Denver Votes to Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms - Should New Zealand Follow?
May 09 2019 – Team MindFuel
Denver just voted to decriminalize magic mushrooms.
After a very narrow vote, Denver becomes the first city in the U.S.A to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms.
The plan doesn’t permit the sale or purchase of the mushrooms, and establishes a task force to examine the impact of decriminalization over the next several years.
“It’s a signal to the rest of the country that at least here in Denver we are ready to start remove some of these substances off the controlled substances list,” said Kevin Matthews, 33, who organized the decriminalization campaign. “A lot of people who signed our petition said they are tired to see people going to jail over what they choose to put in their body.”
The mushrooms which contain the psychedelic psilocybin, have been used for thousands of years and provide an alternative treatment for opiate addiction and mental health troubles, as well as spiritual insight. Users report bright lights and colors and a sense of connection with something greater than themselves.
Should New Zealand follow Denver and Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms?
While only a few years back New Zealand was a world leader in drug policy reform, we have been extremely slow to follow the global trend to legalize cannabis making kiwis appear a bit behind the times. Cannabis legalization is likely finally happening after the 2020 election. Could New Zealand help mend its reputation as a late follower by following Denver and decriminalize Magic Mushrooms next? Here at MindFuel we feel the public would likely need more time and an effective education campaign to dispel the myths around magic mushrooms before they would vote in favour of legalizing them. However once they have seen that the sky has not fallen in from the legalization of cannabis, they will for sure be more in favour of ending the failed prohibition of other beneficial natural substances.
What do you think? Would you vote for legal or decriminalized Magic Mushrooms? Should the fungi be sold as prescription medicines or in smartshops or both? Let us know your ideas in the comments below.
Sources and References: Denver Post, Decriminalize Denver, USA Today
*Special thanks to Alan Rockefeller for the beautiful pic of Psilocybe aztecorum^
3 comments
YES!
Legalize all beneficial plants and fungi. These should not be classed as drugs, drugs are destructive white powders, not natures gifts.
Regulation works well here in Amsterdam, although no longer do we have the the dried mushrooms, but the sclerotia also which is known as magic truffles. They do the trick but are not too intense for tourists. Legal to buy in smart and headshops but not coffee shops.