VOTE No on Question 4

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In Nov., MA voters decide on Q4: Limited Legalization & Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances [2]

Be Aware of the Deceptive Drug Legalization Playbook: Medical → Recreational → Commercial

This profit-driven initiative petition is backed by Big Money, wealthy elites, and corporate donors–not grassroots interests. Washington DC-based New Approach PAC has invested over $26 million to legalize recreational drugs in strategic, coordinated nationwide campaigns over the past decade, including $8 million in funding targeting Massachusetts voters. [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Oregon and Colorado led the way in legalizing medical marijuana, followed by recreational marijuana. Massachusetts then followed suit. The same playbook is now being used for psychedelics. The New Approach PAC that funded the efforts to legalize psychedelics in Oregon (2020) & Colorado (2022), citing medical use, is now trying to legalize psychedelics in Massachusetts, raising over $4 million for this campaign. [3]    

“Clinical treatments should be determined by scientific evidence…not by ballot initiatives or popular opinion.” 

– The American Psychiatric Association [8]

If Question 4 Passes

• It will legalize the use of 5 psychedelic drugs: psilocybin, psilocyn, dimethyltryptamine, mescaline, and ibogaine. [2]

• It will legalize for-profit psychedelic facilities with no ability for towns to ban these facilities. [2]

• It will allow psychedelics to be grown at home and given away to others (effectively creating a black market). [2]

Why You Should Vote NO

1. Experts Sound the Alarm

• Massachusetts Psychiatric Society President and President-Elect testified before the Special Joint Committee (MA Legislature) that this psychedelic initiative petition “…is reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous to the public.” [1]

• Massachusetts Medical Society "[These drugs] have been documented to cause psychosis (both new-onset psychosis and exacerbation of psychotic symptoms), mania, and new-onset mania in persons with no previous history of bipolar disorder, and mental health symptoms that may be long-lasting after ingestion." [9]

• Majority Report of the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions (MA Legislature) concluded, “These promising findings, however, have not provided evidence that the wide scale recreational legalization of these substances would be beneficial, let alone safe.” They do not support this initiative petition at this time. [1]

• Journal of Psychopharmacology article notes psychedelic studies “are limited by biases & small sample sizes.” [10]

• American Psychiatric Association stresses “There is currently inadequate scientific evidence for endorsing the use of psychedelics to treat any psychiatric disorder except within the context of approved investigational studies.” [8]

2. Mental Health and Public Safety Risks

• Legalization reduces perception of harm and increases youth drug use.  [11]

• Psychedelics can alter perception of reality and can cause extreme feelings of euphoria or despair. [12], [13], [14]

• Psychedelics can worsen or intensify mental health issues, particularly for people with certain pre-existing mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. [9]

• The petition includes:

  • NO requirement for licensed facilitators to be mental health professionals or for facilities to be medical clinics.  [2] [9]

  • NO requirement for a mental health professional to provide patient counseling, support, or accompaniment during attempts to therapeutically employ psychedelics for psychiatric conditions, something that preliminary studies have indicated may be critical if such medical use is ever to be helpful. [2], [9]

  • NO requirement for medical screening or supervised use for home-grown users. [2]

• Legalization creates new public safety concerns around impairment while driving or operating heavy machinery. [12]

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Prepared for the Diocese of Worcester by The Kolbe Family Group, a ministry of St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parish

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References

1. Law Proposed by Initiative Petition: Question 4 Majority Report. (2024). 2024 INFORMATION FOR VOTERS. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_4_majority_report.htm

2. William Francis Galvin. (2024). Massachusetts INFORMATION FOR VOTERS. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf

3. Lisinski, C. (May 3, 2024), Committee forms to oppose psychedelics push, SHNS, https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/committee-forms-to-oppose-psychedelics-push/

4. NEW APPROACH PAC - FollowTheMoney.org. OpenSecrets. [Overview tab, accessed September, 24, 2024]. https://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=26199261 

5. NEW APPROACH PAC - FollowTheMoney.org. OpenSecrets. [Industry tab, accessed September, 24, 2024]. https://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=26199261

6. NEW APPROACH PAC - FollowTheMoney.org. OpenSecrets. [Ballot Measure Committees tab: Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, accessed September, 24, 2024]. 

