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SAN FRANCISCO – Oakland became Tuesday the second largest US city to decriminalize magic mushrooms after many speakers testified that psychedelics helped them defeat depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The City Council voted unanimously to decriminalize the use and possession by adults of magic mushrooms and other entheogenic or psychoactive plants and mushrooms. In May, Denver voters approved a similar measure for those 21 years and older.
The overwhelming majority of stakeholders supported this initiative, describing substances such as ayahuasca and peyote as traditional herbal medicines.
The use of plants "has saved my life," said a man who has described himself as a former heroin addict. "I do not know how to describe it other than miraculously."
Some have proposed mystical descriptions of hallucinogens as a means of spiritual healing.
The vote makes the investigation and arrest of adults who cultivate, possess, use or distribute entheogenic plants one of the lowest priorities for the police. No funds from the city could be used to enforce laws criminalizing substances, and the Alameda County Attorney would stop prosecuting those apprehended for use or possession.
Council member Noel Gallo, who introduced the resolution, said the decriminalization of such facilities would allow Oakland police to focus on serious crimes.
The amendments proposed by Council member Loren Taylor added warnings that substances "are not for everyone", recommending that people with PTSD or major depression seek professional help before using them. that people "do not go solo" but are looking for friends present during use.
The order also directs the city administrator to return within one year to provide the board with an assessment of the impact of the community law.
"Entesogenic plants and mushrooms are extremely helpful in helping healing, especially for people who have been traumatized," said Carlos Plazola, chairman of the Oakland Nature Decriminalize advocacy group, ahead of the board meeting. "These plants are highly recommended by doctors and therapists.
The Oakland Police Department did not respond to emails from the Associated Press requesting comments prior to the meeting. Deputy Attorney General of Alameda County, Teresa Drenick, declined to comment.
Magic mushrooms would remain illegal under federal and state laws. The entheogenic substances are considered Schedule 1 drugs under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which classifies potentially abusive drugs with no medical value.
Skeptics had expressed concerns about unsafe use, especially in schools.
To address such concerns, Gallo said, lawmakers should establish rules and regulations on the use of such substances, including what can be used, how to use it and what the associated risks are.
The entheogenic plants have long been used in religious and cultural contexts. Gallo remembers her grandmother who treated her family members with plants, including entheogenic plants, for a variety of ailments.
"Growing up in the Mexican community, that was our cure," Gallo said. Hemp oils, mushrooms and yerba buenas – an aromatic plant known for its medicinal properties – "it was our Walgreens, we did not have Walgreens, we did not have the means to pay for drugs. plants that we have known for thousands of years in our community and that we continue to use. "
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