Seattle votes to decriminalize certain psychedelics

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