Emma Wilson
On November 3, 2021, Detroit voters approved Proposal E, making it the latest city to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi, including psychedelic or magic mushrooms. This means that the possession and use of these substances will be the city's lowest law enforcement priority, and criminal charges will not be pressed against those found in possession. However, commercialization of these plants and fungi is not authorized, and they are still prohibited by state and federal law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of decriminalization | November 2021 |
| Percentage of voters in support | 61.08% |
| Percentage of voters in opposition | 39% |
| Proposal | Proposal E |
| Type of plants decriminalized | Entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms, ibogaine, ayahuasca, peyote, and mescaline |
| Law enforcement priority | Lowest |
| Arrests for use and possession | Not prioritized |
| Commercialization | Not authorized |
| Criminal charges | Not pressed |
| Offense category | Not arrestable or jailable |
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What You'll Learn
What are entheogenic plants?
As of my last update on January 01, 2023, I can confirm that Detroit has joined a growing number of cities in the United States that have decriminalized the possession of entheogenic substances, including psychedelic mushrooms. This move is part of a broader shift in perception and understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of certain controlled substances.
Now, onto your question:
Entheogenic plants, sometimes referred to as psychedelic plants, have a long and complex history of use by indigenous and ancient cultures worldwide for spiritual, religious, and medicinal purposes. The term "entheogen" is derived from the Greek words "entheos," meaning "the god within," and "genesthai," meaning "to cause to be." This name reflects the belief that these plants can facilitate a connection with the divine and induce profound spiritual experiences.
Entheogenic plants contain psychoactive compounds that can alter perception, mood, and thought patterns when ingested. They are known for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations and deep introspection. These experiences are often referred to as "trips" and can vary widely depending on the plant, dosage, setting, and individual physiology.
Some common examples of entheogenic plants include:
- Psilocybin mushrooms: Often referred to simply as "magic mushrooms," they contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Ingesting these mushrooms often leads to an altered sense of time and space, intensified emotions and sensory experiences, and heightened introspection.
- Ayahuasca: This is a brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub, which contains the psychoactive compound DMT (dimethyltryptamine). Ayahuasca is traditionally used in religious ceremonies in South America and is known for its intense and often life-changing spiritual experiences.
- Iboga: The root bark of the iboga shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, is used in West African spiritual traditions. It contains the alkaloid ibogaine, which can produce hallucinations and is also used in the treatment of substance use disorders due to its ability to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to note that while these plants have a long history of traditional use and are being explored for their therapeutic potential, they can also induce challenging and uncomfortable experiences. It is always advisable to approach these substances with caution, respect, and a thorough understanding of their effects and potential risks.
The decriminalization movements, such as the one in Detroit, reflect a growing recognition of the potential benefits of entheogenic plants when used responsibly and within a controlled framework. This shift in perception opens the door for further research and exploration of the therapeutic applications of these substances in a modern context.
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How did the decriminalization come about?
The decriminalization of mushrooms in Detroit came about as a result of a grassroots movement that began in 2019. Denver, Colorado, became the first city to decriminalize psilocybin in May 2019, with Oakland and Santa Cruz, California, following suit in June 2019 and January 2020, respectively. This movement was inspired by the rapid legalization of cannabis in the United States.
In October 2020, Ann Arbor, Michigan, became the fourth city in the U.S. and the first in Michigan to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. This was followed by Grand Rapids, Michigan, which voted to "show support" for decriminalization but had not passed any proposals as of October 2020.
On November 3, 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize and legalize the supervised use of psilocybin. This further fueled the movement for decriminalization across the country.
On November 3, 2021, Detroit voters approved Proposal E, making it the latest city to "decriminalize nature". Over 61% of voters supported the measure, with the city's incumbent mayor among them. This proposal amended the city code to "decriminalize to the fullest extent permitted under Michigan law the personal possession and therapeutic use of Entheogenic Plants by adults".
The decriminalization of mushrooms in Detroit means that the possession and use of these substances will be the lowest law enforcement priority, and criminal charges will not be pressed against those found in possession. However, it is important to note that commercialization of these plants and fungi is not authorized, and growing and selling them commercially remains illegal.
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What does decriminalization mean in this context?
In the context of mushrooms being decriminalized in Detroit, the term "decriminalization" refers to the act of removing criminal penalties and law enforcement priorities for the possession and personal use of psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "entheogenic plants." This means that while the substance is still illegal under federal and state law, the local police department in Detroit will not prioritize arrests or prosecutions for those found in possession of or using mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.
Decriminalization in this context does not mean that it is legal to purchase, sell, or distribute mushrooms in Detroit. Instead, it focuses on reducing the legal consequences for individuals who possess or use the substance for personal reasons.
The movement to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms in the United States has been gaining momentum, with Detroit becoming one of the latest cities to join this trend in 2021. Proponents of decriminalization argue that it is a step towards ending the "war on drugs," which has disproportionately targeted people of color and vulnerable communities. Additionally, there is a growing body of research suggesting that psilocybin mushrooms can have therapeutic benefits in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
It is important to note that decriminalization does not equate to legalization. While decriminalization reduces the penalties and enforcement of laws related to mushroom possession and use, legalization would involve a complete removal of these prohibitions, allowing for regulated and legal access to the substance.
