The Olympia, Washington City Council has unanimously approved a resolution to decriminalize psychedelics including psilocybin mushrooms.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
This action makes Olympia the latest jurisdiction in the state to move toward decriminalization, joining Seattle, Port Townsend, and Jefferson County.
The resolution passed by the City Council designates the enforcement of laws against entheogen-related activities as a low priority for local law enforcement. It also advocates for the “full decriminalization of these activities” at both the state and federal levels.
Additionally, the resolution specifies that city resources should not be allocated for the investigation, arrest, or prosecution of individuals involved in the use or possession of entheogenic plants and fungi.
Although the resolution does not enumerate all the psychedelic substances it covers, it includes examples like psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca tea, mescaline, and iboga.
“[N]o City funds or resources should be used for investigation, prosecution, or arrest of individuals possessing or using entheogenic plants or fungi”, states the resolution.
The group Decriminalize Nature Olympia, which has been actively campaigning for this change since last year, supports the new measure.
Olympia’s Police Chief, Rich Allen, has expressed support for the resolution in a memo, emphasizing that while it limits enforcement, it still allows the police to address public safety concerns, such as driving under the influence of psychedelics or possessing them on school property.
For more details, you can view the resolution by clicking here.
