The Psychedelic Constituency
My friend and colleague Steve Bloom invited me to write a piece for Freedom Leaf magazine about what happened in Denver. Here is On Decriminalizing Magic Mushrooms: The Psychedelic Constituency and Its Challenges.
Denver Board of Elections screenshot of the final vote tallies for Initiated Ordinance 301, May 8, 2019
Washington Post coverage of the Denver initiative on the eve of the election
In the last few hours before we would know what would happen….
Changing the Psychedelic Political Narrative at the Local Level: Denver 2019
Bia Labate invited me to comment on the Denver mushroom decriminalization initiative.
When Destiny calls, don’t send it to voicemail
A helpful analysis of the Decriminalize Denver campaign in Westword. It’s an honor to be part of this part of the history.
Hurricane Mary Jane: Cannabis Legalization and New York City Politics
In January 2019, before anyone could know that cannabis legalization in New York would crash and burn – notwithstanding control of both houses of the legislature by the Democrats – Crain’s New York Business published my opinion piece projecting political challenges to successful cannabis legalization in New York City.
New York legalization update: the Governor launches a series of “listening sessions” around the state for public input and what New York City can do about it
On August 30 New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office made a major announcement: the Governor will hold fifteen “listening sessions” on cannabis legalization at locations around the state in September and October. Those sessions are now underway. The Governor’s press release states: The purpose of these sessions is to garner input from community members… Read More New York legalization update: the Governor launches a series of “listening sessions” around the state for public input and what New York City can do about it
A new front opens up: psychoactive mushroom decriminalization in Denver
I’m pleased to announce that two psychoactive mushroom decriminalization initiatives were filed on Monday (Rosh Hashanah, wouldn’t you know) with the Denver City Council. (See articles in Westword and The Rooster.) Of course this development is a big deal. (Note that I’m biased, having worked with the initiative organizer, Kevin Matthews, on the text for… Read More A new front opens up: psychoactive mushroom decriminalization in Denver
New York moves much much much closer to cannabis legalization
Today New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office made a major announcement: the Governor has appointed a “working group” under the direction of Chief Counsel Alphonso David that will draft legalization legislation. The working group will consist of: David Holtgrave, PhD, Dean, School of Public Health, University at Albany R. Lorraine Collins, PhD, Associate Dean for Research, University at… Read More New York moves much much much closer to cannabis legalization
Interview at Psychedelic Salon
My conversation with Lex Pelger is now available at Psychedelic Salon. Thoughts/comments/questions are welcome.
