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Seattle's City Council voted unanimously on Monday to decriminalize psilocybin and other naturally occurring psychedelics, Bloomberg reports.
Why it matters: The city's move comes amid a broader discussion regarding the medical application of psychedelic drugs and their potential applications for treating a range of mental and behavioral health disorders.
- Past studies have indicated psychedelics can be safely administered in combination with other therapies and that treatment may alleviate depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders, Axios' Alison Synder writes.
- Other cities such as Denver and Ann Arbor, Michigan, have enacted similar policies to decriminalize psilocybin, per Bloomberg.
Details: The City Council passed the measure that makes "the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of anyone engaging in entheogen-related activities should be among The City of Seattle’s lowest law enforcement priorities," the resolution reads.
- The city council also said they will pursue changes to the municipal code.
What they're saying: "A community conversation intended to reconcile government policy with emerging medical research regarding potential benefits of psychedelics is already well underway," Councilmember Andrew Lewis said in a statement.
- "In a medically appropriate and supervised environment, people who have experienced severe trauma could benefit from these substances. We need to join the national conversation," he added.
Go deeper: The end of vice