New York legalizes psychedelics

Not even a month after legalizing recreational cannabis, it looks like New York will legalize psychedelics in 2023.

Legislation, which three members of the assembly will introduce, will legalize psilocybin, DMT, LSD and ibogaine for adults over the age of 21.

In particular, it would prohibit the “possession, use, cultivation, production, preparation, analysis, gift, exchange or sharing of any natural plant or fungal hallucinogen by or between natural persons twenty-one years of age or older.” legalize. ”

psychedelics? Didn’t New York just legalize cannabis?

The first adult cannabis sale in New York’sYork began at 4:20 p.m. on December 22, 2022. The nonprofit Housing Works operates the first legal retail store. Housing Works focuses on homelessness.

The governor had said New Yorkers would see a legal store by the end of the year. However, this is the absolute minimum. Consumers expect New York to expand its retail locations in 2023.

A total of 36 organizations have received their retail pharmacy license. New York’s regulatory body, the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), has insisted they make their selections based on skin color and ethnic background, rather than ability or experience.

However, lawyers are more concerned about the idea of ​​nonprofit organizations selling a commercial product. At least one argues that doing so could jeopardize their 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status. Especially since the federal government considers cannabis an illegal, controlled substance.

New York’s first legitimate sale was to the executive director of the New York Office of Cannabis Management.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement that “the opening of our state’s first legal dispensary, here in New York City, is more than just a promising step for this burgeoning industry — it marks a new chapter for those.” represent those most harmed by the failed policies of the past.”

Likewise, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Today is just the beginning and I look forward to continuing our efforts to solidify New York as the national model for the safe, just and inclusive industry we are now building.”

What Kind of Cannabis Industry Is New York Building? Earlier this month, Hochul introduced a cannabis product review tool. The government hopes private businesses and citizens will soon use a QR code to buy weed.

“These tools will help protect public health and strengthen our ability to provide the equitable cannabis market that our law envisions,” Hochul said in a press release.

New York to legalize psychedelics?

If New York legalizes psychedelics in 2023, what would that look like? QR codes for magic mushrooms? Will there be legal LSD shops? After all, the New York Office of Cannabis Management is clear: “Illegal stores endanger New York’s public health and are not investing in the community.”

Whether this is the case depends on the respective retailer. But like COVID lockdowns and domestic passports, the facts don’t matter. More often than not, politicians and bureaucrats project their own insecurities.

While legal cannabis and psychedelics are a step in the right direction, the devil is always in the details. When politicians talk about legalizing or regulating substances for “public health” and “justice” reasons, rest assured that they are doing so in their own interest.

In recent years, New York, and New York City in particular, has been devastated by the actions of politicians in the name of public health.

But hey, look, legal weed and magic mushrooms. Everything is forgiven, right?