File #: 24-0406    Version: 1
Type: referral Status: Filed
File created: 5/2/2024 In control: City Council
Agenda date: 6/18/2024 Final action: 6/18/2024
Title: Consider a Referral Regarding the Decriminalization of Nature-Based PTSD Treatments
Attachments: 1. Referral, 2. Draft Resolution
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 ...

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