In a wake of decriminalization across the country, and especially in progressive states like California, some San Francisco lawmakers are now trying to decriminalize psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca. Supervisors Dean Preston (D) and Hillary Ronen (D) sponsored new legislation that would reprioritize the enforcement of laws regarding these substances.
If approved, local law enforcement would be forced to reassign enforcement of laws prohibiting the “planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, engaging in practices with, and/or possessing” to the lowest priority. No city resources would be utilized for “any investigation, detention, arrest, or prosecution arising out of alleged violations of state and federal law regarding the use of Entheogenic Plants listed on the Federally Controlled Substances Schedule 1 list.”
Decriminalization doesn’t deem prohibited substances legal, but it stops the legal system from prosecuting someone. In short, it removes criminal penalties. This prevents overcrowding in both the judicial and prison system and provides other avenues for rehabilitation instead of just slapping someone with punishment (and subsequent criminal record). The resolution also noted that there are legitimate medical uses for psychedelics:
“Substance abuse, addiction, recidivism, trauma, post-traumatic stress symptoms, chronic depression, severe anxiety, end-of-life anxiety, grief, diabetes, cluster headaches, and other conditions are plaguing our community and that the use of Entheogenic Plants have been shown to be beneficial to the health and well-being of individuals and communities in addressing these afflictions via scientific and clinical studies and within continuing traditional practices, which can catalyze profound experiences of personal and spiritual growth.”
San Franciso will be the largest city population-wise to decriminalize entheogenic substances if this resolution passes.
If you’re struggling to succeed in your personal or professional life because of an old drug charge, we may be able to help. Get in touch with Easy Expunctions; we offer a free initial background check to determine what’s on your record and what we can expunge with our afrrodable and 100% online services!