Arcata, California became the third city in the state to decriminalize psychedelics, joining Oakland and Santa Cruz. On October 6, the Arcata City Council unanimously voted to decriminalize the possession, cultivation, and distribution of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, ayahuasca, and ibogaine. However, the commercial sale and mass manufacturing of psychedelics, along with driving under the influence, will remain prohibited. 

The measure also calls on the Humboldt County District Attorney “to consider the spirit and intent of this resolution when evaluating whether to prosecute persons involved in the use of Entheogenic Plants and Fungi.”

Response

Decriminalize Nature Humboldt, which helped push for the decriminalization effort, posted about the new measure in Arcata. “Thank you to everyone for their hard work and involvement in this movement!!” the Facebook post declared. “So much gratitude for the Arcata community, for the abundant emails sent to the council, and over 300 letters of support that were signed in support of decriminalization.”

Lead organizer of Decriminalize Nature Humboldt, Danielle Daniel, said the new decriminalization reform represents “a pivotal point in history by reclaiming our sovereign right to explore our consciousness, and to choose the path of healing that we see best fit for ourselves.”

“With decriminalization, Arcata residents will be able to ingest, gift, gather, grow, and share entheogens without fear of arrest,” she continued. “By destigmatizing entheogens, the community will have more openness to conversing about the healing potential of psychoactive plants and fungi.”

Movement

Several other cities in the U.S. have also decriminalized psychedelics. Most recently, both Seattle, Washington and Grand Rapids, Michigan have decriminalized aspects of psychedelics, mostly possession. The movement continues as other states, like Texas, Florida, and Oregon, have pushed for psychedelic research.

This year, Ann Arbor, Michigan declared September as Psychedelic Awareness Month and hosted an entertainment event to spread further awareness. A few Massachusetts cities have also decriminalized psychedelics, like Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton, with Easthampton discussing a resolution for decriminalization. 

Many cities are pushing towards decriminalization. Therefore, psychedelics could be in the same position cannabis is now in a few years. 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.