Title & Description

  • Policy/Bill Name: Tacoma Resolution 41609 - Deprioritization of Local Enforcement Against Entheogens
  • Proposed By: Tacoma City Council, sponsored by Council Member Joe Bushnell, Mayor Victoria Woodards, Council Members Olgy Diaz and Jamika Scott
  • Date Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Status: Passed
  • Objective: To make enforcement of entheogen-related activities the lowest priority for law enforcement in Tacoma and support decriminalization efforts for mental health research.
  • Importance: This resolution aligns Tacoma with other jurisdictions deprioritizing entheogen enforcement, reflecting growing support for psychedelic research and alternative mental health treatments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

Key Takeaway: Tacoma Resolution 41609 deprioritizes law enforcement against entheogen-related activities, supporting broader decriminalization efforts and promoting research into psychedelic-assisted mental health treatments.

Practical Implications:

  • Law enforcement will not actively pursue entheogen-related offenses unless public safety concerns arise.
  • Encourages further scientific research on entheogens for mental health treatment.
  • Aligns Tacoma with other Washington jurisdictions in deprioritizing entheogen enforcement.

Background & Rationale

  • Context: Tacoma joins other cities such as Seattle, Port Townsend, and Olympia in deprioritizing entheogen enforcement, following a national trend recognizing their potential therapeutic benefits.
  • Policy Justification:
    • Research suggests entheogens can help treat PTSD, depression, and addiction.
    • The FDA has designated psilocybin-assisted therapy as a breakthrough treatment for depression.
    • Many veterans and individuals with treatment-resistant mental health conditions could benefit from expanded research and access.

Key Provisions & Regulations

  • Scope:
    • Applies within the jurisdiction of Tacoma.
    • Limits active law enforcement focus on personal use and possession of entheogens.
  • Major Provisions:
    • Declares entheogen-related activities as the lowest priority for Tacoma law enforcement.
    • Affirms the City Council’s support for broader decriminalization efforts.
    • Recognizes the therapeutic potential of entheogens and encourages further research.
  • Compliance Requirements:
    • Law enforcement agencies will follow the resolution by adjusting enforcement priorities.
    • Does not authorize commercial sale or unregulated distribution of entheogens.
  • Penalties & Enforcement:
    • Law enforcement will not actively pursue arrests for personal entheogen use.
    • No changes to existing state or federal drug laws; violations outside Tacoma remain enforceable.

Expected Impact & Concerns

  • Intended Benefits:
    • Reduces unnecessary law enforcement resources on minor entheogen offenses.
    • Supports research and potential medical applications of psychedelics.
    • May contribute to alternative mental health treatment options, particularly for veterans and individuals with PTSD.
  • Potential Drawbacks:
    • Lack of a clear statewide policy could create inconsistencies in enforcement.
    • Concerns from some community members about potential misuse without proper regulation.
  • Economic/Social/Environmental Effects:
    • May reduce public spending on law enforcement for minor drug-related offenses.
    • Could encourage the development of local research and therapy programs.
    • Promotes harm reduction and public health education regarding entheogen use.

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date:
    • January 28, 2025 (upon passage)
  • Phase-in Period:
    • Immediate deprioritization of enforcement.
  • Review & Sunset Clause:
    • The resolution does not include a sunset clause but may be revisited based on public response and evolving state/federal policies.
  • Legislative/Agency Source:
  • Supporting Research:
    • FDA designation of psilocybin-assisted therapy as a breakthrough treatment.
    • Studies on the efficacy of entheogens for PTSD, depression, and addiction.
  • Additional Reading:
    • Similar policy shifts in Seattle, Olympia, and Port Townsend.
    • National movements towards psychedelic decriminalization and research.
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