Late last week, in a significant win for public health and the rule of law, the California Senate Appropriations Committee halted SB 751, a dangerous piece of legislation that sought to sidestep federal regulations in order to study the use of magic mushrooms (psilocybin) for unapproved “mental health” treatments for veterans and first responders.
Co-authored by Senator Josh Becker (D–San Mateo) and Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R–Escondido), SB 751 was the latest in a series of efforts to normalize psychedelic drug use under the guise of medical research. But this bill wanted to give special privileges to a drug with a terrible reputation for harm and abuse: magic mushrooms.
A Pattern of Reckless Drug Policy
Over four years ago, State Senator Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) began his crusade to end what he calls California’s “war on drugs” by promoting legislation to legalize psychedelics and reduce penalties for dangerous narcotics. He has backed everything from supervised illicit drug injection sites to the decriminalization of LSD and MDMA. These proposed bills consistently ignored the long-established federal processes set up by the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that exist to safeguard public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
While previous bills were vetoed or defeated, SB 751 took a more subtle approach by framing its objective as a pilot study to treat mental health issues, like PTSD for veterans and first responders. It was, in truth, a backdoor attempt to build an entire psychedelic drug infrastructure in California without legally required federal oversight.
Public Opposition Made the Difference
Thanks to the tireless work of California Family Council’s advocacy team and allies like Frank Lee of the California Coalition Against Drugs, the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee received hundreds of calls and emails from concerned citizens. These weren’t just protest calls; they were cries for rational governance and the protection of those struggling with mental illness.
CFC’s Vice President Greg Burt had the opportunity to testify against SB 751 twice this year, warning lawmakers of the legal and ethical risks posed by this bill. Together, our organizations mobilized families, churches, and medical professionals across the state to say with one voice: California cannot afford to gamble with unproven, illegal hallucinogens.
“We understand that the authors of SB 751 were genuinely moved by the heartbreaking rates of suicide among our veterans and first responders. Their desire to offer help and hope is something we deeply respect,” Burt explained. “But as well-intentioned as this bill may be, it is simply the wrong path. Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin are unpredictable, powerful substances that carry real dangers, psychosis, disorientation, and even long-term psychological harm. If advocates truly believe these drugs can be used safely, then let them go through the same rigorous, federally approved process that every other drug must endure. No shortcuts. No special treatment for psychedelics. The health and safety of vulnerable patients and the public must come first.”
The Dangers of Psychedelic “Medicine”
Psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule I substance by the federal government, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Although the FDA has labeled it a “breakthrough therapy” for the sake of accelerated research, over 85% of drugs with this designation fail to reach final approval.
SB 751 proposed state-sanctioned “treatment centers” that would have operated under the supervision of the University of California, but outside the normal federal drug trial process. Such a scheme exposes vulnerable individuals to a drug with known risks—such as hallucinations, psychosis, and long-term mental instability—without the FDA oversight required of all other drugs seeking legal approval.
The Slippery Slope to Legalization
Just like California’s path to marijuana legalization began with compassionate-sounding pilot programs and clinics, SB 751 attempted to lay the groundwork for broader drug liberalization. The bill would have opened the door for an entire state-run system of psilocybin training, licensing, and service delivery—a taxpayer-supported psychedelic industry.
That’s not the way to create a safe and effective healthcare system.
Real Solutions for Real People
CFC is deeply committed to serving those who suffer from PTSD and mental illness. But biblical compassion also requires medical integrity. Treatments must be evidence-based, federally approved, and administered under appropriate clinical supervision.
We urge lawmakers to direct resources toward existing therapies, trauma-informed counseling, and—when appropriate—faith-based programs that minister to the whole person: body, mind, and soul
