By Sharman Sacchetti
BOSTON —Supporters of ballot Question 4, which would legalize psychedelics in Massachusetts, gathered Tuesday outside the State House in hopes of rallying additional support in the final week before Election Day.
One high-profile supporter in the group was former actor Eliza Dushku, who is now an advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Known for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Bring It On," Dushku said the treatment helped her to recover from childhood trauma.
"I come at this as somebody who has been a client or a patient, so to speak. Psychedelic-assisted therapy that completely changed my life," she said.
She subsequently obtained a certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and set out for a master’s degree in counseling and clinical mental health.
Opponents of Question 4 argue the measure leaves out important safeguards, particularly around the lack of required medical professionals at therapy sites and allowing users to cultivate the mushrooms at home.
"This allows for 144 square feet of grow in your house. It's not safe for children. It's not safe for pets and, frankly, it's self-medication," said Chris Keohan of Coalition for Safe Communities.
Keohan's group also expressed concern that communities can't opt out.
"If this is to pass next week, this goes before the Legislature, where we could have two years where they could improve the bill," said Dushku.
A "yes" vote on Question 4 would allow people 21 years of age and older to grow, possess and use some natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances. They could be bought at an approved location and used at licensed therapy centers. It also allows people to grow and possess limited numbers at home. The measure would also create a commission to regulate them.
A "no" vote would make no change in the law.
Recent polling indicated the state was split on the measure, with 43% planning to vote "yes" and 43% planning to vote "no." The remaining 14% were undecided.
Earlier this month, a 5 Investigates analysis showed that 80% of the money donated in support of Question 4 comes from out of state. In fact, more money has come from California than Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the campaign opposing the legalization of psychedelics said the effort is being run by "volunteers and grassroots supporters who know this is an ill-conceived ballot question with dangerous repercussions" that "provides nothing more than false hope and empty promises to people in desperate need of help and it is truly shameful."
Election Day is Nov. 5, but more than 1.1 million Massachusetts voters have already submitted their ballots through mail-in or early voting.