https://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=26199261

7. NEW APPROACH PAC - Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia. [Accessed September, 24, 2024].

https://ballotpedia.org/New_Approach_PAC

8. Alpert, J. E., McDonald, W. M., Nemeroff, C. B., & Rodriquez, C. (2022, July). Position Statement on the Use of Psychedelic and Empathogenic Agents for Mental Health Conditions. https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/d5c13619-ca1f-491f-a7a8-b7141c800904/Position-Use-of-Psychedelic-Empathogenic-Agents.pdf

9. Massachusetts Medical Society: Testimony in Opposition to an Act Relative to the Regulation and Taxation of Natural Psychedelic Substances. (2024, March 26.). 

https://www.massmed.org/Advocacy/State-Advocacy/State-Testimony/Testimony-in-Opposition-to-an-Act-Relative-to-The-Regulation-and-Taxation-of-Natural-Psychedelic-Substances/#:~:text=The%20MMS%20supports%20decriminalization%20of,the%20decriminalization%20of%20psychedelic%20substances

10. Marrocu, A., Kettner, H., Weiss, B., Zeifman, R. J., Erritzoe, D., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2024, May 4). Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use. Abstract from Journal of Psychopharmacology, accessed via PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38491857/

11. Partnership to End Addiction. (2023, September 29). Marijuana Legalization. https://drugfree.org/article/marijuana-legalization/

12. Psychedelic and Dissociative drugs | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). National Institute on Drug Abuse. [Accessed September, 24, 2024] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/psychedelic-dissociative-drugs#drugs-safe

13. Hallucinogens. Cleveland Clinic. [Accessed September 24, 2024].

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6734-hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-and-pcp

14. Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words. In Dictionary.com. [Accessed September 24, 2024] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/psychedelic

Prepared for the Diocese of Worcester by The Kolbe Family Group, a ministry of St. John, Guardian of Our Lady Parish

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Excerpt from MMS Testimony:
"However, we oppose creating a system that characterizes psychedelic therapy as evidence-based when the safety and efficacy of these agents have not been fully reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor have these agents been approved for clinical indication. For these reasons, the Medical Society wishes to be recorded in opposition to H.4255, An Act relative to the regulation and taxation of natural psychedelic substances."

Read full statement:

https://www.massmed.org/Advocacy/State-Advocacy/State-Testimony/Testimony-in-Opposition-to-an-Act-Relative-to-The-Regulation-and-Taxation-of-Natural-Psychedelic-Substances/#:~:text=The%20MMS%20supports%20decriminalization%20of,the%20decriminalization%20of%20psychedelic%20substances

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Read full statement:
https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/d5c13619-ca1f-491f-a7a8-b7141c800904/Position-Use-of-Psychedelic-Empathogenic-Agents.pdf

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A majority of the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions (“The Committee”) recommends that the Initiative Petition 23-13, House 4255, “An Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to the 
Regulation and Taxation of Natural Psychedelic Substance,” (“the Initiative Petition”) as currently 
drafted and presented to this Committee, OUGHT NOT TO BE ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE AT THIS TIME.

Senators.                           Representatives.

Cindy F. Friedman           Alice Hanlon Peisch
Paul R. Feeney                  Michael S. Day
Jason M. Lewis                 Kenneth I. Gordon
Ryan C. Fattman             David T. Vieira

Read full statement:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/publications/information-for-voters-24/quest_4_majority_report.htm

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Articles:

"Legalize Magic Mushrooms? Massachusetts Should Just Vote No" - The Wall Street Journal
By Charles Fain Lehman (Oct. 11, 2024)
Psychedelics have real therapeutic potential, but it’s a dangerous mistake to allow everyday use.
"Clinical evidence suggestions that psychedelic use is particularly dangerous for the more than 1 in 5 Americans with mental illnesses. One recent review found that about 4% of the mentally ill patients in trials experienced adverse events, including "worsening depression, suicidal behavior, psychosis, and convulsive episodes." Dangerous side effects might be acceptable for patients making informed decisions with their doctors. But we shouldn't be handing these drugs out like candy."

"Psychedelic drugs have great therapeutic promise. But Question 4 goes too far." - The Boston Globe 
By The Boston Globe Editorial Board (Oct. 10, 2024)
The Editorial Board encourages voters to vote no on Question 4. "If Question 4 on November’s ballot just allowed patients like LoConte to receive the drugs in safe settings, it might be easier to support. But the proposal goes further than that, also allowing home growing and unregulated consumption of five psychedelic drugs, some of which carry real health risks. For that reason, this board encourages voters to vote no on Question 4."

