After the approval of the therapeutic usage of psychedelics by several Michigan cities, East Lansing lawmakers rejected a resolution that would have reduced the prosecution of people for growing, possessing and distributing psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and ayahuasca to the city’s lowest law enforcement priority.
Agreeing with city attorney Anthony Chubb, Mayor Ron Bacon said although he felt the resolution was “well-structured,” however it “ends up being very performative in a way” because it does not change overarching state laws that would continue to criminalize psychedelics, both of which are listed as Schedule I drugs in the U.S.
Other members pointed out that there haven’t been any reports on legal consequences for other cities in Michigan nor elsewhere in the country where psychedelics reform measures have been taken.
“I know great individuals who do well in our community, in our town, who use [psychedelics], and I don’t think any of those people should be caught up in the criminal system,” councilmember Dana Watson said. “We’re creating one more link in the chain…similar to the way that marijuana has been legalized.”
