Oakland, California, legalizes magic mushrooms and peyote

The vote makes Oakland the second American city to legalize natural hallucinogens after their decriminalization by Denver on May 8.

The municipal council vote ordered law enforcement officials to stop investigating people who had used or possessed drugs from plants, cactuses and – most often – mushrooms containing hallucinogenic psilocybin. .

Denver's historic move last month was the result of a narrowly won popular vote. The Oakland Public Safety Commission presented the resolution to the city council last week.

The lawyers argued that natural drugs, such as mushrooms and cacti, have been used by various cultures for hundreds of years, ranging from spiritual quests to the fight against psychiatric imbalances such as post-stress disorder. -traumatic. They say the legalization of mushrooms would allow law enforcement to tackle the highest priority issues.

Oakland Councilor Loren Taylor added a number of amendments to the user orientation resolution that were accepted by the board.

They suggested that adults who choose to use hallucinogenic mushrooms should start with very small amounts so that they can see how they react before using larger quantities. Another solution was that users seek expert advice and consider using a trusted friend who is sober during their trip.

Before the vote, more than 30 people lined up to present their testimony on the resolution.

Most were supporters, claiming that these herbal medicines, as they called them, were helpful for trauma, depression, addiction, and anxiety. Many have described years of addiction and pain before starting to use these hallucinogens and find relief.

Susana Eager Valadez, director of the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts, was among the speakers. He supports members of the Wixárika tribe in Mexico, who use peyote in their religious and cultural ceremonies. She pointed out that indigenous cultures use hallucinogenic plants ritually, not spontaneously, and are guided by shamans and elders, she said. Americans can learn from their example to create their own rituals.

"These are the plants that will bring us back to mental health. We must listen to their message and live with nature and restore the natural order, "she said.

Not everyone who testified was in favor of decriminalization.

Michael Clarendon, a physician residing in Oakland, said he had reviewed the medical literature and did not believe it corroborated the widespread use of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

"Indigenous people use mushrooms in controlled rituals, not recreationally," he said. "The most responsible solution for the city council would be to put that on hold to see what's going on in Denver and what's the answer," he said.

Supporters hope that the decision will open a national discussion on decriminalizing herbal medicines by showing "if your city council is progressive, things can change quickly," said Carlos Plazola, director of Decriminalize Nature Oakland, 39. one of the leading organizations that support the initiative. .

The resolution was introduced by Oakland City Council member Noel Gallo.

"We have a lot of mental problems on our streets today, and it's important to be able to freely provide all the medical support possible, including the use of beneficial herbs for thousands of years, "Gallo said.

Efforts are also underway in Oregon to subject the decriminalization of mushrooms to the state's ballot by 2020.

In Iowa, Republican state representative Jeff Shipley pushes a bill on mushrooms to the state legislature.

Read or share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/06/05/oakland-california-legalizes-magic-mushrooms-and-peyote/1347888001/