Oakland becomes second US city to decriminalize hallucinogenic mushrooms

Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, voted to decriminalize hallucinogenic or “magic” mushrooms.

The decision makes Oakland the second U.S. city, after Denver last month, to decriminalize psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in hallucinogenic mushrooms. Both new ordinances make investigating and arresting people who possess or use mushrooms a lower priority for law enforcement.

The measure does not legalize psilocybin and the mushrooms are still illegal under both federal and state laws.{mosads}

Oakland’s city council voted in favor of the measure after numerous witnesses testified that hallucinogenic mushrooms helped them overcome issues such as depression, drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to The Associated Press.

“Entheogenic plants and fungi are tremendous for helping to enable healing, particularly for folks who have experienced trauma in their lives,” said Carlos Plazola, chair of the advocacy group Decriminalize Nature Oakland, according to the AP. “These plants are being recommended pretty extensively undercover, underground, by doctors and therapists.”