The Salem City Council unanimously passed a measure decriminalizing adult use of psilocybin mushrooms on Thursday, May 11.
Sponsored by Ward 7 Councilor Andy Varela and endorsed by Bay Staters for Natural Medicine, pharmacologist Miyabe Shields and Police Chief Lucas Miller among others, the resolution was discussed in two public health meetings with the participation of doctors, therapists, law enforcement and the general public.
Supporters highlighted psilocybin’s non-addictive properties and benefits in helping to curb the opioid epidemic as well as the police chief’s decision to tackle the health issue with his public posture was critical to people like Ward 4 Councilor Leveille McClain.
“We owe it to our residents …