Senate Bill 58 seeks to decriminalize hallucinogenic drugs

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY —  District Attorney Dan Dow joins with his colleagues around the state to strongly oppose a bill that would decriminalize many dangerous psychedelic drugs. 

District Attorney Dan Dow announced that he stands with the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) in their strong objection to Senate Bill 58 (Senator Wiener), which seeks to decriminalize many dangerous hallucinogenic drugs.

Junior and senior high school students are among those who most commonly abuse hallucinogens. These drugs are made from plants, fungi, or are synthetically produced to alter a person’s perception and mood and are typically taken orally or can be smoked. Common street names include: Acid, Blotter, Cubes, Fry, Mushrooms, Special K, STP, and Ecstasy. 

“Drug use is not a victimless crime, as tragically demonstrated by the completely avoidable recent death of a 3-year-old boy in San Luis Obispo County,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “As San Luis Obispo County’s top safety officer, I strongly urge every person in our community to let your concerns about this reckless proposal be known loudly and clearly to our elected representatives in Sacramento. We must do everything possible to protect our youth from an early and avoidable death; decriminalizing dangerous drugs is an intentional act that puts every one of our youths and many adults in danger.”

You can view the California District Attorneys Association press release here, cdaa.org/press

You can learn more about hallucinogens and other illegal drugs by visiting the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website dea.gov and get their free Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide here slocounty.ca.gov/CountyOfSanLuisObispo/media/DistrictAttorneyMedia/Press%20Release%20Photos/Drugs-of-Abuse-2020.pdf

To locate your elected representatives, go here sos.ca.gov/elections/who-are-my-representatives