Denver makes history as first state to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms

Possession of psilocybin is still illegal but now becomes police’s “lowest law-enforcement priority.”

In a historic first move, Denver has become the first city in the United States to effectively decriminalize magic mushrooms. It’s the first step on the road towards legalization and eventually recreational use.

After closing an early vote deficit Tuesday night, final unofficial results showed Initiative 301 set to pass narrowly with 50.6 percent of the vote. The preliminary vote count stands at 89,320 of those in favor and 87,341 against, with a margin of 1,979. Final results will be certified May 16, after military and absentee ballots are in.

The campaign ran on the slogan “Mushrooms Are Medicine.” Initiative 301 campaign manager Kevin Matthews said the following in a statement:

“If these results hold, this is an example of the absurd comedy of the great metaphor. Against all odds, we prevailed. This is what happens when a small team of dedicated and passionate people unite under a single idea to create change.”

While efforts are underway to put psilocybin decriminalization on the 2020 ballot in Oregon and again in California, Denver was home to the first-ever US popular vote on the matter, putting the national spotlight onto the city.

However, there are still major opponents to the ballot measure. “We’ll continue to fight the growing drug culture,” said Jeff Hunt, director of the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University. “Denver’s becoming the illicit drug capital of the world. The larger issue here is not good for our city.”

Source: Denver Post