Just under a year since the city decriminalized psychedelic possession, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously voted to make September a psychedelic awareness month. Specifically, they’re calling September the Entheogenic Plants and Fungi Awareness Month, council members are excited about changes toward psychedelics. They continue to lead the way regarding attitudes towards psychedelic possession. Plus, the city council notes the medical potential these naturally occurring plants could have for different mental health disorders.
Psychedelic Research
The resolution passed by the Ann Arbor City Council notes several research advances for psychedelics.
“The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Psilocybin for use in major depressive disorders,” the resolution states. The resolution further describes how various psychedelic substances can treat depression, anxiety, headaches, and substance dependence.
In particular, decriminalize Nature, a psychedelic advocate group, helped sponsor the resolution to make September a psychedelic awareness month. Notably, the co-director of Decriminalize Nature Michigan, Julie Banon, spoke about the organization’s interest in the Ann Arbor resolution.
“September is gearing up to be a wonderful month here in Ann Arbor and throughout the whole state of Michigan,” she said. Additionally, it’s “likely that Decriminalize Nature Grand Rapids will introduce their [psychedelics decriminalization] resolution to it’s city commissioners in September.” Current public support shows promise.
Future
In this case attitudes continue to change regarding psychedelics and the potential benefits they may have. Ann Arbor is taking a positive first step forward. For example, council member Jeff Hayner sponsored the psychedelic awareness month resolution as well as the decriminalization measure last September 2020. He spoke shortly after the decriminalization measure unanimously passed the city council.
“Decriminalization of naturally occurring medicines is necessary for progress,” Council member Hayner said. “We can no longer turn a blind eye towards the wisdom of indigenous peoples, and the bounty the earth provides.” Hayner remarked how he has been moved by the testimonies he has heard from “those who have found profound relief from the use of entheogenic plants.”
Positive change continues across the country. Currently eight cities, one Michigan county, and the entire state of Oregon have decriminalized psychedelic possession. With the 2022 general election coming up, there is a chance psychedelic possession measures may show up on the ballot. However, it’s up to activists to make it happen.
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