"Massachusetts Psychiatrists Push Back on Psychedelic Reform as Ballot Vote Looms: An Interview with Nassir Ghaemi" - Psychedelic Alpha 
By Josh Hardman (Oct. 10, 2024)
"Next month, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to endorse Question 4, which would establish a regulated psychedelics program and enact psychedelic drug policy reforms. With polls showing a neck-and-neck race thus far, the outcome is too close to call. In this piece, Psychedelic Alpha editor Josh Hardman speaks with the President of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, Nassir Ghaemi, to understand why the group is opposing the initiative, as well as his broader views on psychedelics’ potential role in psychiatry."

"We asked doctors: Should Massachusetts voters legalize magic mushrooms?" -Worcester Telegram & Gazette 
By Henry Schwan (Sept. 25, 2024) 
“It would be a huge mistake to be on the ballot,” said Dr. Anthony Rothschild, professor of psychiatry at UMass Chan Medical School and editor in chief of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. “We don’t know if taking psychedelics is effective for depression or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). We don’t know the side effects, short-term and long-term.” 

"Legalization Of Psychedelic Drugs Is On The Ballot In Massachusetts" -Forbes
By Joshua P. Cohen, Senior Contributor, a Boston-based writer who covers health policy. (Oct. 4, 2024) 
'According to Axios, a yes on Question 4 would facilitate legalization of five psychedelic substances for people ages 21 and older. These are psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine and mescaline. All five are Schedule I drugs, which means that the federal government deems currently that they have “no accepted medical use.”'

"Is a Drug Even Needed to Induce a Psychedelic Experience?" ​- Scientific American​
A Stanford anesthesiologist deconstructs the component parts of what it means to undergo a psychedelic trip
By Gary Stix (July 3, 2024)
​"A debate has long percolated among researchers as to what happens after a person takes a psychedelic drug. The experience may stem at least in part from the placebo effect, which is rooted in the belief that taking psilocybin or ketamine will somehow be transformative.​ Boris D. Heifets, an associate professor of anesthesiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, has been tackling this question amid his broader laboratory investigations of what exactly happens in mind and brain when someone takes a psychedelic. How much of their sometimes life-altering experience is chemical or empirical, and how much is mental and subjective? It turns out the effects may consist of a lot more than just a simple biochemical response to a drug activating, say, the brain’s serotonin receptors."

Monitoring the Future Survey: "Cannabis and Hallucinogen Use Among Adults Remained at Historic Highs in 2023"
(Survey results released August 2024) Hallucinogen use reached a new all time study high in 2023, reported by 8.9% of young adults (Table/Figure 45). Across ages 19–30, prevalence ranged from 6.7%–10.5% (Table/Figure 46). The 1-year change was not significant, although there were significant longer term increases across the past 5 years (from 5.3% in 2018) and 10 years (from 3.8% in 2013; Table/Figure 45). This increase was driven by hallucinogens other than LSD, the prevalence of which significantly increased from over the past 5 years (from 3.4% in 2018) and 10 years (from 3.2% in 2013) to 8.5% in 2023 (Table/Figure 49), which is also an all time study high level.
https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/08/cannabis-and-hallucinogen-use-among-adults-remained-at-historic-highs-in-2023

"How Psychedelic Research Got High on Its Own Supply" - New York Times Opinion Guest Essay 
By Caty Enders - science writer, (August 23, 2024)
"A systematic review published last year in The Journal of Psychopharmacology scrutinized all clinical trials to date that tested whether classical psychedelics could be used to treat addiction, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. It found numerous flaws in the design of these studies, including a high participant dropout rate, small sample sizes and difficulties keeping patients blinded to whether they received the drug or a placebo. And it also found a high risk of bias in all trials but one." 

"Fool's Gold: The Reality of Psychedelics" - WordonFire.org - Word on Fire Catholic Ministries
By Michael Adams, (September 15, 2023)

Coalition For Safe Communities - Vote No on Question 4
The Coalition for Safe Communities is the official ballot committee organized to urge voters to vote NO on Question 4. Our group is a diverse statewide coalition of Massachusetts individuals, medical professionals, mental health professionals, law enforcement, veterans, elected officials, recovery groups, firefighters, business owners, and community groups that oppose this act. Questions? Email [email protected]
No on Question 4 Fact Sheet

Studies:

