Denver votes for decriminalization of magic mushrooms
Decriminalization led by a slim 51%
It was really tight, cause 89,320 people voted in favor of decriminalizing, while 87,341 others voted against it. The votes had to be counted ‘countlessly’ :p . Decriminalization led by a slim 51%.
The psilocybin decriminalization campaign organizers said their only goal is to keep people out of jail in Denver for using or owning the drug to cope with depression, and/ or anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other conditions.
Psilocybin for mental health
In an interview in The Guardian Kevin Matthews, director of the Decriminalize Denver campaign, said psilocybin has helped him with depression for years. “This is not something you have to take every day,” the 33-year-old Denver native said. “It provides a lot of lasting benefits, weeks and months after one experience.”
Legalization in California & Oregon
In California they also tried to decriminalize psilocybin, however they failed unfortunatly for the statewide ballot in 2018. In Oregon organizers are trying to gather enough support to put an initiative to a vote next year that is statewide.
After three tries pro-psilocybin organizers in Denver manage to develop language approved by city officials for the ballot. They collected more than 8,000 signatures to qualify for Tuesday’s election.This is the beginning of a snowball effect!