What is the resolution and what does it mean for the future of entheogenic plants and fungi?
On November 2, 2021, the Hazel Park City Council unanimously approved a resolution to decriminalize the personal possession and therapeutic use of entheogenic plants and fungi within the city limits. The resolution was sponsored by Councilmember Luke Londo, who said he personally used psilocybin mushrooms to treat depression and anxiety.
The resolution states that “the Mayor and City Council hereby declare that it shall be the policy of the City of Hazel Park that the investigation and arrest of persons for planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, engaging in practices with, or possessing Entheogenic Plants or plant compounds which are on the Federal Schedule 1 list shall be the lowest law enforcement priority.” It also states that “city funds or resources shall not be used in any investigation, detention, arrest, or prosecution arising out of alleged violations of state and federal law regarding the use of Entheogenic Plants.”
Entheogenic plants are legitimate therapeutic and sacred substances that are proven to improve a person’s well-being, help overcome addiction, and bring you closer to whatever it is you choose to worship. We need to do more than destigmatize – we need to normalize entheogenics.
The resolution is part of a growing movement across the country to decriminalize or legalize psychedelics for medical or personal use. As of November 2021, five cities in Michigan have enacted similar resolutions: Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Hazel Park. In addition, several states have introduced bills or initiatives to reform their drug policies regarding psychedelics.
What are the benefits and challenges of decriminalizing psychedelics?
Supporters of decriminalizing psychedelics argue that these substances have therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life distress. They cite scientific studies that show positive effects of psilocybin mushrooms on mood, cognition, creativity, empathy, and spiritual experiences. They also claim that psychedelics can help people heal from trauma and reconnect with themselves and nature.
However, decriminalizing psychedelics also faces some challenges from opponents who fear that these substances can lead to more drug use and abuse. They point out that there is still a lack of research on the long-term safety and efficacy of psychedelic therapy. They also worry about possible adverse reactions such as panic attacks, psychosis, or interactions with other medications. They argue that legalizing psychedelics would increase their availability and accessibility to people who may not need them or who may not benefit from them.
What are the next steps for Michigan’s psychedelic movement?
Michigan’s psychedelic movement is still in its early stages compared to other states like Oregon or Colorado, where voters have approved ballot measures to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic purposes. However, there is growing momentum among activists, researchers, advocates, artists, healers, musicians, martial artists, politicians, community leaders who share a vision for a more compassionate and holistic society.
One of their goals is to create a statewide ballot initiative that would legalize psilocybin mushrooms for medical use only. They believe that this would allow them to conduct more rigorous research on the benefits and risks of these substances while ensuring public safety standards. Another goal is to educate people about entheogenic plants and fungi through events like EntheoFest, which was held in Ann Arbor in September 2021.
They also hope to influence policy makers at the local level by passing resolutions like Hazel Park’s. They see this as a way to challenge the status quo of prohibitionism and stigma around psychedelics. They want people to recognize these substances as natural gifts from nature that can enhance human well-being.
