Arcata City Council votes unanimously to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi
ARCATA, Calif. — The use, purchase, and cultivation of entheogenic plants and fungi; like psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and ayahuasca are now decriminalized in Arcata.
On Wednesday, the Arcata City Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution crafted alongside Decriminalize Nature Humboldt.
The council heard several comments from community members during the meeting, many of which were in support of the resolution.
Taylor Albamonti with Decriminalize Nature Humboldt said the group had received over 330 letters of support for the resolution from community members prior to the meeting. The group had been tabling at nearly every farmer's market in Arcata leading up to the meeting to educate people on what they argue are the benefits of the psychedelic plants and fungi.
The resolution declares that the investigation and arrest of people cultivating, purchasing, or using entheogenic plants or fungi will not be a priority for the city and that includes law enforcement.
This would only apply to adults age 21 and older. The resolution explicitly states that the sale, use, and cultivation by minors be the exception to the rule.
Members of Decriminalize Nature Humboldt responded to concerns regarding overconsumption and say that through decriminalization, education can improve.
"I understand the concerns of people taking too much and maybe getting overwhelmed by the experience of a strong psychedelic, but what we have been doing is trying to teach people how to take these therapeutics in a good way and a safe way," said Danielle Daniel, Lead Organizer of Decriminalize Nature Humboldt. "With decriminalization, we will have more abilities to teach people how to take these in a good way and provide safe spaces to take these in a safe way."
Councilmembers commended the group for working hard on the resolution.
The resolution is now in effect.
