News Update: Magic Mushrooms Seattle
Magic mushrooms gained a significant amount of attention in areas such as Seattle and Washington. Well-funded research has discovered something in magic mushrooms. They saw that it could help patients control different mental illnesses and disorders. This leads many to try and find the best magic mushrooms Seattle has to offer. But, its legality makes it difficult even to own.
In the US, most areas identify shrooms as addictive. They say that this substance needs to be controlled. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 outlines the potential drugs and their classifications. Also, the “war on drugs” was another contributing factor leading to its illegality.
Since then, many states, including Seattle, have followed the law on these substances so they come up with a resolution to address this. These states then held different penalties for offenses. But, some states have changed their view on these “highly addictive” drugs. They have accepted shrooms’ use due to their proven benefits. Unfortunately, Seattle is not one of those places.
Drug Laws In Seattle
According to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, drugs are classified into Schedules. These are ranked depending on potential addiction and medical use. But, Washington State relies heavily on the Revised Code of Washington. Thus, their laws on drugs are similar.
The highest classification according to the law is Schedule 1. These have the highest potential for abuse with no safe and acceptable medical use. Some of the drugs include LSD, Marijuana, Heroin, and psilocybin. Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe cyanescens are species of potent psychedelic shrooms known as “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin is the substance in every magic mushroom, which is why they are illegal.
As they are high-risk drugs, there are severe consequences if one doesn’t follow the law. For example, manufacturing and distributing Schedule I drugs is a Class C felony. This results in a five-year jail sentence and a $10,000 fine, according to the City Council of Seattle. Likewise, possessing and distributing counterfeit Schedule I drugs is a felony. This then leads to ten years, a $25,000 fine, or possibly both.
Almost all states share the same laws about hallucinogenic mushrooms. The only difference is in the sentences and penalties officials give. Yet, some areas softened the rules of drug possession and use.
Decriminalization of Drugs in Oregon
Oregon was known for its drug use per capita, exceeding the average of the United States in 2006. Most of these substances included hallucinogens and stimulants. Possessing any amount of drugs did lead to a fine and a jail sentence, but this has since changed.
In the fall of 2021, Measure 110 was passed by Oregon voters. This makes the possession of small amounts of drugs punishable by a civil citation. Fees may also be waived through a health screening from recovery hotlines. This gives room for rehabilitation and treatment.
They found that psilocybin in mushrooms helps with depression. Not only that, but it also helps with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. Despite this, some were hesitant about its decriminalization. They wanted to observe Denver and its results first. Also, they wanted to know which is more potent, the liberty caps, mushies, or the stems of magic mushrooms.
Speaking more about rehabilitation and treatment, Oregon voters also approved Measure 109. This measure allows the use of psilocybin mushrooms in specific facilities. This is because research says that psilocybin helps with a range of illnesses. The study shows that it benefits from depression to addiction.
Decriminalization In Other Areas
Some areas decided to follow in their footsteps. Oregon seems to have started advocacy about the legalization of psychedelic mushrooms. However, these states are only in the earlier stages of legalization.
Oakland is one of the areas that has decriminalized magic mushrooms. While still illegal, officials decided to push through with this. This is thanks to the research that showed its benefits. Not only that, but they also included other entheogenic plants.
This is a theory that has already been debunked. In 2019, Denver decided to decriminalize psilocybin, and they were the first city to do so. But, officials are indifferent since it could cause addiction. Even so, they decided to experiment with its uses. This is due to the results of well-funded research.
What About Seattle?
Unfortunately, despite the proven benefits, magic mushrooms remain illegal in Washington. This also includes Seattle. But, there is a strong possibility that they could legalize these psychedelics.
According to popular research, marijuana use has many benefits. For one, Washington officials were known for legalizing the recreational use of Marijuana. They allowed the distribution of the plant and fungi by licensed dispensaries as well. These results are as reducing anxiety and inflammation.
By way of research and studies, Seattle lawmakers and the city council could soon follow the other cities.
In a newsletter, according to Sen. Jesse Salomon, “The use of mushrooms as part of therapies to treat problematic mental health issues should be divorced from the lingering cultural drug stereotypes of the sixties. “It’s long past time we stop grouping psilocybin with Schedule 1 substances like heroin and meth and recognize its considerable medical value.”
Conclusion
Seattle still refers to magic mushrooms as a drug because of the psilocybin present in them. Under the RCW, the possession and consumption of the substance will be penalized. But, it seems that this may not stay this way for long. More and more states and cities are starting to see that mushrooms are not dangerous drugs.
Much like any law, decriminalization will take some time to do. So, those who wish to try psilocybin in the Seattle area will have to wait until further notice.
