Title
Consider a Referral Regarding the Decriminalization of Nature-Based PTSD Treatments
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider a Referral regarding the decriminalization of psilocybin and other plant-based medicines.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Consider a Referral regarding the decriminalization of psilocybin and other plant-based medicines.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Councilmember Clark Gilman
Background and Analysis:
The referral discusses 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 requests:
• 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 staff presentation describing what the City is doing related to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. (Current capacity for inpatient and outpatient treatment, opioid recovery money, OFD Cares, Crisis Response Unit, Familiar Faces etc.)
• A resolution be passed expressing the City Council’s support of decriminalization of psilocybin and other plant-based medicines.
The referral is sponsored by Councilmember Clark Gilman, with support from Councilmembers Dani Madrone and Robert Vanderpool.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not have a specific climate impact.
Equity Analysis:
The use of psilocybin and other plant-based medicine is a treatment modality 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 with our Veteran community members and across our society.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympians understand that decriminalizing plants and mushrooms can help our community with healing, personal and spiritual development is both ethical or effective. They also understand that law enforcement and public safety officers have many other pressing priorities in their 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 referral to staff.
2. Approve the referral, with amendments to staff.
3. Do not approve the referral to staff.
Attachments:
Referral