STATISTICS
ABOUT ENTHEOGENS
Learn about the challenges and consequences we face with the criminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi, get insights to public opinion and the future direction of the movement to decriminalize them.
Overall, the criminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi not only contributes to legal and social inequities but also hampers research that could offer significant therapeutic benefits and insights into consciousness.
Decriminalization aims to address these issues by reducing legal consequences and increasing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, citizen science exploration and healing.
Incarceration & Legal Consequences
Drug Arrest Statistics: In the U.S., drug-related arrests have historically included substances like psilocybin mushrooms and peyote. For example, in 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported thousands of arrests related to controlled substances, including hallucinogens. While specific numbers for entheogenic substances aren’t always broken out separately, the broader trend shows that drug offenses can lead to significant legal consequences.
Impact on Communities: Studies have shown that drug arrests disproportionately affect marginalized communities. For instance, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has reported that Black individuals are more likely to be arrested for drug offenses than White individuals, despite similar rates of drug use. Decriminalizing entheogens could reduce these disparities by decreasing the number of people affected by the criminal justice system.
Cost of Incarceration: The U.S. spends approximately $80 billion annually on incarceration. Decriminalizing certain drugs could potentially reduce these costs. A 2021 report by the Drug Policy Alliance estimated that legalizing and regulating cannabis in several states has led to significant cost savings and reduced incarceration rates.
Research & Public Opinion
Clinical Trials: While research into the therapeutic benefits of entheogens has grown, and psilocybin has received FDA breakthrough status, the trials remain prohibitively expensive. Methodological flaws also complicate studying psychedelics. Yet, thousands share personal experiences of healing through these substances. In places like Australia, clinical treatments can cost over $17,000, despite the fact that these plants and mushrooms can be easily grown. By decriminalizing, we grant people affordable access to these natural medicines, free from cost barriers and cultural sanitization.
Public Opinion: Surveys have shown growing public support for the decriminalization and therapeutic use of entheogenic plants. According to the Rand report Considering Alternatives to Psychedelic Drug Prohibition over 8 million people had an experience with mushrooms with psilocybin in 2023. Over 36% (2.8 million) either shared them with friends or grew them themselves.
Potential Benefits of Research
Mental Health: Clinical trials have shown promising results for the therapeutic use of entheogens. For instance, a 2021 meta-analysis in “The Lancet Psychiatry” found that psilocybin could significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. If research were more accessible, it could lead to more effective treatments for mental health conditions affecting millions globally.
Quality of Life: Research has indicated that entheogens may improve quality of life for individuals suffering from conditions that are difficult to treat with conventional methods. For example, psilocybin has been shown to help individuals with terminal illness experience reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being.
Consciousness Research: There is still so much to learn about consciousness and entheogens open up new perspectives on the mind. Decriminalization allows first person experiences and citizen science to lead the way.
Barriers & Disparities
Research Hurdles: Federal regulations and stigma can limit research opportunities. The 2023 Global Drug Survey reported that despite increasing interest in psychedelic research, funding and regulatory barriers still pose significant challenges.
Access to Treatment: In jurisdictions where entheogens are criminalized, individuals may not have access to potentially life-changing treatments. For example, those with severe depression or PTSD might benefit from psilocybin therapy, but criminalization prevents access to these treatments.
Cost-prohibitive: Current legalization models in the US are faltering due to the high costs of regulation which are passed down to the client. In Oregon, the costs are stated to be on average $3,500-$5,000 for a single experience, despite the fact it is still a felony in Oregon to grow mushrooms or pick a mushroom out of the ground. It looks as if Colorado legalization measure will not be any more cost effective. Decriminalization provides self-agency to grow one’s own mushrooms and plants for a fraction of the cost.
Progress in the United States
Oakland, California: In June 2019, Oakland decriminalized the possession, cultivation, sharing, and use of entheogenic plants and fungi, including mushrooms with psilocybin, plant combinations similar to ayahuasca that contain DMT, cacti with mescaline, and plants with ibogaine.
Since 2019: Over 25 cities and counties have decriminalized entheogens through deprioritization and defunding. There are well over 70 active DN teams organizing and educating their community across the US.
Total affected by policy: City/county level decriminalize nature policy affects over 4.75 million people across the US: California (1,446,303); Michigan (1,029,894); Washington (849,547); Washington DC (686,995); Minnesota (423,250); Massachusetts (244,954) and Maine (69,307).
Support of elected officials: More than 130 city and county elected officials have voted in favor of decriminalizing entheogenic plants and fungi
International Policy
Canada: In August 2020, Health Canada granted exemptions to certain individuals for the therapeutic use of psilocybin. As of 2023, there are ongoing discussions about broader legal reforms. Dispensaries across Canada operate in a grey zone with occasional raids.
Jamaica: Psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Jamaica, where they are used in therapeutic and spiritual contexts. The country has seen a rise in psilocybin retreats and research.
Brazil: Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew containing DMT, is legal for religious and ceremonial use. Brazil has several indigenous and religious groups that incorporate ayahuasca in their practices.
Challenges & Future Directions
Risk Reduction: While decriminalization reduces legal risks, there are ongoing discussions about risk reduction and education to ensure safety and efficacy in personal, spiritual, and therapeutic contexts.
Research Barriers: Despite growing interest, research on entheogens often faces regulatory hurdles, including restrictions on funding and research protocols.
Cultivation for Sustainability: One way to reduce the impact on the endemic habitats is to decriminalize the cultivation of entheogenic plants and mushrooms. Decriminalizing cultivation also empowers the individual to grow their own entheogens and connect more deeply with Nature.
These statistics highlight a shift towards more progressive attitudes and policies regarding entheogenic plants and fungi, reflecting a growing recognition of their potential therapeutic benefits and spiritual significance.