In summary, the decriminalization of mushrooms in Detroit represents a shift in law enforcement priorities, reducing the likelihood of arrest and prosecution for individuals possessing or using psilocybin mushrooms for personal therapeutic purposes.
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What are the arguments for decriminalization?
On November 3, 2021, Detroit voters approved Proposal E, making the city the latest to "decriminalize nature", as supporters call it. This means that while the use and possession of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms, ibogaine, ayahuasca, peyote, and mescaline, are still illegal under state and federal law, their use and possession are now the city's lowest law enforcement priority. Criminal charges will not be pressed against those found in possession of the drug, and it is no longer an arrestable or jailable offense.
The arguments for decriminalization are primarily based on the potential therapeutic benefits of entheogenic plants and fungi, as well as the negative impacts of the war on drugs.
Therapeutic Benefits
Proponents of decriminalization argue that entheogenic plants and fungi have a variety of therapeutic benefits. A Johns Hopkins research team found that psychedelic treatment with psilocybin can relieve major depression. A growing body of research also suggests that these substances can help relieve post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and other conditions. Myc Williams, co-director of Decriminalize Nature Michigan, stated that "except for a few specific contraindications, psychedelic plant drugs are extraordinarily safe and non-addictive."
Negative Impacts of the War on Drugs
Advocates for decriminalization also argue that the war on drugs has disproportionately targeted and harmed communities of color and other vulnerable communities. Michigan State Sen. Adam Hollier of Detroit stated that "the war on drugs was a war on Black and brown communities, and it's good to see Black communities pushing back." Eugene Katz, a Detroit resident who voted in favor of the proposal, said that "the war on drugs continues to destroy the lives of so many and has specifically targeted people of color and other vulnerable communities. But the people are changing that with ballot measures like this."
No Significant Public Health or Safety Risk
In addition, a panel that assessed the use of mushrooms in Denver, the first city to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi in 2019, unanimously agreed that decriminalizing psilocybin mushrooms has not presented any significant public health or safety risk in the city.
While there are arguments for the potential benefits of decriminalization, it is important to note that the use of these substances is still illegal under state and federal law, and there are concerns about the potential risks associated with their use. Critics have shared fears about fewer penalties leading to more drug use and potentially more crime. Researchers have also emphasized the need for more research before widespread legalization or commercial selling.
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What are the arguments against decriminalization?
On November 3, 2021, Detroit voters approved Proposal E, making it the latest city to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. Decriminalization means that the use and possession of entheogenic plants will be the city's lowest law-enforcement priority, and criminal charges will not be pressed against those found in possession of the drug.
While the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms has gained momentum, there are several arguments against it. Here are some key points:
Premature Legalization: Critics argue that the push for decriminalization is premature as researchers have not completed extensive studies on the effects of psilocybin. American author Michael Pollan, writing for The New York Times, expressed concern about the accelerating movement, stating that "it would be a shame if the public is pushed to make premature decisions about psychedelics before the researchers have completed their work." He acknowledged the potential benefits of psilocybin in treating depression and anxiety but cited a survey where nearly eight percent of people needed psychiatric treatment after a bad trip.
Potential Health Risks: While psilocybin is considered to have low toxicity and a low risk of physical harm, there are still potential health risks associated with its use. Taking too much psilocybin may not be lethal, but it can lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the long-term effects of psilocybin use, and some argue that more time is needed to understand the full scope of its impact on individuals and communities.
Regulatory and Legal Challenges: Decriminalization creates regulatory and legal challenges, especially regarding the sale and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. While decriminalization allows for personal use and possession, the sale of psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in most places. This creates a grey area where individuals may turn to unregulated sources or illegal markets to obtain the product, potentially leading to unsafe practices and exploitation.
Limited Access and Paywalls: There are concerns about who will have access to psilocybin mushrooms and how they will be made available to the public. Zave Forster of Decriminalize Nature—Portland expressed worries about "an elite group of beneficiaries putting a free medicine that grows naturally out of the ground behind a paywall." The decriminalization of psilocybin may not automatically translate to equal access, and there is a risk that only certain privileged groups will benefit from its availability.
Resource Allocation and Law Enforcement Challenges: Opponents of decriminalization argue that it could strain law enforcement resources and create challenges in redirecting law enforcement efforts. While advocates claim that decriminalization would allow law enforcement to focus on more critical issues, critics worry about the practical implications of implementing such changes and the potential impact on other areas of policing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in 2021, Detroit became the latest city to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi, also known as "magic mushrooms" and psychedelics.
Decriminalization means that law enforcement will not prioritize arrests for the use and possession of entheogenic plants and fungi. It is no longer an arrestable or jailable offense.
Entheogenic plants and fungi include psilocybin mushrooms, ibogaine from Africa, ayahuasca from South America, and peyote and mescaline from certain cacti.
A growing body of research suggests that entheogenic plants and fungi can help relieve post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and withdrawal symptoms, major depression, and anxiety, among other conditions. Decriminalization allows for further research and access to these substances for therapeutic purposes.
Critics have expressed fears that decriminalization could lead to increased drug use and potentially more crime. There are also concerns about the potential risks associated with the use of these substances, especially without proper supervision. Experts advise against individuals experimenting with mushrooms on their own.
