Decriminalize Nature Nevada working to decriminalize & expand ACCESS

BY: SHWA LAYTART

As we move into the era of modern day psychedelic use, a grassroots movement to decriminalize mushrooms and other entheogenic plant medicines is being spearheaded by a local organization, Decriminalize Nature Nevada. Decriminalize Nature Nevada is working toward decriminalizing and expanding access to entheogenic plants and fungi (such as ayahuasca and psilocybin-producing mushrooms) through political and community organizing, education, and advocacy.

Their mission is to:

• Reform drug policy at local and state levels

• Educate on the health benefits of entheogens

• Reduce the stigma of mental health disorders

• Increase awareness of harm reduction services

• Respect freedom of choice for all adults

• Help pass laws based on science, not stigma

Decriminalize Nature Nevada is run by the Co-Founder of the national organization Decriminalize Nature, Larry Norris, and CoDirectors Jen Gullickson and James Garvey. I recently sat down with Co-director, Jen Gullickson to find out how things are going.

Shwa: So Jen, you’all have a pretty hefty mission, with lots of parts and projects, how’s everything coming together?

Jen: A hefty mission, indeed! So far, we've had a good push with educating the community on the movement and our push to decriminalize by speaking with council members and elected state officials. Education and mental health are a couple of subjects we focus on when it comes to entheogenic plants and fungi. We were all told "Drugs are bad" and now there are 16 cities throughout the US, including Washington D.C., that are now decriminalized and helping their constituents gain access to entheogenic plants and fungi.

Shwa: I noticed you have political help. Who are you working with on a State level?

Jen: Those in politics bringing the bill to the floor and showing support are Primary Sponsors Rochelle Nguyen, Fabian Doñate, Max Carter, and Elaine Marzola with now

Co-sponsors Ira Hansen, Dallas Harris, James Ohrenschall, and Jeff Stone.

Shwa: Can you break down Senate Bill 242 which is looking to revise provisions relating to certain controlled substances and what the status of that Bill is now?

Jen: This comment is hard because with amended language, they're planning to gut the decriminalization part of the bill and create a board for a study bill. It's been a hard hit to feel with the amount of effort put forth by DNNV to see them completely cut out decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms. Right now, it is a felony to possess any amount of mushrooms in Nevada. It was pointed out that last year thar law enforcement recovered 29 pounds in total. Decriminalization for Nevada, as the bill was written, allowed up to 4 ounces of access. That's 116 people with what would've been the decriminalized limit. Not a lot in total, but they feel the current penalties are something that is not a priority at this time. A majority of people understand that it does cost a lot to have to be evaluated to make a decision to eat something safer than children's Tylenol. Decriminalization would simply create an option for Nevadans, and we were heartbroken to hear they wanted to cut that piece of the bill out. Yes, we are concerned about the well-being of our neighbors, and we understand the state's concern with misuse and violence, so we find it best to continue to create awareness. We need to have these open-minded discussions about the plants they are aiming to research. There was a lot of misunderstanding on sizes of doses and so we are focused on looking at the bigger picture; Who do these plants help and how do we create safe access for them? What is best for the constituents?

Shwa: Can you tell me a little more about the Las Vegas Psychedelic Society (LVPS) Integration Circle?

Jen: Of course! Every Tuesday there's an integration circle hosted by the Las Vegas Psychedelic Society. You can find the info on Meet-up. The focus of LVPS is to work with the community to integrate their previous experiences mostly relating to, but not always, psychedelics within their walk of life. Sometimes in life, it is easier to overcome a past experience when we can relate to a similar experience that someone may feel called to share. The community is connecting emotionally and when we talk about our experiences in life and engage in personal growth, real healing happens. Walking alone is difficult, and for a lot of us in life sharing emotional events, especially ones associated with psychedelics, there's very limited safe spaces. Thankfully, societies like this exist and create a safe space for those seeking to integrate their experiences.

Shwa: You recently had a discussion on how to approach risk reduction. What are some of the other topics you’ve discussed and will continue to discuss?

Jen: The importance and impact of decriminalization. We want the community to be aware of what their leaders are writing for law, and how they can make sure their voices are heard. We would like to discuss the importance of the medicine at hand and the potential it has for our community. We want to continue to educate the community on safe approaches for themselves, working with legal options to explore their interest in engagement with working with plant medicine.

Shwa: How can people get involved?

Jen: They can do the most help by donating to the movement to keep our push going strong. They can donate via PayPal using email info@ decrimnaturenv.org. They can also be involved by staying aware of SB242 and what's on the bill, and by writing to their elected officials. They can also Follow us on Instagram to keep up with events we may be hosting or attending.

Decriminalize Nature Nevada envisions a happier, healthier Nevada where all citizens have access to plant and fungi medicine, as well as support services for those in need.

The future of psychedelic medicine starts now.