File #: 24-0664    Version: 1
Type: resolution Status: Passed
File created: 8/7/2024 In control: City Council
Agenda date: 8/13/2024 Final action: 8/13/2024
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
Attachments: 1. 8-13-24 signed resolution M-2549, 2. Resolution, 3. Referral, 4. OPD Response Memo, 5. Presentation
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 fee...

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