Sarah Brown
In May 2019, Denver became the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin or magic mushrooms, which are known for their psychedelic effects. The move was the result of a grassroots campaign led by Decriminalize Denver and came after studies from leading medical institutions indicating the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression. While the initiative didn't legalize mushrooms, it directed law enforcement to make the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms by adults over 21 their lowest priority and prohibited the city from using resources to pursue related criminal penalties. However, in 2025, Denver repealed this landmark law after Colorado decriminalized psilocybin statewide, creating a regulated therapeutic industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First US city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms | Denver |
| Date of decriminalization | May 2019 |
| Vote percentage | 50.6% or 51% |
| Voter turnout | 9,500 |
| Age limit | 21 and above |
| Law enforcement priority | Lowest |
| Endorsements | Denver Green Party, Libertarian Party of Colorado |
| Opposition | Jeff Hunt, Vice President of Public Policy for Colorado Christian University |
| Concerns | Addiction, long-term effects, and dosing |
| Impact | Reduced arrests, ease of access, and increased usage |
| Status | Repealed in March 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
- Denver is the first US city to decriminalize magic mushrooms
- The initiative doesn't legalize mushrooms, but stops the city from prosecuting people for their use or possession
- Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for healing and spiritual insight
- The decriminalization of mushrooms is part of a shift away from the 'war on drugs'
- Concerns about decriminalization include the lack of understanding of the drug's addictive properties and long-term effects
Denver is the first US city to decriminalize magic mushrooms
Denver has become the first US city to decriminalize magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, following a ballot initiative that narrowly won with 50.6% of the vote. The initiative, known as Ordinance 301, does not legalize the mushrooms but instead prohibits the city from spending resources to prosecute people for their use, possession, or distribution. This means that law enforcement will treat the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms as the lowest priority, and people will not be criminally penalized for their use or possession.
The initiative applies only to adults over the age of 21 and does not decriminalize the sale of psilocybin mushrooms. While the initiative does not make it legal to possess paraphernalia for mushroom use, manufacture, or sell them, it represents a significant shift in drug policy and a move away from the "war on drugs". Denver has a history of pioneering drug policy reform, having voted to decriminalize the possession of marijuana in 2012, before Colorado legalized it for recreational use later that year.
The push for decriminalization in Denver was led by grassroots efforts, such as the Decriminalize Denver campaign, which collected nearly 9,500 signatures to get the initiative on the ballot. Kevin Matthews, the campaign director, credited mushrooms with "saving his life" after suffering from major depression and receiving a medical discharge from the United States Military Academy. Matthews and other advocates cited the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, including its ability to alleviate treatment-resistant depression without the danger of physical dependency or lethal overdose.
The decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Denver has sparked similar efforts across the country, with cities like Oakland, California, and states like Oregon and Colorado following suit. However, concerns have been raised about the potential addictive properties of mushrooms and the lack of understanding of their long-term effects. Nonetheless, Denver's initiative has opened the door for further discussion and reform of drug policies in the United States.
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The initiative doesn't legalize mushrooms, but stops the city from prosecuting people for their use or possession
In May 2019, Denver became the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. The initiative, known as Ordinance 301, does not legalize mushrooms but prohibits the city from using resources to prosecute people for their use or possession. This means that the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms among people 21 and older are the lowest possible law enforcement priority in Denver.
The initiative was organized by Decriminalize Denver, a grassroots campaign group directed by Kevin Matthews. Matthews credits mushrooms with "saving his life" after he developed major depression at the United States Military Academy and received a medical discharge. Matthews told CNN that "humans have used these mushrooms for thousands of years for healing, rites of passage, spiritual insight, strengthening community, and raising consciousness".
The initiative received endorsements from the Denver Green Party and the Libertarian Party of Colorado. However, it was opposed by some, including Jeff Hunt, vice president of public policy for Colorado Christian University, who warned that Denver was becoming the "illicit drug capital of the world".
In March 2025, the Denver City Council repealed the decriminalization law after voters across Colorado approved a statewide decriminalization measure, creating a legal therapeutic industry through Proposition 122.
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Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for healing and spiritual insight
In 2019, Denver became the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. The initiative, known as Initiative 301, makes the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms among people 21 and older the lowest possible law enforcement priority. It is important to note that the initiative does not legalize magic mushrooms, and they remain illegal under state and federal law.
Psilocybin mushrooms have indeed been used for thousands of years for healing and spiritual insight. Archaeological evidence suggests that indigenous peoples in Central America used these mushrooms in religious and healing rituals as far back as 3000 B.C. or even earlier. In Mesoamerica, the mushrooms were consumed in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies before Spanish chroniclers first documented their use in the 16th century.
Across diverse cultures in the Americas, Africa, and Europe, psilocybin mushrooms have played an integral role in spiritual ceremonies and shamanistic practices. In the Americas, ancient civilizations such as the Aztec and Maya revered psilocybin mushrooms, often referring to them as "teonanácatl" or "flesh of the gods." These mushrooms were considered sacred and were used to communicate with the divine, connect with ancestors, and transcend the ordinary.
