Jackson Council urged to reject ethnogenic drug decriminalization amid legal concerns

The Jackson City Council meeting on April 29, 2025, focused on the contentious issue of decriminalizing ethnogenic substances, including psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline. The discussion highlighted significant legal and practical concerns surrounding the potential policy change.

During the meeting, several speakers expressed their opposition to decriminalization, citing the federal classification of these substances as Schedule I drugs, which indicates they have no accepted medical use and are illegal under both federal and state law. Gina Hastings, a resident, urged the council to vote against any proposals for decriminalization, referencing the recent decision by the East Lansing City Council to reject a similar resolution. Hastings emphasized that such a move could create legal liabilities for the city and confuse law enforcement, as local police would be directed to deprioritize enforcement of laws that are still in effect at the state and federal levels.

Concerns were echoed by Jackson's city attorney, who warned that decriminalization could lead to inconsistent enforcement and potential lawsuits against the city. Mayor Ron Bacon supported this viewpoint, describing the proposal as performative and likely to create a legal gray area that would undermine the rule of law.

Councilwoman Lisa Babcock also raised alarms about the risks of misleading residents into believing that psilocybin is legal, which could result in unintended legal consequences if state or federal authorities intervene. The consensus among council members and speakers was that any changes to the legal status of psilocybin and similar substances should occur at the state or federal level to ensure clarity and public safety.

In conclusion, the Jackson City Council appears poised to follow East Lansing's example by rejecting any proposals for the decriminalization of ethnogenic substances, prioritizing legal consistency and community safety in their decision-making process.