Thread: Oakland Is Second U.S. City To Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms

Jun 5, 2019, 10:02am

Oakland Is Second U.S. City To Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms

Lisette Voytko Forbes Staff


Fresh-picked magic mushrooms.
2007 AFP

Topline: Oakland’s City Council unanimously approved a ballot measure on Tuesday effectively decriminalizing the possession or use of psilocybin, popularly known as magic mushrooms, in the process becoming the first city in California and the second in the country to legalize the substance.

• Denver became the first city to legalize the substance on May 21.
• Oakland’s measure decriminalized psychedelic plants and fungi, which includes ayahuasca and peyote.
• Psychedelics are becoming a more accepted form of treatment for a variety of mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as drug addiction.

What about state and federal laws?
Magic mushrooms would still be considered illegal under both sets of laws. Federally, psychedelics are classified as Schedule 1 drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse and no medical value.

Can anyone in Oakland now use magic mushrooms?
The resolution states that the investigation and prosecution of individuals possessing the drug would be of lowest priority for police. City councillors recommended people seek medical attention before attempting to self-treat with psychedelics.

Michael Pollan’s not a fan.
The popular science author of Omnivore’s Dilemma and How To Change Your Mind (which championed the value of psychedelic drugs) argued against making the drugs legal in the New York Times last month after Denver’s measure passed. “We still have a lot to learn about the immense power and potential risk of these molecules, not to mention the consequences of unrestricted use,” wrote Pollan. Though he has used and grown the fungi himself, he says there has been limited scientific research on magic mushrooms.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisette.../#839496265c2f

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