Proposal E passes on the Nov. 2 Detroit ballot

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Voters in Detroit approved Tuesday evening Proposal E, which decriminalizes to the allowable extent under Michigan law the possession and therapeutic use of entheogenic plants including psilocybin mushrooms, peyote and iboga. 

Image of The Weekly Detroit DONcaster for Nov. 1 Zoom discussing Proposal E/ Photo Credit: Katie Reichel

Katie Reichel

Image of The Weekly Detroit DONcaster for Nov. 1 Zoom discussing Proposal E/ Photo Credit: Katie Reichel

The voter-initiated ballot measure passed with 53,710 in favor and 34,222 against. 

“With Proposal E passing it does not legalize the use or possession of entheogenic plants,” said Detroit Bureau Research Associate Esmat Ishag-Osman during Detroit’s City Council meeting on Monday evening. “When substances are decriminalized it simply indicates to law enforcement of that jurisdiction within the state to make enforcement of laws relating to substances the city’s lowest law enforcement priority.

Entheogenic plants contain psychoactive substances like “magic mushrooms,” which can be used as therapeutic treatment for disorders such as PTSD, mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, and addiction disorders. 

“These plants have been shown to improve psychological health in patients whose conditions are extremely treatment-resistant or conventional means of therapeutic treatment has not been working,” said Ishag-Osman.

Ann Arbor passed a similar proposal in Sept. 2020 when its city council unanimously approved an ordinance to decriminalize a range of psychedelic substances some of which also include magic mushrooms, DMT and ayahuasca.

“I was surprised when it passed in Ann Arbor, but not surprised it passed in Detroit after already passing in Ann Arbor,” said Kai’wan Richardson, an Ann Arbor resident.

It’s very similar to the journey marijuana took on its path toward becoming legalized.

“This is on-brand for this type of movement that we’ve been seeing throughout the state of Michigan over the past year,” said Ishag-Osman. 

He said though residents have concerns about passing  Proposal E.

“Some risks present themselves with unrestricted use, without proper setting and preparation,” said Ishag-Osman, “If individuals take these substances without knowing what they are doing or without guided use they can have bad trips.”

Detroit resident Mycah Cooper said, “If the proposal will provide the benefits listed, I see no problem with Proposal E being passed.”

PowerPoint Slide Show about the potential impacts of Proposal E can be viewed here. 

Image of Detroit Bureau Research Associate Esmat Ishag-Osman who spoke at the Detroit City Council meeting Monday evening

Image of Detroit Bureau Research Associate Esmat Ishag-Osman who spoke at the Detroit City Council meeting Monday evening. Credits: Citizens Research Council

Image of Detroit Bureau Research Associate Esmat Ishag-Osman who spoke at the Detroit City Council meeting Monday evening

Now that Proposal E has been passed, it is now time for the Detroit law enforcement to figure out the decriminalization laws against entheogenic plants. 

This video from the meeting Nov. 1 is a clip of Esmat Ishag-Osman giving a final analysis of Proposal E.

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