"Risk of Bias in Randomized Clinical Trials on Psychedelic Medicine: A Systematic Review," Abstract Journal of Psychopharmacology 2023, Vol. 37(7) 649 –659 © Authors: O. Hovmand, E. Poulsen, S. Arnfred, and O. Storebø.
Background: The classical psychedelics, psilocybin, peyote, ayahuasca/N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide are considered promising new treatments for psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. However, their profound and characteristic subjective effects raise concern for distinctive biases in randomized clinical trials. 
Methods: We performed a systematic literature search to identify all clinical trials on classical psychedelics with patient populations to examine descriptive data and determine the risk of bias. Two independent reviewers searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, and APA PsycNet) and extracted information on study design, study population, use of active or inactive placebo, dropouts, evaluation of blinding of intervention, and reporting of expectancy and therapeutic alliance. 
Results: We included 10 papers reporting on 10 unique trials. The trials generally included populations that were predominantly white and highly educated. The trials had small samples and considerable dropout. Blinding was either unsuccessful or not reported regardless of type of placebo. Few trials published protocols, statistical analysis plans (SAPs), and outcomes relating to psychotherapy fidelity. All trials but one were rated as high risk of bias. 
Conclusion: Successful blinding of intervention is a significant challenge in this field. To better accommodate this, we suggest that future trials use a parallel-group design and utilize an active placebo on a psychedelic-naïve population. Future trials should publish trial protocol and SAPs, use clinician-rated outcomes accessed by a blinded rater, evaluate blinding of intervention, and consider measuring expectancy and therapeutic fidelity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10350724/

Podcasts:

Dr. Bertha Madras, Professor of Psychobiology, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital
EPISODE 16, • Monday, April 29, 2024 • Sagely Speaking • Mary Bono
https://sagely-speaking-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/sagely-speaking-guest-dr-bertha-madras
In this very important episode, we welcome Dr. Bertha Madras who has been at the forefront of discussions around drug policy for decades. Among the many areas she focuses on, we discussed her research into psychedelic drug therapies and her very concerned viewpoint. With billions of dollars pouring into this emerging field, Dr. Madras sheds light on the complexities and controversies surrounding these treatments and how the crucial cautionary narratives are omitted, potentially misleading the public about the realities of this therapy. 

Statements from the Catholic Church:

By Most Reverend Robert J. McManus - Bishop of Worcester ( October 10, 2024)
Excerpt from flock note sent out to every parish in the diocese:
"A group of concerned women from one of our parishes has alerted me to very serious concerns about Question 4 on the Massachusetts ballot.  If passed, this measure would legalize certain natural psychedelic drugs to be grown at home, e.g. magic mushrooms, and to be consumed and shared with others.  The use of such natural drugs can alter one’s perception of reality, cause extreme feelings of euphoria or despair and can worsen mental health issues.  The President and President-Elect of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society testified before the Special Joint Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature that this initiative petition is “…reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous to the public.”   Please see the attached information sheet for more details."

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - SECOND EDITION 
I. RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE (ARTICLE 5, THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT: "You shall not kill.")
2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law. 
(This is a Sanctity of Life issue - under the 5th commandment - "Thou Shall Not Kill.")
Read this section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a5.htm#2291

Catholic Voter Guide - Hierarchy of Values to Guide Voting as a Catholic:  Colorado Catholic Conference (2022)
As faithful Catholics, it is our duty shape the moral character of our community, state, and country through voting. Our faith maintains a hierarchy of values when voting on candidates and issues. The listed values are supported by the Colorado bishops. Each value is important; however, some are more foundational and therefore require more priority. It is the duty of each person’s conscience to adhere to objective truth, which is reflected in the below values to guide your vote. 
Hierarchy of Values to Guide Voting as a Catholic:
1. Sanctity of Life: Human life must be protected at all stages from conception until natural death.
2. Marriage and Family: Marriage is the union of a man and a woman who together as husband and wife may become father and mother to any children they produce. 
3. Religious Liberty: Religious liberty is rooted in the dignity of the human person, including freedom of conscience and expression, and is central to the U.S. Constitution.  
4. Economic Justice, Poverty, & Welfare: Economic decisions should respect human dignity and express a preferential option for helping the poor and vulnerable through safety nets and opportunities for upward mobility. 
5. Healthcare: Healthcare should be patient-centered, respect human dignity, protect life, promote the principle of subsidiarity, be affordable, and assure conscience rights. 
6. Immigration & Promoting Foreign Peace: Immigration policy should provide immigrants with basic human needs, including the ability to work, and should encourage pathways to citizenship. Promoting peace is essential in international relations. 
7. Education: Parents are the primary educators of their children; therefore, education policy should empower parents with education decision-making authority to choose best learning options for their children. 
8. Restorative Justice: Criminal justice reform should focus on preventing crime and caring for survivors of crime, while also offering those who commit a crime an opportunity to rehabilitate and effectively return to society. 
9. Energy & Environment: Care for the environment and responsible use of energy resources come from our duty to steward creation and provide for future generations. 
10. Technology: Technology must respect human dignity and protect children.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cocatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-CCC-Voter-Guide-FINAL.pdf

