Minneapolis Mayor Leads the Way: Psychedelic Criminalization Becomes Lowest Priority
In a groundbreaking move, Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis has taken decisive action by issuing an executive order that changes the city’s approach to psychedelic substances. The order relegates the criminalization of possession, use, and cultivation of psychedelics to the lowest law enforcement priority, while also prohibiting local resources from assisting federal and state actions against these substances. This unprecedented decision aligns with a growing nationwide trend, where cities are recognizing the therapeutic potential of entheogenic substances for treating mental health conditions like depression and addiction.
The city’s progressive stance on psychedelics comes on the heels of a state-level effort. Just two months ago, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill, which included provisions to establish a psychedelics task force. The task force aims to prepare the state for potential legalization and foster a comprehensive understanding of the legal, medical, and policy implications associated with psychedelic medicine.
The executive order, which covers a wide range of psychedelics, including but not limited to psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca tea, mescaline, and iboga, highlights their proven benefits for the health and well-being of individuals and communities. However, in a respectful nod to Native American traditions, the order explicitly excludes peyote, preserving access to this sacred plant medicine within the Native American Church.
This trailblazing decision makes it clear that the City of Minneapolis intends to shift its focus towards helping people rather than criminalizing them. By deprioritizing the investigation and arrest of individuals engaging in activities with entheogenic plants, the city hopes to destigmatize their use and unlock their potential as remedies for serious mental health issues, contributing to the fight against “deaths of despair” within the community.
Despite some law enforcement officials’ hesitations in other cities, Chief Brian O’Hara of the Minneapolis Police Department stands firmly with Mayor Frey’s decision. He recognizes the potential benefits of using natural substances for health or religious purposes and assures the community that the MPD will continue to prioritize their safety and well-being.
Kurtis Hanna, a specialist in public policy and government relations, lauds the mayor’s action, viewing it as another significant step towards dismantling the walls of drug prohibition in Minnesota. He emphasizes that people use these substances in search of happiness, and this order underscores the pursuit of happiness as an inalienable right, not a felony crime.
Jessica Nielson, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and a founding member of the DecriMN Coalition, hails this decision as a crucial first step in reversing the harm caused by the war on drugs, which disproportionately affected brown and black communities. She stresses that these natural medicines have been used by Indigenous peoples long before any of the current laws were enacted, advocating for individual liberty over one’s health and consciousness for the betterment of the entire community.
Councilmember Andrew Johnson also voices his support, praising the city’s commonsense approach to drug policy in light of the available data. Minneapolis now joins the ranks of leading cities that recognize the potential of entheogens and their role in community healing.
As Minnesota sets the stage for a possible legalization of psychedelic medicine through its state-level task force, Minneapolis’s bold move signifies an important shift in drug policy at the local level. The city’s executive order sends a strong message, sparking interest and raising awareness about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, as communities nationwide reevaluate their approach to drug laws and embrace progressive change.
