California State Senate Health Committee passed SB 751, a pilot program for psychedelic drug research last month, sparking high social concern. Lee Shaomin, Vice Chairman of the California Coalition Against Drugs (CCAD), warned that under the guise of a pilot program, this bill is actually paving the way for the legalization of psychedelic drugs. He urged the public to urgently call their senators to oppose this bill.
SB 751 was introduced by Democratic Senator Josh Becker and Republican Senator Brian Jones in February 2025, and received support from several legislators, including Scott Wiener, who has long advocated for drug legalization. The proposal aims to conduct pilot studies on the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms to treat veterans and frontline responders with PTSD and other mental illnesses in up to five counties in California, with the project scheduled to run until 2031.
Lee Shaomin told Dajiyuan that over the past four years, CCAD has successfully thwarted all psychedelic drug-related bills proposed by Scott Wiener, but he keeps reintroducing them each year with a different disguise. Now, by using the name of “mental health research,” SB 751 is being pushed again, with its substance remaining consistent with past attempts.
Highlighting the significant risks associated with psilocybin, which is classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government alongside substances like heroin and LSD, Lee Shaomin emphasized that its dangers to users and society far exceed those of marijuana. Its consumption can quickly induce hallucinations, mental confusion, leading to severe traffic accidents, or violent behavior. The California Highway Patrol has already warned that the legalization of psychedelic drugs would pose a serious threat to highway safety; and the California University and College Police Chiefs Association stated that the bill would have a significant impact on campus security.
He cited the case of Joseph Emerson, a pilot for Alaska Airlines in 2023, who, after consuming psilocybin mushrooms, became mentally disturbed and attempted to shut down the engines while flying at high altitude, nearly causing a disaster, highlighting the significant risks of psychedelic drugs.
He also mentioned that Dr. Roneet Lev, former Chief Medical Officer of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, pointed out that psychedelic drugs can easily trigger prolonged hallucinations, leading to dangerous behaviors. There are already many alternative drugs on the market with minimal side effects.
SB 751 not only poses high risks but has also sparked controversy at the financial level. The bill proposes the establishment of a “dedicated fund” and adopts “permanent appropriations,” which means indefinitely using taxpayers’ money to support this controversial research without the necessary legislative oversight.
Lee Shaomin criticized this approach, stating that it starkly contrasts with the widely anticipated Proposition 36 – aimed at strengthening anti-drug and public safety efforts but lacking sufficient budgetary support. Instead, bills like SB 751, which promote drug proliferation, receive sustainable funding. He strongly condemned this as a serious deviation from the public interest.
Lee Shaomin emphasized that proponents claim SB 751 is for research purposes only, but this is actually following the strategy of cannabis legalization from years ago: start with pilot programs, then expand use, ultimately achieving full legalization. He pointed out that Scott Wiener himself has admitted that the legalization of psychedelic drugs is the second step towards promoting overall drug legalization. The public must not be deceived by the packaging of “research pilot programs.”
The California Family Committee also posted on its website, stating that this bill is not merely about research but includes setting up service centers, issuing licenses, providing state-sponsored training courses, etc., further paving the way for the wider adoption and legalization of psychedelic drugs.
According to federal regulations, all new drugs must undergo strict scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, SB 751 attempts to bypass the federal review process and be overseen by the California Department of Health and Human Services in conducting clinical trials directly in five counties. Lee Shaomin warned that this move could lead participating research institutions or personnel to violate federal laws.
The California Family Committee further pointed out that if this bill passes, it may set a dangerous precedent, allowing the state government to independently approve and promote drugs classified as Schedule I narcotics by the federal government. Similar future bills could emerge, not only involving other psychedelics but even more destructive Schedule I drugs.
Lee Shaomin concluded by urging California residents to take immediate action, call their senators, express their opposition to SB 751, and request the bill to be permanently shelved. He stressed, “This is a crucial moment for our overall anti-drug efforts. Please call your senators immediately and forward this message to family and friends to rally more voices in defending your and your family’s safety.”
When calling senators, a simple expression such as “No on SB 751” will suffice; if no one answers, leave a message. Senator contact numbers are as follows:
Senator Caballero: (916) 651-4014 or (559) 264-3070; Senator Dahle: (916) 651-4001 or (530) 224-7001; Senator Richardson: (916) 651-4035; Senator Wahab: (916) 651-4410. ◇