapy will be administered under the supervision and guidance of a trained, licensed professional at regulated therapy centers. Retail sales of psychedelic medicines will not be permitted.
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.
Thousands of Americans—including military veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors—have been helped by natural psychedelic medicines.
We’re facing a severe mental health crisis.
Natural psychedelic medicine is a breakthrough therapy for mental health.
Pioneering research from the nation’s top medical institutions shows that natural psychedelic therapies can be effective for helping people with PTSD, depressive disorders, severe anxiety, and many other difficult-to-treat conditions.
Medical experts agree that natural psychedelic medicines are non-addictive. In fact, there is substantial evidence that natural psychedelic medicines can be helpful in treating substance use disorder, and the risk profile of natural psychedelics like psilocybin is significantly lower than other substances.
This fall we can bring hope and healing to Massachusetts
Question 4 will establish a program overseen by a state agency with oversight and guidance of an expert advisory board.
Following a two-year rulemaking process, adults 21 and older will be able to visit licensed and approved psychedelic therapy centers in 2026.
Psychedelic therapy will be administered and supervised only by trained and licensed professionals. The program will require pre-screenings, preparation sessions, and safety plans.
The initiative does not permit stores or retail sales for for psychedelic medicines.
Veterans with PTSD, patients with end-of-life anxiety, and people struggling with difficult to treat mental health conditions deserve compassion.
Our campaign is building a coalition across the Commonwealth. Join us and support Question 4 by sharing stories of healing and educating voters about the scientific research demonstrating the promise of natural psychedelic medicines.