A new poll finds that three out of five American voters support legalizing psychedelic therapy, and half want to end criminalization altogether.

A new national survey shows that nearly half of American voters believe possession for personal use should not be criminalized.

The Center for the Science of Psychedelics at UC Berkeley (BCSP), presented the top-line results of its first survey during a psychedelics convention in Denver. Top advocates, researchers, and Colorado’s Governor were all present to discuss the rapidly changing policy landscape.

According to the poll, 61 percent (including 35 percent strongly) of registered voters in the United States support “creating an regulated legal framework for therapeutic use of psychoedelics.” 34 percent were against, while 5 percent were unsure.

The level of support for reforming psychedelic policy far exceeded my expectations. Clearly much of the news around promising research and mental health results has begun breaking through to the general public,” says @Taylor_West – at the preview of our inaugural Berkeley… pic.twitter.com/mKAGPqIy0G

UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics June 21, 2020

A further 49 percent of respondents said they support the removal of criminal penalties for use and possession of entheogenic fungi and plants.

When asked about a medicalized approach where psychedelics must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration and prescribed by doctors, 56 percent support this proposal. 38 percent are against it and 6 percent are unsure.

The survey also showed that nearly four out of five Americans (78%) said they were in favor “making it easier to allow researchers to study psychedelic drugs.”

Berkeley Psychedelics Survey launched today at #PS2023

This poll is of US voters.

61% of respondents support the regulation of access to psychedelic therapies

78% of respondents support less barriers to psychedelic research

49% of Americans support the decriminalization of psychedelics

Full story here: https://t.co/GymcwRwtGj

UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics June 21, 2020

Imran Khan, Executive Director of BCSP, said in a BCSP press release that “This is the clearest picture we have about what the American public feel and think about psychedelics.” The Berkeley Psychedelics Survey reveals that the majority American voters are supportive and interested in the field. Scientists want to see fewer obstacles in the way of research, while public wants regulated access to therapeutic drugs.

Khan stated. We’re eager to share the results of the Berkeley Psychedelics Survey over the next few weeks.

The first ever Berkeley Psychedelics Survey reveals that *61%* U.S. voters registered support the legalization of psychedelic therapies. It was a bit of a shock to me, but I’m glad that we were able launch this project. https://t.co/aERqpHgVXC

— Taylor West 22 June 2023 HTML0

The results will be published on 12 July. Details about the methodology, such as the number and timeline of respondents and the margin of error, as well as demographic breakdowns which might reveal trends based on age and party, are unknown until then.

There are many surveys that show the bipartisan support growing for marijuana reforms in the U.S. However, there is a lack of comprehensive polling about psychedelics.

Another national poll of likely voters conducted in March found similar results. The majority supported regulated access to psychoactive drugs for therapy, and federal decriminalization. But aside from these two examples, the polling on psychedelics has largely been limited to specific areas, like Colorado or Washington D.C.

Denver was the first city to decriminalize the psilocybin mushroom in the United States just four years ago. The majority’s support for reform has been consistent, and this interest is reflected by the huge push to change the laws that govern the hallucinogenic substance at the federal, state, and local levels.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), both , are advocating regulated access to psychedelics.

Colorado voters approved the psychedelics ballot measure in 2016, and Polis has signed a bill implementing regulations to support this initiative. Oregon voters legalized psilocybin in 2020. The state is now moving to open facilities that will allow adults to be administered the psychedelic under supervision.

The localized movement for decriminalization quickly spread to Congress. Just last week, a Republican Congressman’s amendment requiring clinical trials to determine the therapeutic potential of psychoedelics in military service members was adopted as part of the must-pass Defense Bill .