Activists from both Decriminalize Nature Michigan (DNMI) and the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSPD) submitted a ballot measure for psychedelic legalization. This would make psychedelics legal to possess, cultivate, and share with other adults 18 and over. Additionally, the measure would set up a system for therapeutic and spiritual use.
“We are excited to have filed language with the state of Michigan, we look forward to approval by the State Board of Canvassers and hitting the ground with petitions,” said Myc Williams. He is the co-director of Decriminalize Nature Michigan who sits on the SSDP Board of Directors.
Jason Oritz, the SSDP executive director, also spoke about the psychedelic legalization measure. “SSDP is proud to have pushed forward a policy that radically reduces criminalization of people who use drugs,” Oritz explained. “Michigan was a state that still has life sentences for drug possession, and today we moved a step closer to ending the madness that is this war on our communities.”
This is the first measure of its kind in Michigan, which has grown recently as a hub for psychedelic decriminalization efforts. Since 2020, several cities and towns have decriminalized psychedelics including: Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.
Ballot Measure Details
The psychedelics that would become legal under this measure include but aren’t limited to:
- Psilocybin
- Psilocyn
- Ibogaine
- Mescaline
- Peyote
- DMT
The measure would also authorize the “supervision, guidance, therapeutic, harm reduction, spiritual, counseling, and related supportive services with or without remuneration.”
Finally, the measure looks to amend state drug statutes, such as reducing criminal penalties for individuals found possessing any other controlled substances classified under Schedule I or Schedule II of Michigan state law. Individuals would be protected from prosecution for “miniscule, residual or unusable” amounts found on paraphernalia.
Next Steps
The next few weeks will be filled with deadlines. First, summaries and explanatory material is due to the Board of State Canvassers by February 8. The board will then meet to discuss each submitted summary on February 11. They will have until March 5 to give formal approval or to reject the measure.
With several cities already decriminalizing psychedelics, legalization is the next step for activists. They are hopeful they will see legalization of psychedelics later this year. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis, hemp, and psychedelic related news.