This November, Massachusetts voters will decide on a proposed ballot question that would legalize psychedelics, open for-profit psychedelic centers, and allow for the growth and distribution of homegrown psychedelics throughout the Commonwealth. If passed, this would immediately allow for at-home growth and for the distribution of homegrown psychedelics, creating a massive loophole for an unregulated and unsafe black market.

The proposed referendum would allow individuals to grow psychedelics in a 12-foot by 12-foot area – that is larger than the average bedroom. This huge space will allow individuals to grow psychedelics in quantities that far exceed what proponents call “individual consumption”. Since the measure also allows individuals to distribute their homegrown psychedelics, it would immediately open the door for an unregulated and unsafe black market.

In Massachusetts, DUIs and drugged driving have already been on the rise. In recent years, the number of driver’s license revocations for drugged driving has risen sixty-five percent and fatal DUI crashes increased by over fifty percent statewide. Studies show one in three frequent psychedelic users report having driven under the influence of hallucinogens in the past year. We need to focus on making our roads safer – not more dangerous.

Drug intoxications of children and pets have also been on the rise nationwide. The availability of edibles, decriminalization of possession, and an overall increased use of drugs are the main causes of this growing problem. Edibles made into sweets like cookies and candy are a particular danger to children under five and pets who mistakenly consume them in extremely high and even toxic levels. Many studies have shown that the psychedelic ibogaine has life-threatening cardiotoxicity and that heart failure can occur several days, in some cases weeks, after taking a single dose. Legalizing psychedelics and allowing for home-growth will put more children and pets at risk of accidentally consuming these drugs.

The for-profit psychedelic centers that would be legalized under this initiative have many flaws. While proponents say the facilities will be licensed, they are not required to be run by medical professionals. As a result, the centers are not able to provide critical medical care individuals need during severe adverse reactions. The centers are also not prohibited from giving psychedelics to high-risk patients like those with schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is also no ability for towns or cities to ban the centers in their area, even if most residents and their elected officials do not want them there. It is clear these for- profit centers put corporate profits over public health.