Olympia, Washington Considers Making Psychedelic Enforcement a Low Priority

Olympia, WA – July 2024 – The city of Olympia is evaluating a resolution that would direct law enforcement to deprioritize the prohibition of psilocybin and other psychedelic substances. A public hearing on the proposal is expected in the coming weeks.

Proposal Details

Councilmember Clark Gilman introduced the measure, which calls for the City Council to declare that the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of individuals engaged in entheogen-related activities—such as cultivating entheogens for religious, spiritual, healing, or personal growth purposes—should be a low enforcement priority. The resolution also stipulates that no city funds or resources should be used for the investigation, prosecution, and arrest of individuals solely for entheogenic plants and fungi. Additionally, it expresses support for the full decriminalization of these activities at both state and federal levels.

“Olympians understand that decriminalizing plants and mushrooms can help our community with healing,” Gilman wrote in his request. He highlighted the potential for these substances to facilitate personal and spiritual development.

Community and Council Reactions

The measure has garnered support from local advocacy group Decriminalize Nature Olympia, which has been actively campaigning for the change since last year. Ekaterina Henyan, an organizer for the group, expressed optimism about the progress made and noted the importance of the upcoming public comment forums.

“We are currently preparing for the upcoming public comment forums, where individuals will have two minutes each to share their impactful stories and perspectives,” Henyan said. “This is a crucial time for us, and we feel very positive about the progress we’ve made.”

Councilmembers Dani Madrone and Robert Vanderpool have voiced support for the proposal, but others remain cautious. Councilmember Lisa Parshley raised concerns about the potential for abuse and self-medication, suggesting that psychedelics possession should be a low-level misdemeanor. Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳnh, initially opposed to the idea, has since reconsidered her stance, acknowledging the need to check her biases.

Scientific and Medical Context

A draft of the resolution introduced last month references the growing body of scientific and medical research on psychedelics. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough therapy status to psilocybin for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The resolution highlights the potential benefits of entheogens in treating various conditions, including depression, severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

Other jurisdictions in Washington, such as Seattle, Port Townsend, and Jefferson County, have already decriminalized some or all entheogens. Similar reforms have been enacted in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, D.C.

Future Steps 

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for July 9, though it is unclear if the resolution will be on the agenda. A staff report indicates that officials have requested a review by the Olympia Police Department and the city prosecutor, as well as a report on the city’s efforts related to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Broader Implications to overcome Psychedelics Decriminalization

Olympia’s initiative is part of a larger movement across Washington state, where activists are pushing for local-level psychedelics reform. This grassroots strategy mirrors efforts in Massachusetts and aims to build momentum for statewide reform.

Public Health and Policy Shifts

The proposal comes at a time when public health organizations and policymakers are increasingly recognizing the limitations of the war on drugs. The American Medical Association (AMA) recently endorsed drug decriminalization, advocating for the elimination of criminal penalties for personal drug possession and supporting expungement of criminal records for such offenses.

Internationally, United Nations human rights experts have called for a shift toward harm reduction and public health approaches to drug policy, including the decriminalization of drug use and related activities.

As Olympia’s leaders deliberate on the proposed resolution, the city could join a growing number of jurisdictions taking steps to decriminalize psychedelics. The outcome of the public hearings and subsequent council actions will determine whether Olympia moves forward with making the prohibition of psilocybin and other entheogens a low enforcement priority, reflecting a broader shift toward more progressive drug policies.