Keeping up the momentum that cannabis legalization set, a Colorado group is trying to decriminalize magic mushrooms. Representatives of Colorado Psilocybin met with Denver city officials this week to discuss a possible ballot measure.
The new law would eliminate penalties for small amounts of psychedelic mushrooms. Members of the group chanted “Free the spores!” while filing into the Denver City and County Building.
No Longer A Felony
The new law would do away with all penalties for possession of less than two ounces of dried mushrooms.
Only fines would be levied against those caught with larger amounts. More than two ounces, or two pounds of uncured mushrooms, would subject offenders to a fine of $99 for a first offense.
The fine would increase by $100 for each subsequent violation. Fines would be capped at $999, regardless of the number of offenses.
Medicinal Uses
Kevin Matthews is an activist that helped write the Psilocybin Decriminalization Initiative, as the measure is known. He told local media that he uses psilocybin as a medicine.
“I’m proud to say that psilocybin has had a pretty massive impact on my life,” he said. “I struggled with depression for years, I was diagnosed with major depression as a teenager.”
Matthews added that mushrooms also help to foster creativity and introspection.
“It’s helped me tremendously with my own mental health and on top of that, with creativity, and really being able to just explore different aspects of myself, and really get some healing from the inside out.”
Dr. Michele Ross is a neuroscientist and another supporter of the proposed ballot measure. She also believes in the medicinal benefits of psilocybin.
She uses mushrooms and cannabis to treat depression