Denver votes for the decriminalization of the possession of magic mushrooms

Denver voters have endorsed a popular voting initiative to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as psychedelic mushrooms.

What appeared to be an unsuccessful effort in the evening of Tuesday's referendum made an unexpected comeback the following afternoon, when Denver election officials released the final tally. It follows that a slight majority of 50.56% voted in favor of the 301 order.

This action does not legalize psilocybin mushrooms, but prevents the city from criminally prosecuting or arresting adults 21 years of age and older who own them. In the voting language, adults can even grow the mushroom for their personal use and be considered a low priority for the Denver police. The changes could come into effect as early as next year.

What happened in Denver may well be the beginning of a much larger movement, seeking secure access to psilocybin for its alleged medicinal value. Proponents point to the research, suggesting that psilocybin is not addictive and causes fewer ED visits compared to other illicit drugs. Current medical research shows that it could be a revolutionary drug for refractory depression and to help reduce nicotine addiction.

In Iowa, a Republican lawmaker recently proposed two bills to remove the drug from the state's list of controlled substances. And in Oregon and California campaigns are trying to get similar issues on the ballot for the 2020 election.

Kevin Matthews, director of the Denver campaign, has often recounted his personal experience of using mushrooms to treat what he described as disabling depression. He told NPR that the results of the Denver vote proves that the perception that society has of psychedelics has changed.

"Our victory today makes it clear to the rest of the country that Americans are ready for a conversation around psilocybin," he said.

Officials at the DEA Denver office said they would pursue their lawsuits against the cases of possession and trafficking of psilocybin. Under federal law, there remains a Schedule 1 drug considered as "having no accepted medical use and having a high potential for abuse".