San Francisco decriminalizes psychedelics

Last Wednesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution decriminalizing entheogens and their compounds for adults.

The resolution defines entheogens as «the full spectrum of plants, mushrooms, and natural substances that can inspire personal and spiritual well-being.» This list includes psilocybin, ayahuasca, DMT, ibogaine…

In fact, she doesn't just decriminalize the possession of entheogenic substances, but also permits «the planting, cultivation, purchase, transport, distribution, and use of» these substances. It does not set any limits on the quantities of entheogens.

The measure notes that «substance abuse, addiction, recidivism, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic depression, severe anxiety, end-of-life anxiety, grief, diabetes, cluster headaches, and other conditions afflict our community» and that the use of entheogenic plants and mushrooms has proven beneficial «for the health and well-being of individuals and communities by addressing these afflictions through scientific and clinical studies and within the framework of ongoing traditional practices, which can catalyze profound experiences of personal and spiritual growth.».

This resolution designates San Francisco as the fourth city in California to decriminalize psychedelics, following Arcata, Oakland, and Santa Cruz. More than a dozen cities in the United States, as well as the entire state of Oregon, have decriminalized psilocybin or all entheogens.

«I am proud to be working with Decrim Nature to ensure that San Francisco votes in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics and entheogens,» said Supervisor Dean Preston, one of the two sponsors of the resolution, in a press release.

«San Francisco joins a growing list of cities and countries that are taking a fresh look at these herbal medicines, guided by science and data, and working to destigmatize their use and cultivation. Today’s unanimous vote is an exciting step forward.»

The Board's vote is also seen as a signal to lawmakers in Sacramento, who recently rejected a Senate bill (SB 519) aimed at decriminalizing personal possession small amounts of psychedelic substances throughout the state. This bill will likely be reintroduced next year.

The only restriction on decriminalization—given that entheogens remain Schedule 1 controlled substances at both the federal and state levels—is that the police and prosecutors can still legally prosecute someone for possession or sale.

Measures such as the one adopted by San Francisco can only 'urge» law enforcement to make the enforcement of laws regarding entheogens »one of the city’s lowest law enforcement priorities.« It will be up to San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott and City Attorney Brooke Jenkins to decide whether this recommendation will be implemented as an official policy.