City of Tacomas Passage of Resolution 41609 Deprioritizes Local Enforcement Against Entheogen-Related Activities

Tacoma's City Council has enacted Resolution 41609, which deprioritizes local enforcement against entheogen-related activities, marking a significant shift in public health policy. This resolution underscores the council's dedication to exploring compassionate and innovative approaches to mental health treatment and supports the decriminalization of entheogens for research. Council Member Joe Bushnell, a veteran aware of mental health struggles, emphasized the alarming statistic of 22 veteran suicides daily in the U. S. , advocating for the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin.

Research has demonstrated the efficacy of entheogens in treating various mental health conditions, including PTSD and depression. The FDA's designation of psilocybin-assisted therapy as a breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression adds credence to these efforts. This legislative change positions Tacoma alongside other progressive jurisdictions in Washington, such as Seattle and Olympia, that have made similar commitments. By prioritizing mental health over enforcement, Tacoma aims to foster further research and potentially transformative treatments. The resolution reflects a growing recognition of the need for alternative mental health solutions in the face of a nationwide mental health crisis.