Minneapolis psychedelics: Mayor Jacob Frey issues executive order loosening restrictions

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Mayor Jacob Frey issued an executive order on Friday to "deprioritize enforcement" on the use of certain psychedelics in Minneapolis. 

The order states Minneapolis law enforcement will no longer make it a top priority to arrest or prosecute people in possession of psychedelics, such as psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca tea, mescaline, and iboga, in order to focus on other law enforcement and city priorities. 

"Regardless of the stigma attached, when you look at the science behind the benefits of entheogens, it all points in one direction," said Mayor Frey in a statement. "Experts are telling us that these plants help people, and that’s the business we should be in – helping people. With a rise in deaths of despair in our city, and in our society, the data is showing that these plants can help be a remedy. That’s the message I hope this executive order sends elsewhere." 

Studies show that entheogenic plants can act as medication for those with chronic depression, addiction, PTSD, and other mental conditions. "Experts are telling us that these plants help people, and that’s the business we should be in – helping people," said Frey.

Mayor Frey Signs Executive Order Deprioritizing Enforcement of Entheogenic Plants. (Credit City of Minneapolis) (Supplied)

The executive order does not legalize the selling or manufacturing of entheogenic plants, but instead allows the investigation and arrest of people planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, and distributing to become the lowest priority for Minneapolis police. 

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara supported Frey's decision. 

"I recognize that many of our community members see benefits in using these natural substances for health or religious purposes, and with this Executive Order, Mayor Frey has directed the Minneapolis Police Department to join agencies nationwide in continuing to deemphasize law enforcement activities related to use of entheogenic plants," said O’Hara. "I stand with the mayor in support of this action and will ensure the MPD continues to maintain the safety of all residents and community members." 

Officials believe that this "commonsense approach" is a step in the direction of community healing and refocusing on the city’s priorities. Minnesota has created a Psychedelic Medicine Task Force to prepare the state for the potential official legalization of psychedelic medicine in the state.