‘That They Might Have Life’: Archbishop Aquila Issues Pastoral Letter on Drug Use 
By Denver Catholic Staff, November 10, 2023
"In 2012, Colorado led the way in legalizing recreational marijuana. A decade later, as more states vote to do the same and popular opinion grows in its support, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila has published a new Pastoral Letter analyzing the effect that these measures and the broad acceptance of drugs in general have had on individuals, families and society in Colorado and beyond."
Read Archbishop Aquila’s full pastoral letter with more data to support the dangers of drug use and some frequently asked questions here:
https://archden.org/that-they-might-have-life/

Minnesota Bishops Issue Pastoral Guidance on Marijuana Usage - “Living in the Real: A Short Primer on the Risks of Marijuana Usage,”
By Minnesota Catholic Conference, June 6, 2024
"The Catholic bishops in Minnesota have issued pastoral guidance to help clergy and parishioners in the state avoid “falling into the trap of recreational and immoral drug use.” The Minnesota Catholic Conference published the document in light of the State Legislature’s decision last year to legalize recreational marijuana use and launch a statewide retail industry for the drug." 
Read Minnesota Catholic Conference “Living in the Real: A Short Primer on the Risks of Marijuana Usage,” asserts to the faithful that while the state may have legalized the drug, “Catholics must also follow the moral law.” 
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/mncatholic/pages/1900/attachments/original/1712866104/Living_In_The_Real_%288.5_x_11_in%29-compressed.pdf?1712866104

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences offers a helpful warning about the devastating effects of drug legalization, referring to it “as a hopeless, mindless strategy that would consign more people, especially the disadvantaged, youth, the poor and the mentally ill, to misery or even death while compromising civil society, social stability, equality, and the law. Drug use can devastate the soul and a loving relationship with God. The faithful have a precious opportunity to engage in preventing this tragic form of modern chemical slavery.” (November 2016)
Read Final Statement on Narcotics: Problems and Solutions of this Global Issue
https://www.pas.va/en/events/2016/narcotics/final_statement.html

Quotes:

“As Catholics, we have a moral duty to vote with an informed conscience, and to pray for wisdom and guidance as we head to the voting booth.” -Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver

“Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we Catholics are called to prayerfully participate in political life, fulfilling our duty to form the moral character of our society for the common good of all.” -Bishop Stephen J. Berg, Diocese of Pueblo

“Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to ‘love our neighbor as ourselves.’” -Bishop James R. Golka, Diocese of Colorado Springs

“The government has the moral function to secure justice and peace in society. Citizens, especially prayerful Catholics, are required to participate in the political process with well-formed consciences.” -Bishop Jorge H. Rodríguez, Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese

Marijuana - How the Black Market Grew After Legalization:

"Legalization Can't Beat the Black Market" - Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana (AALM): AALM.info
"Police seize $10 MILLION worth of marijuana from Queen's party shop," -Daily Mail (September 18, 2024)
"In August 2024, authorities in Queens, New York, raided a warehouse in Astoria, seizing over $5 million worth of illegal cannabis products. The operation was a joint effort by the NYPD and the New York City Sheriff's Office. Officers were initially called to the scene to investigate a robbery report but soon discovered hundreds of pounds of marijuana, along with equipment for producing vape cartridges.

The warehouse was reportedly supplying illegal cannabis to various locations both within and outside New York City. Two suspects were arrested during the operation, making this one of the largest cannabis busts in the area. It should be noted that marijuana has been legal in New York in some form since 2016. After 8 years of "legalization" New York is making its largest pot busts ever. Things are getting worse, not better. Police are busier now combating marijuana then they were before legalization. It is time public officials realize that legalization was never a retardant of black market pot. It is an accelerant." - Americans Against Legalizing Marijuana (AALM)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13862913/new-york-city-queens-illegal-weed-warehouse-bust.html
https://aalm.info/