Hazel Park Decriminalizes Magic Mushrooms and Other Entheogenic Plants
(Crystal A. Proxmire, March 23, 2022)
Hazel Park, MI – Hazel Park City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday that decriminalizes what’s commonly known as “entheogenic plants,” or the full spectrum of “plants, fungi, and natural materials that can benefit psychological and physical wellness, support and enhance religious and spiritual practices and can reestablish human’s inalienable and direct relationship to nature.” This includes This includes “magic mushrooms” that contain psilocybin and psilocin which produce psychedelic effects.
The resolution amends existing City of Hazel Park policy such that the investigation and arrest of adult persons for planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, engaging in practices with or possessing Entheogenic Plants or plant compounds which are on the Federal Schedule One list are now the lowest law enforcement priority for the City of Hazel Park.
Additionally, City funds or resources shall not be used in any investigation, detention, arrest or prosecution arising out of alleged violations of state and federal law regarding the use of Entheogenic Plants.
“We need to eliminate the stigma around entheogenic plants and acknowledge them for what they are – legitimate medicinal and therapeutic substances that have improved countless lives,” said Hazel Park City Councilmember Luke Londo, who introduced the resolution. “As a proponent and occasional consumer, it’s critical that we normalize these natural treatments that allow people to overcome addiction, improve their mental health and embrace their religion and spirituality.”
With tonight’s vote, Hazel Park becomes the third city in Michigan to decriminalize entheogenic plants, joining Ann Arbor (2020) and Detroit (2021), as well as Washtenaw County (2021). The resolution largely mirrors language passed in Ann Arbor as well as Oakland, California that was provided by Decriminalize Nature, a national organization whose mission is to improve human health and well-being by decriminalizing and expanding access to entheogenic plants and fungi through political and community organizing, education and advocacy.
The organization has a Michigan-based affiliate, Decriminalize Nature Michigan, which was instrumental in Detroit’s 2021 Proposal E ballot initiative that passed with 61% support.
The local chapter, Decriminalize Nature Hazel Park, had numerous individuals advocate for the policy change at the Council’s meeting, including Decriminalize Nature Michigan co-director Julie Barron. Barron is a Registered Psychotherapist who has done extensive research and training in the health benefits and use of cannabis and entheogenic plants for the past 25 years.
“We are grateful for the Hazel Park City Council’s action tonight, and hope to see other cities and the entire state of Michigan follow suit,” said Shan Vicius, a psychedelic integration coach who runs the Decriminalize Nature Hazel Park chapter. “People like me who use entheogenic plants are your friends, your clients, your family and your neighbors. We deserve the ability to use these natural medicines that significantly improve our wellness and our lives.”
Decriminalize Nature Michigan is currently collecting signatures for a petition that, if adopted by the legislature or passed by Michigan voters, would decriminalize entheogenics across the state for people over the age of 18. Currently, only the state of Oregon has such a policy.
The resolution additionally calls upon Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney to cease prosecution of persons involved in the use of Entheogenic Plants or plant-based compounds designated by the federal Controlled Substance A.
“After consulting with businesses, stakeholders, residents and others, we feel confident that this represents the best interests of our city. We also acknowledge that, much like with marijuana legalization, this is where we are all headed. We’re proud to continue asserting ourselves as a leader as opposed to a reactive community that’s afraid to take a principled stand,” Londo told Oakland County Times. “”As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I can personally attest to the monumental impact that entheogenic plants, particularly psilocybin, has had on my health and well-being. Entheogenic plants are spiritual and therapeutic substances with legitimate medicinal uses, and we need to continue tearing down the stigma associated with them and normalize entheogenics as much as possible. I’m proud to do my part.”