On Sunday, October 4 th, the city council of Seattle unanimously voted to decriminalize psilocybin, the active component of magic mushrooms, as well as other plant-derived psychedelics like ayahuasca. This decriminalization applies to non-commercial use, although no decriminalization measure technically applies to commercial use, as this requires an actual legalization. The new measure in Seattle to decriminalize magic mushrooms means that arrests and prosecutions for possession and use of these compounds, has been lowered in priority for police, though the substances still technically remain illegal. Seattle became the largest independent city to decriminalize these drugs, when the vote was made. Lewis went even further, telling Bloomberg of the decision in Seattle to decriminalize magic mushrooms, “There’s a huge demonstrated potential for these substances to provide cutting-edge treatments for substance abuse, recovery from brain injuries and other issues… I want to make sure we’re following the science in our policies around regulating these substances.” Is it legally binding? This was clearly not the only reason though, as council member Andrew Lewis stated: “These nonaddictive natural substances have real potential in clinical and therapeutic settings to make a really significant difference in people’s lives… This resolution really sets the stage as the first significant action in the state of Washington to move this policy forward.” As of right now, all substances to be decriminalized by Seattle, are still Schedule I on the DEA’s Controlled Substances list.Īt least part of the reason this measure came up at all, is because magic mushrooms, and other plant-based psychedelics, are actually used for spiritual purposes. Unfortunately not, which means in actuality, Seattle didn’t decriminalize magic mushrooms. Seattle’s vote is considered a non-binding resolution, which means it was voted on and adopted, but cannot become an actual law. The resolution states: “the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of anyone engaging in entheogen-related activities should be among The City of Seattle’s lowest law enforcement priorities.” This means, it’s really not a law, but only a general recommendation, something that should be taken into account.
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It also goes on to state that “full decriminalization of these activities” is supported by the council.
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While this is all fine and good, and certainly a step in the right direction, I personally wonder if the lack of a legal resolution could end up creating issues, particularly if some law enforcement do not feel the same way. How that will actually go down remains to be seen, as there is no legal directive actually stopping law enforcement from continuing as they were.