Title
Approval of a Resolution Declaring the Investigation, Arrest, and Prosecution of Anyone Engaging in Entheogen-Related Activities Should Be Among the City of Olympia’s Lowest Law Enforcement Priorities and Stating the City Council’s Support for Full Decriminalization of these Activities
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution declaring the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of anyone engaging in entheogen-related activities should be among the City of Olympia’s lowest law enforcement priorities and stating the City Council’s support for full decriminalization of these activities.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution declaring the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of anyone engaging in entheogen-related activities should be among the City of Olympia’s lowest law enforcement priorities and stating the City Council’s support for full decriminalization of these activities.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Councilmember Clark Gilman
Background and Analysis:
At the June 18 City Council meeting, Councilmember Gilman, with the support of Councilmembers Madrone and Vanderpool, presented a referral regarding the City of Olympia joining cities across the nation in decriminalizing psilocybin and other plant-based medicines shown to assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
The referral requested the following:
• A review by Olympia Police Department and City prosecutor regarding the issue; the Police Chief present to the council on the current enforcement of nature-based psychedelics; and
• A resolution be passed expressing the City Council’s support of decriminalization of psilocybin and other plant-based medicines.
City Manager Burney will provide an overview of the findings of the review conducted by the current laws, a summary of enforcement and feedback regarding the proposed resolution.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not have a specific climate impact.
Equity Analysis:
The use of entheogenic plant-based medicine is a treatment modality used to address the impacts of generational trauma on Black, brown, Asian and Indigenous communities and acknowledges the toll that post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety exact across our society.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community members have brought forward their support of the use of entheogenic plant-based medicine can help with healing, personal and spiritual development. They also have shared their understanding that law enforcement and public safety officers have many other pressing priorities in the community, and this is already understood as not a priority.
Financial Impact:
There are no known financial impacts at this time.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution.
2. Do not approve the resolution.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Referral
OPD Response Memo
Presentation