Denver votes against decriminalizing hallucinogenic mushrooms

Denver residents appear to have rejected a measure to decriminalize hallucinogenic mushrooms, according to unofficial results late Tuesday. Recent research suggests that the main ingredient in the mushrooms — known as psilocybin — could have beneficial medical uses, including for cancer patients suffering from depression and anxiety. A successful vote wouldn’t have completely legalized the use of these fungi: Using or possessing them would have been a low-priority offense for local law enforcement officials, and the city wouldn’t have been allowed to spend money to prosecute people for using the drugs. Despite the measure's apparent defeat, the proposition signals a slow shift in attitudes towards psilocybin: California voters last year voted on, and ultimately rejected, a similar ballot measure, but other states — including Iowa and Oregon — are looking to legalize the use of mushrooms for medical use.