DECRIMINALIZE NATURE
New York City
A local chapter of the Decriminalize Nature organization building community and transforming legislation in the New York City area.
Learn about our chapter, connect with us online and join our local movement!
Decriminalize Nature of New York, NY Welcomes You!
Decriminalize Nature NYC is a community-driven movement working to end the criminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi, naturally occurring medicines like psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline cacti, ayahuasca, and iboga.
Grounded in education and thoughtful advocacy, we believe New Yorkers deserve access to plants and fungi that humans have turned to for healing, spiritual connection, and personal growth across cultures and centuries.
A growing body of research points to their potential to support mental health, expand consciousness, and even encourage new connections in the brain, yet outdated laws keep these natural medicines out of reach or available only to those who can afford steep, regulated costs.
Through public education, community dialogue, and civic engagement with local leaders, our goal is to advance compassionate, science-informed policy that restores our relationship with nature and brings the benefits of these plant medicines back to the people of New York City.
OUR MISSION
Improve human health and well-being by decriminalizing and expanding access to entheogenic plants and fungi through political and community organizing, education and advocacy.
OUR VISION
To contribute to happier, healthier individuals and communities through the decriminalization of entheogenic plants, and through education about their traditions and practices.
OUR PURPOSE
To decriminalize entheogenic plants, restore our root connection to nature, and improve human health and well-being.
Why Decriminalize Entheogenic Plants?
Entheogenic plants have been used for centuries in spiritual, cultural, and healing practices across many societies. Decriminalizing them recognizes that criminal penalties for personal use often create more harm than the substances themselves by increasing incarceration, stigma, and barriers to mental health support.
Research into substances such as psilocybin and ayahuasca also suggests potential benefits for conditions like depression, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety when used responsibly and in supportive settings.
Decriminalization supports a public health approach that emphasizes education, harm reduction, personal freedom, cultural respect, and safe, informed use rather than criminal punishment. Decriminalizing these sacred plants and fungi allows communities to reconnect with their ancient uses, free from government and corporate control.
There are 4 main types of entheogenic plants and fungi, each with their own benefits and properties.
Take Action!
Volunteer
Decriminalize Nature NYC is powered by people who care, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers across the five boroughs to help grow this movement.
Whether you’re a storyteller, a strategist, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you here!
No matter your skills or experience level, your time and energy can help build a healthier, more compassionate New York.
We welcome you to join us!
We need volunteers in the following areas:
- Marketing
- Political Advocacy
- Community Outreach
- Research