Denver to become first city in the U.S. to decriminalize 'magic mushrooms' after yes voters edge out the nos by less than 1 per cent
- Final count on Denver city web site shows 50.56 per cent voted in favor while 49.44 per cent voted against
- Initiative would end criminal penalties for those over 21 years of age for using or possessing psilocybin
- Even if initiative is approved, psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug, would still be illegal under both state and federal law
- Advocates for psilocybin say the drug has medical benefits, including the alleviation of depression and anxiety symptoms
Denver will become the first city in the United States to decriminalize magic mushrooms, based on final unofficial results on Wednesday of a ballot initiative about the hallucinogenic drug.
The initiative called for Colorado’s capital to end the imposition of criminal penalties for individuals at least 21 years of age for using or possessing psilocybin, widely known as magic mushrooms.
The Denver Elections Divisions will certify results on May 16, but the final count on its website on Wednesday was 50.56 per cent of voters in favor and 49.44 per cent against.
Voters in Denver fill out ballots at the Denver Elections Division on Tuesday. The voters were deciding on whether to decriminalize the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin
The initiative called for Colorado’s capital to end the imposition of criminal penalties for individuals at least 21 years of age for using or possessing psilocybin, widely known as magic mushrooms
If the initiative is approved, psilocybin would still remain illegal under both Colorado and federal law.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies the drug as a Schedule 1 substance, meaning the agency has deemed that it has a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical application.
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Decriminalize Denver, the group behind Tuesday’s ballot question, said psilocybin had a wide range of medical benefits.
It has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety and to help in treating tobacco, alcohol and opioid addictions, and with alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the organization.
Some opponents worry that if passed, the initiative would increase the city’s image as a haven for drugs, given that Colorado was one of the first states to legalize possession and sale of marijuana for adult recreational use.
Chris Olson holds a sign near a busy intersection in downtown Denver on Monday as he urges voters to decriminalize the use of psilocybin
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann opposed the initiative.
But if the measure were approved, she supported formation of a review panel under the initiative to study the effects of the drug and the impact the ordinance would have on Denver, spokeswoman Carolyn Tyler said.
Denver residents first voted to decriminalize marijuana possession in 2004, years before Colorado voters ultimately approved its legalization statewide for recreational purposes, establishing a full regulatory framework to license retail outlets and collect sales taxes on cannabis products.
