Title
Resolution Declaring that the Investigation and Arrest of Individuals Involved with the Personal Use, Growth and Possession of Entheogenic Plants, Including Those Scheduled at State and Federal Levels, be the Lowest Priority for the City of Ann Arbor
Staff
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Bannister, Hayner, Ramlawi, and Griswold
Body
Whereas, Entheogenic Plants, defined herein as the full spectrum of plants, fungi, and natural materials and/or their extracted compounds, limited to those containing the following types of compounds: indole amines, tryptamines, and phenethylamines; that can benefit psychological and physical wellness, support and enhance religious and spiritual practices, and can reestablish human's inalienable and direct relationship to nature;
Whereas, Substance abuse, addiction, recidivism, trauma, post-traumatic stress symptoms, chronic depression, severe anxiety, end-of-life anxiety, grief, cluster headaches and other debilitating conditions are present in our community;
Whereas, The use of Entheogenic Plants, which can catalyze profound experiences of personal and spiritual growth1, have been shown by scientific and clinical studies and traditional practices to be beneficial to the health and well-being of individuals and communities in addressing these conditions;
Whereas, Practices with Entheogenic Plants have long existed and have been considered to be sacred to human cultures and interrelationships with nature for thousands of years;
Whereas, Individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being through the use of Entheogenic Plants fear arrest and prosecution due to current legal prohibitions;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor currently has many other priorities for the use of its funds, staff, and law enforcement resources;
Whereas, The United Nations considers Entheogenic Plant material used for ritual purposes as excluded from Schedule 1 substances;
Whereas, The Entheogenic Plant practices of certain groups are alr...
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