Bay State voters said no to psychedelics Tuesday.

Question 4, which would have legalized certain psychotropic drugs, was rejected by Massachusetts voters.

The Associated Press called the vote on the “no” side at 3:52 a.m. Wednesday – with 56.9% for no and 43.1% for yes after 88% of the votes were counted.

If passed, the vote would have allowed residents 21 and older to grow and use plant-based psychedelics in certain circumstances.

The Bay State would have been the third state to legalize certain psychotropic drugs considered illegal by the federal government.

Psychedelics include two found in so-called “magic mushrooms” – psilocybin and psilocyne – and three from plants – mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.

The measure would have allowed the substances to be purchased at approved locations for use under the supervision of an approved facilitator. Although this would prohibit retail sales, it would allow individuals to grow psychedelics at home and share them.

The proposal would have regulated and taxed psychedelics and created a five-member commission to oversee the industry.

Critics have warned it could lead to a black market. They also argued that nothing would stop centers from giving psychedelics to people considered high risk, such as those with schizophrenia, bipolar illness or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Originally published: November 6, 2024 at 8:05 a.m. EST