The Latest on a Denver vote to decriminalize magic mushrooms (all times local):
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10:55 p.m.
An effort to decriminalize psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” appears to be losing in Denver.
The citizen-led initiative sought to make Denver the first U.S. city where use or possession of psilocybin by people 21 and older was the lowest law enforcement priority.
Unofficial results late Tuesday showed the no votes with a wide margin over the yes votes.
Psilocybin has been federally outlawed since the 1960s, when it was widely known as a recreational drug. The ban stymied medical research but small studies in recent years have found the substance had positive effects on anxiety and depression for cancer patients.
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Supporters of the Denver initiative say it’s wrong to jail an adult for using a substance they believe helps with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other conditions.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock opposes the initiative, along with District Attorney Beth McCann.
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11:15 p.m. Monday
Voters could make Denver the first U.S. city to decriminalize the use of psilocybin — the psychoactive substance in “magic mushrooms.”
A citizen initiative on the ballot Tuesday has followed the same tack taken by cannabis activists in Denver to decriminalize pot possession in 2005. The move was followed by statewide legalization in 2012.
Psilocybin campaign organizers said their only goal is to keep people out of jail for use or possession of the drug.
They have focused on people who believe psilocybin helps them cope with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other conditions.
Psilocybin has been outlawed in the U.S. since the 1960s, when it was widely seen as a recreational drug.
Researchers warn it should only be used under medical supervision and can spark paranoia and anxiety.
