Yesterday, Ismail L. Ali, J.D., Acting Director of Policy and Advocacy at MAPS, delivered in-person testimony to the Health Committee of the California State Assembly in support of Senate Bill 519, which would decriminalize certain psychedelics throughout the entire state.
“Decriminalization will empower people to seek honest education, destigmatize their own behavior and that of the people around them, and facilitate, where needed, the ability to seek support for detrimental experience or relationship with substances,” asserts Ali. Watch his full testimony beginning at 1:30:12.
SB 519 passed the Assembly Health Committee and must be passed by the Appropriations Committee before it will be considered by the Assembly. Watch the full Assembly hearing to listen to expert perspectives regarding this bill and the recent amendments requested by the Assembly Health Committee Chair.
MAPS is excited about the progress of SB 519 despite necessary amendments that were made to improve the probability of its success, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with lawmakers and advocates to achieve historic drug policy reform in California (and beyond!).
