Denver Decriminalized Magic Mushrooms

Denver became the first city in the US to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms.

Denver voters narrowly approved Initiative 301, which decriminalizes possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms by those over 21 years old. Initiative 301 makes enforcing federal laws regarding the possession of psilocybin the lowest priority for the cities cops.

Possessing and using magic mushrooms has been decriminalized within the city limits of Denver, but obtaining magic mushrooms and the distribution of them will remain illegal in the city under state law. The ordinance mentions decriminalization applies to mushrooms that are not used or displayed in public.

In a statement, it was made clear that the office of Mayor Michael Hancock will not fight the new rules, “Mayor Hancock respects the decision of the voters and the Denver Police Department will enforce the law accordingly.”

The ordinance asks the mayor’s office to create a “Psilocybin Mushroom Policy Review Panel,” by the end of the year that will assess the efficacy of the new policy.

While possessing magic mushrooms remains a crime under federal law, psilocybin has been granted “breakthrough therapy” status by the FDA.

 

 

Image adapted from: “Magic Mushrooms 2.0: Induced Synesthesia, with Spaceship Launches, and a Child-Like Mind” by Steve Jurvetson