Massachusetts voters rejected Question 4 on Tuesday, voting “no” to legalizing five psychedelic substances and a regulatory framework for psychedelic therapy centers, which proponents billed as a helpful mental health option.
The ballot measure would have permitted those 21 and older to use and share certain amounts of five psychedelic substances that come from plants or “magic” mushrooms: psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline, and ibogaine. Growing the substances at home would have been allowed in a 12-by-12-foot space restricted from those under 21. Sale of the substances will remain illegal.
Voting results varied widely among Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. And while results were still trickling in Wednesday morning, some clear trends were emerging with 87 percent of precincts reporting. Many communities in the inner suburbs posted strong opposition, while support was more common in Boston and areas with large college-aged populations.
The measure also appeared to have picked up support in communities that have already decriminalized psychedelics on a local level: Medford, Provincetown, Salem, Somerville, Cambridge, Easthampton, Northampton, and Amherst.
Meanwhile, Wellesley and Lexington voted strongly against legalizing psychedelics.
The graph below shows how strongly each town voted either for or against the measure.
Stella Tannenbaum can be reached at stella.tannenbaum@globe.com. Scooty Nickerson can be reached at scooty.nickerson@globe.com.