The Atlantic

The Mushrooms Are Slowly Taking Effect

A vote to decriminalize psilocybin in Denver is fueling a national discourse on the health benefits of psychedelics.
Source: Peter Dejong / AP

If you’re looking to be convicted of crimes, don’t go eating psychedelic mushrooms in Denver.

Today the city is expected to officially decriminalize possession of the mind-altering fungus. Based on a ballot measure decided last week, citizens of Denver can more confidently grow and eat mushrooms that contain psilocybin, the perception-altering compound found in some 200 species.

Though only have been prosecuted in Denver for psilocybin possession in the past three years, local advocates such as the believe that decriminalization could open the door to more widespread use for various medicinal reasons. It could also be a bellwether for the nation, and the that they pose no risk of creating physical dependence and a low risk of abuse and harm.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Atlantic

The Atlantic4 min readAmerican Government
Trump’s Risky Reaction to the Immunity Decision
This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Today, three Atlantic writers explain the Supreme Co
The Atlantic5 min read
The Big Winners of This Supreme Court Term
In three decisions late this week, the Supreme Court upended American administrative law—the legal field that governs how government agencies interpret and implement legislation. Administrative law is notoriously arcane and technical. But these cases
The Atlantic2 min read
Doug Emhoff, First Jazz Fan
Whatever its shortcomings, American society has made two unquestionably great contributions to the world: jazz and constitutional democracy. But the two rarely interact. The typical political attitude toward music is exemplified by Richard Nixon’s de

Related