Laura Smith
While the use of psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, is illegal under federal law, several cities in Michigan have passed measures to decriminalize their use. In 2021, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Hazel Park decriminalized the use of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms. Ferndale became the fourth Michigan city to pass such a measure in 2023. While these measures do not legalize the use of psychedelics, they make it a low law enforcement priority to investigate and arrest individuals for possession or use. Statewide decriminalization efforts are also underway, with a ballot measure proposed for 2024 to decriminalize the cultivation, possession, and use of psilocybin mushrooms and other natural plants and fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities in Michigan that have decriminalized magic mushrooms | Ann Arbor, Detroit, Hazel Park, and Ferndale |
| Michigan cities that have not decriminalized magic mushrooms | Grand Rapids |
| Michigan statewide status of magic mushrooms | Illegal |
| Michigan statewide ballot initiative status | Scheduled for 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are decriminalized in four Michigan cities
- Psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal under federal law
- Decriminalization reduces the risk of legal consequences for users
- Cities with decriminalization laws won't prioritize arrests for possession or use
- Mushrooms are being studied for therapeutic benefits to treat ailments
Magic mushrooms are decriminalized in four Michigan cities
Magic mushrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms, are decriminalized in four Michigan cities: Ann Arbor, Detroit, Hazel Park, and Ferndale. In September 2020, the Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to decriminalize several illicit psychedelic substances, including ayahuasca, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, and ibogaine. This decision was influenced by a grassroots movement advocating for the use of psychedelics to address various physical, emotional, and mental health conditions.
Detroit also decriminalized magic mushrooms in November 2021, with over 61% of voters supporting the measure. This move was part of a growing trend across states and cities to decriminalize or legalize the use of marijuana, cannabis, and entheogenic plants or fungi. While state and federal laws still prohibit the personal possession and therapeutic use of entheogenic substances, decriminalization within city limits means local police departments are less likely to prioritize arrests for these offenses unless linked to another crime.
Hazel Park became the third city in Michigan to decriminalize psychedelic plants and psilocybin mushrooms in March 2022. Local leaders in Ferndale, Michigan, passed a similar resolution in March 2023, making it the fourth city in the state to do so. While these measures do not legalize magic mushrooms, they significantly reduce the priority of law enforcement investigations and arrests related to their possession and use.
These local efforts are part of a broader push for statewide decriminalization in Michigan, with advocates collecting signatures for a ballot measure that would decriminalize psychedelic substances across the state. Myc Williams, co-director of Decriminalize Nature Michigan, is actively campaigning for this change as part of the Michigan Initiative for Community Healing. The initiative seeks to reduce the maximum penalty for non-prescription drugs and address the harmful impact of the war on drugs, particularly on Black and Brown communities.
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Psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal under federal law
While some cities in Michigan have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", they are still illegal under federal law. Psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This means that it has a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical value. However, there is a growing body of research that suggests psilocybin mushrooms can help relieve post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, withdrawal symptoms, major depression, and anxiety, among other conditions.
In recent years, there has been a push to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms in Michigan. In 2021, the cities of Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Hazel Park decriminalized the possession and use of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms. Ferndale became the fourth Michigan city to pass such a measure in 2023. These local measures do not legalize psilocybin mushrooms but instead make their enforcement a low priority for law enforcement. This means that it is highly unlikely that someone will be arrested for using psilocybin mushrooms in these cities, unless it is linked to another crime.
Despite the growing support for decriminalization, psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal under federal law. However, there have been some developments at the federal level that indicate a potential shift in policy. In 2023, substances such as psilocybin and MDMA were granted breakthrough status as promising medical treatments for mental health. Additionally, there has been increased political pressure on the DEA to allow terminally ill patients to use psilocybin as an investigational treatment without the fear of federal prosecution under the Right to Try Act.
While the future of psilocybin mushroom decriminalization in Michigan remains uncertain, there is a growing movement of activists, researchers, and lawmakers who support the idea. It is possible that we will see further developments at the state or federal level in the coming years. However, until there is a change in federal law, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal in the United States.
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Decriminalization reduces the risk of legal consequences for users
Decriminalization of psychedelics in Michigan has gained momentum in recent years, with several cities taking steps to reduce the legal consequences for users. In 2021, Detroit joined the growing list of cities and states that have decriminalized entheogenic plants and fungi, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" and psychedelics. This move was supported by Michigan State Senator Adam Hollier, who acknowledged the negative impact of the war on drugs on Black and Brown communities.
Ann Arbor, another Michigan city, also voted unanimously in September 2020 to decriminalize several illicit psychedelic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms. This decision was influenced by a grassroots movement advocating for the use of psychedelics to address various physical, emotional, and mental health conditions. Similarly, Hazel Park, the third Michigan city to decriminalize psychedelic plants and psilocybin mushrooms, has advocates collecting signatures for a ballot measure to decriminalize psychedelics statewide.
