Alaska could become one of the next states to loosen restrictions on psychedelic plants and magic mushrooms.
On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom certified a ballot initiative that would legalize and regulate the therapeutic and traditional use of certain natural medicines — including psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline (but not from peyote), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and ibogaine. Supporters now must gather signatures to get the matter on the ballot.
The measure, titled 25ANMA would allow adults 21 and over to legally access, cultivate, and use these substances under a regulated framework. It would also formally protect indigenous and traditional spiritual uses.
“This certification reflects the constitutional and statutory requirements for citizen-led initiatives in Alaska,” Dahlstrom said. “While voters will ultimately decide the merits of the proposal, the application meets all legal criteria for form and content.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, the psychological effects of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and a psychotic-like episode also may occur, particularly if a user ingests a high dose. Common side effects are nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, and poor coordination.
If approved at the ballot box, the initiative would:
- Create a Natural Medicine Control Board to oversee licensing, regulation, and public education;
- Establish a Traditional Use Council to safeguard cultural and spiritual practices;
- Decriminalize personal possession, cultivation, and non-commercial sharing;
- Authorize licensed facilities and facilitators for therapeutic services;
- Protect certified traditional practitioners and clients from criminal penalties.
The Alaska Department of Law reviewed the measure and found it met constitutional and statutory standards.
Supporters must gather signatures equal to 10 percent of the votes cast in the last general election, with representation from at least three-quarters of Alaska’s House districts.
Sen. Forrest Dunbar has been unsuccessful in getting legalization of clinical use of magic mushrooms through the legislature.
With legalization of marijuana cultivation and regulated sales in Alaska, a black market has grown in the state, as unregulated markets undercut the retail storefront sellers. Usage of marijuana among minors has increased as the various forms of cannabis have become more commonplace and accessible to children.
