Governor Gavin Newsom is being called upon to veto a bill that would allow people 21 and older to possess and use some plant-based psychedelics by removing criminal penalties.
The California Narcotic Officers Association president, Ed Pecis, told KNX News reporter Margaret Carrero the bill puts policy before science.
"We do not have conclusive evidence for scientific or medical substance showing how well these drugs will help people. In fact, the studies used by the author of the Bill, Scott Wiener, conclude that psychedelics are not ready for widespread individual use, and all drugs, as you know, should go through the FDA for proper research and approval prior to coming out to the public," Pecis said.
Cindy De Silva, a deputy district attorney in California, says the bill would add to the state's homeless crisis and drug issues.
"This particular bill has been marketed toward veterans and people with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as depression issues. But the problem is that's not who it targets in its wording. It's geared toward everybody, and without any guard rails," De Silva said.
Frank Lee with the Coalition Against Drugs agrees with De Silva and believes Senator Wiener's goal is to legalize all illegal drugs.
In a statement to KNX News, Senator Scott Wiener said the bill applies only to three non-addictive naturally occurring psychedelic substances, all of which have shown unprecedented potential in treating some of California's most entrenched mental health challenges.
The Senator says it's cruel and disingenuous to suggest a targeted measure to improve access to breakthrough PTSD treatments will trigger the end of all California drug prohibitions.
The statement noted that the bill was amended dozens of times to include prudent safeguards that will minimize risks, including tight quantity limits and age restrictions.
Senator Wiener also said veterans, first responders, and even former law enforcement are demanding these treatments for the unseen wounds from years of heroic service.
Reporter Margaret Carrero also spoke with Diane Goldstein, who is a retired Redondo Beach Police Lieutenant and currently the executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership.
Goldstein supports Senator Wiener's bill, saying, "In law enforcement's field of work, we see how destructive outdated drug laws can be to individuals and communities. Decriminalizing the simple possession and personal use of plant-based psychedelics will allow police officials, the courts, and prosecutors to prioritize serious threats to public safety."
As for missing guard rails, Goldstein said the decriminalization statute will not start until January 1, 2025, and will "Run a parallel path with a working group to study the impact on how to provide those necessary guard rails, how to create public health interventions."
She also pointed out that the California Narcotic Officers Association has previously stated during a 2021 legislative hearing that the CNOA's official position is that people should not be incarcerated for simple possession of drugs.
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