The push for decriminalization in these cities reflects a broader trend across the United States, with fourteen cities nationwide passing similar legislation. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize entheogenic drugs for medicinal purposes, and other states like Washington, Colorado, and California are making strides toward decriminalization. While the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin remain illegal under federal law, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could soon grant approval for psilocybin, following MDMA, which may be approved in 2023.
The decriminalization efforts in Michigan are driven by organizations like Decriminalize Nature Michigan, which seeks to reduce the maximum penalty for non-prescribed drugs and advocates for the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic plants and fungi. Supporters of decriminalization argue that it reduces the risk of legal repercussions for users and allows for exploration of alternative treatments for mental health conditions. While critics express concerns about potential increases in drug use and crime, the focus of decriminalization supporters is on the positive impact on public health and the reduction of negative consequences for marginalized communities.
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Cities with decriminalization laws won't prioritize arrests for possession or use
As of November 2021, four cities in Michigan have decriminalized the use of psychedelics, including magic mushrooms. These cities are Ann Arbor, Detroit, Hazel Park, and Ferndale. In Ann Arbor, the City Council voted unanimously to decriminalize several illicit psychedelic substances, including ayahuasca, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, and ibogaine. Similarly, in Detroit, voters passed Proposal E to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi, with 61% of voters supporting the measure.
In Hazel Park, the city manager, Ed Klobuchar, stated that it is highly unlikely that someone will get arrested for using entheogens in the city. He added that law enforcement in the city will not prioritize arrests for possession or use of these substances, but will continue to enforce the law for distribution to minors, driving under the influence, or causing public disturbances. Ferndale is the latest city to join this list, passing a resolution in March 2023 that advocates say decriminalizes psychedelic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and DMT.
While these cities have decriminalized psychedelics, it is important to note that commercialization of these substances is not permitted. Additionally, the decriminalization does not apply to schools or minors. The cities will also continue to enforce bans on commercial sales, driving under the influence, and public disturbances.
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Mushrooms are being studied for therapeutic benefits to treat ailments
As of 2021, three Michigan cities and one county have decriminalized magic mushrooms and entheogenic plants. These cities include Hazel Park, Ann Arbor, and Detroit. A statewide petition to decriminalize psychedelic substances is also in the works. While it remains illegal under federal law, there is a possibility that the Food and Drug Administration could approve psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, in the near future.
Therapeutic Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms have been studied for their therapeutic benefits and potential to treat various ailments. Here are some key points highlighting the therapeutic benefits of mushrooms:
- Cancer Treatment and Prevention: Ganoderma lucidum or reishi is a medicinal mushroom used in Asian regions with a long history of traditional use. Studies have found that it exhibits therapeutic properties in tumour cell lines and animal models, making it a potential candidate for cancer prevention and treatment.
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has been studied for its potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders. Research suggests that it may be effective in reducing anxiety and depression, especially in people with cancer.
- Mental Health: Psilocybin has shown promise in treating mental health issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. It is also being investigated for its potential to improve well-being and quality of life.
- Immunomodulation: Medicinal mushrooms have been found to possess immunomodulating properties. For example, lentinan, a compound derived from mushrooms, has shown promising results in enhancing immune functions and reducing adverse effects in cancer treatment.
- Cardiovascular Health: Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium and can help reduce cholesterol levels, especially shiitake mushrooms. They contain compounds that inhibit cholesterol production, block its absorption, and lower overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Vitamin D Source: Mushrooms are the only produce that can provide vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and boosting immune function. Exposing certain mushrooms like white button, portabella, and cremini to UV light or sunlight can significantly increase their vitamin D content.
- Nutritional Value: Mushrooms contain essential macronutrients and vitamins, including vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. They are also a good source of selenium, which aids in the production of antioxidant enzymes that prevent cell damage.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, four cities in Michigan—Ann Arbor, Detroit, Hazel Park, and Ferndale—have decriminalized magic mushrooms. However, it is still illegal under federal law.
Decriminalization in this context means that law enforcement will not prioritize arrests for the possession or use of magic mushrooms, unless linked to another crime. Commercialization remains illegal.
Advocates for decriminalization argue that magic mushrooms can be used to treat various physical, emotional, and mental health conditions. They also argue that decriminalization will reduce the risk of legal consequences for those using mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.
Magic mushrooms are considered a Schedule I substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and can cause psychotropic effects. While they have shown efficacy in treating opioid and cocaine addiction, they should be used with caution and an understanding of the associated risks.
Several cities across the U.S. have decriminalized or deprioritized enforcement of laws against magic mushrooms, including Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, and cities in Massachusetts. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin mushrooms for supervised non-medical use.
