City makes psychedelics prosecution lowest priority

On January 28, 2025, the Tacoma City Council unanimously passed a resolution to deprioritize the prosecution of entheogens, including psilocybin mushrooms, marking a significant milestone in local drug policy. This resolution aligns Tacoma with a broader movement in Washington state, where cities like Seattle and Olympia have similarly decriminalized psychedelics for their potential mental health benefits. Lead sponsor Council member Joe Bushnell highlighted the resolution as a commitment to innovative and compassionate approaches to mental health treatment. While the resolution does not fully decriminalize entheogen-related activities, it prioritizes them as the lowest law enforcement concern. The Tacoma Psychedelic Society celebrated this decision, viewing it as a step toward facilitating further research into the therapeutic potential of these substances.

The resolution reflects a growing acknowledgment of the benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions, an area that has garnered increasing interest and advocacy. The council's action is not only a local shift but also part of a national trend advocating for the re-evaluation of drug policies related to psychedelics. As Tacoma joins this movement, it opens the door for future discussions on the decriminalization and responsible use of entheogens.