In Africa, certain tribes incorporated psychoactive mushrooms into their healing rituals and spiritual traditions, believing that these experiences could foster unity and connection with spirits. Similarly, European cultures, including ancient Celtic and Norse societies, likely included psychoactive substances in their rituals. Shamans and druids were known to use mushrooms to gain spiritual insights and connect with otherworldly realms.
Today, people continue to use psilocybin mushrooms for spiritual and healing purposes. Some take small amounts regularly, a practice known as microdosing, to improve their mental state and productivity. Researchers are also studying the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
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The decriminalization of mushrooms is part of a shift away from the 'war on drugs'
In May 2019, Denver became the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. The move is part of a broader shift away from the war on drugs, as public opinion and policy continue to evolve on psychedelic substances. While the drug remains illegal under federal and state law, Denver's decision reflects a recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and a shift towards harm reduction and decriminalization.
The decriminalization initiative, known as Initiative 301, made the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms among adults 21 and older the lowest law enforcement priority. It also prohibited the city from using resources to pursue criminal penalties for possession or use. This initiative was driven by grassroots efforts, such as Decriminalize Denver, which highlighted the potential of psilocybin in treating mental health issues and advocated for a more nuanced approach to drug policy.
The push for decriminalization in Denver was influenced by several factors. Firstly, there was a growing body of research suggesting the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression and nicotine dependence. Studies from Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and other leading institutions contributed to this understanding. Additionally, advocates cited the non-addictive nature of psilocybin and the low number of emergency visits associated with its use compared to other illegal drugs.
The initiative also addressed concerns about the criminal justice system and law enforcement resources. By decriminalizing psilocybin, advocates aimed to redirect law enforcement's attention and limited resources from policing private psychedelic usage to more pressing issues affecting the general public, such as violent crimes. This shift in priorities is a significant departure from the war on drugs mentality, which often involved stringent and punitive drug policies.
The decriminalization of psilocybin in Denver has had broader implications. It set a precedent for other cities and states to follow suit, with Oakland, California, and several other localities decriminalizing psilocybin soon after. Additionally, it sparked conversations about drug policy reform and encouraged a more open dialogue around psychedelic substances. However, it's important to note that concerns about the potential negative consequences of decriminalization, such as the lack of understanding of long-term effects and dosing challenges, have also been raised.
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Concerns about decriminalization include the lack of understanding of the drug's addictive properties and long-term effects
In 2019, Denver became the first US city to decriminalize psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. The initiative, known as Initiative 301, aimed to make the personal use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms among people 21 and older the lowest priority for law enforcement in Denver. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of decriminalization, including the lack of understanding of the drug's long-term effects and its potential addictive properties.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Denver was the unknown long-term health effects of the drug. Opponents of the initiative, such as Jeff Hunt, vice president of public policy for Colorado Christian University, argued that there was insufficient knowledge about the potential long-term consequences of psilocybin use. Hunt stated, "The truth is we have no idea what the long-term health effects of these drugs are going to do to the people of Colorado." This concern highlights the uncertainty and potential risks associated with the widespread use of psilocybin mushrooms over an extended period.
Another concern related to the potential addictive properties of psilocybin mushrooms. While the initiative focused on decriminalizing personal use and possession, there was a worry that decriminalization could enable drug use and increase the number of people experimenting with psilocybin. This concern is particularly relevant for younger populations, who may be more susceptible to the potential addictive nature of the drug. The availability and reduced fear of criminalization could potentially lead to a rise in substance use disorders among young people.
The impact of decriminalization on the overall drug landscape in Denver was also a point of discussion. Some people suggested that decriminalization could lead to an increase in low-level sellers and a heightened risk of overdose due to the lack of experience and knowledge among these small-scale dealers. Additionally, there was a concern that repealing the decriminalization laws could favor larger, investor-backed companies over smaller, local producers, creating a regulatory conflict and impacting the rights of small businesses.
While the initiative received support from groups like the Denver Green Party and the Libertarian Party of Colorado, it is important to acknowledge the valid concerns surrounding the lack of understanding of psilocybin mushrooms' long-term effects and their potential for addiction. As a result, ongoing research and evaluation of the impact of decriminalization are crucial to address these concerns and make informed decisions regarding the regulation of psilocybin mushrooms in Denver and other jurisdictions considering similar measures.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in May 2019, Denver became the first city in the United States to decriminalize the use of psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. The initiative passed with 50.64% voting "yes" and 49.36% voting "no".
Decriminalization does not mean that it is legal to possess, use, manufacture, or sell psilocybin mushrooms in Denver. Instead, it means that law enforcement will deprioritize the imposition of criminal penalties on people 21 or older for personal use and possession.
Advocates for decriminalization cited research indicating that psilocybin mushrooms are non-addictive, have a low risk of adverse effects, and can be beneficial in treating treatment-resistant depression and nicotine dependence. They also argued that decriminalization would allow law enforcement to focus their resources on higher-priority issues affecting the general public.
