The decriminalization and rescheduling of plant and fungi medicines is on the horizon, but the approach to legalization impacts who will be granted access to psychedelics. In an article for Psychedelics Today, Gary Smith argues uniform initiative — rather than allowing pharmaceutical companies or legislators to take the lead — will yield the most benefits for individual users.
Gary says a uniform initiative for plant and fungi medicines can be successful if it prioritizes cost and access as well as remaining patient focused, respectful of privacy and driven by science. It should also promote responsible access and use, viewing psychedelics through the lens of spirituality and health, rather than criminality. Fourteen states, including Arizona, could campaign for a uniform initiative in the next election. As seen with cannabis, successful initiatives can have a domino effect, leading to wider imitation and acceptance.
Among the leading legal experts on psychedelics, Gary is the author of Psychedelica Lex, an expansive legal manual for individuals and organizations with a vested or growing interest in psychedelics and entheogens. He is also the founding director and current president of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association. Gary’s experience in cannabis law led to his interest in psychedelics. Additionally, he serves as general counsel to the nation’s oldest non-Native American peyote church.