Eureka, CA, recently adopted a resolution decriminalizing entheogens and psychedelic plant medicines, joining the ranks of other Californian cities and becoming the second city in Humboldt County to endorse such a move.
Last week, the Eureka City Council greenlit an initiative to decriminalize plant-based medicines like psilocybin mushrooms within its boundaries. This decision comes shortly after CA Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a proposal aimed at statewide decriminalization. The nearby City of Arcata had previously decriminalized in 2021, largely due to the efforts of Decriminalize Nature Humboldt, which also contributed to Eureka’s resolution.
A Lost Coast Outpost article mentioned that the resolution faced little opposition in the council, though they did decide to omit a specific phrase which seemed to advocate for the profound spiritual experiences catalyzed by entheogens. Interestingly, a study conducted by the late professor Roland Griffiths in 2006 at Johns Hopkins explored psilocybin’s potential to trigger mystical experiences, and his subsequent research played a role in legislative dialogues about psychedelics.
While the resolution was largely accepted by council members, a few reservations emerged, particularly from local law enforcement. They reflected Gov. Newsom’s apprehensions regarding potential unforeseen outcomes. City Manager Miles Slattery referenced consultations with the Arcata Police Department, which didn’t report significant issues post-decriminalization. He noted that Eureka recorded a mere five entheogen-related arrests in the last year, most of which were associated with graver offenses.
Councilmember Scott Bauer shared personal anecdotes about acquaintances who had negative experiences with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). Though expressing concerns about the potential negative impact of such substances on child brain development, Bauer still supported the resolution.
The council received numerous letters from residents, and many attended the meeting to share their personal psychedelic encounters. Many emphasized the positive impacts of these substances on mental health and addiction challenges pervasive in the community.
Randee Litten, a nurse and co-founder of a local ketamine treatment center in Eureka, passionately articulated her perspective: “Psychedelics can offer a supportive hand in navigating our tumultuous world. From my professional and personal experience, they have the potential to guide individuals in the right direction when grounded with proper support. Our treatment center’s work over the past year and a half underscores the transformative impact of psychedelics on the community.”
Seeking to distance the resolution from historical misconceptions, Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez clarified that their action wasn’t a nod to the chaotic psychedelic era of the 1960s led by Timothy Leary. “Our intention isn’t to promote reckless behavior,” Fernandez stated. “Our goal is to ensure that those seeking healing through these substances can approach medical professionals or law enforcement without fear.”
Rachel Riggs, a local educator, voiced her belief in the potential of psychedelics to foster healing in communities grappling with high levels of childhood trauma. “Entheogens have a unique therapeutic profile; they’re non-addictive and exceptionally safe, especially when combined with therapeutic guidance or proper education,” she added.
