Jackson City Council Votes on Plant Medicine Decriminalization December 16th — Community Support Needed
After months of dedicated grassroots advocacy, Jackson's City Council will vote on a resolution to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi on Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30 PM. If passed, Jackson would become the sixth Michigan city to embrace this reform—a meaningful step forward for a community that advocates describe as "in need of healing."
What the resolution means
The resolution would make the investigation and arrest of individuals for the personal use, possession, and cultivation of entheogenic plants and fungi the lowest law enforcement priority for Jackson police. This includes psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, mescaline-containing cacti, and iboga.
It's important to understand what decriminalization is—and what it isn't. This is not legalization. Commercial sales would remain prohibited. Instead, decriminalization means that adults who use these substances for personal healing, spiritual practice, or wellness would no longer face the threat of arrest or prosecution. The greatest risk to most people who use entheogens responsibly has always been the legal system itself, and this resolution addresses that directly.
Jackson joins a growing Michigan movement
Michigan has emerged as a national leader in local psychedelic reform. If Jackson's resolution passes, the city joins an expanding list of Michigan communities that have recognized the therapeutic potential of these natural medicines:
- Ann Arbor (September 2020) — Unanimous city council vote, sparking the statewide movement
- Detroit (November 2021) — Proposal E passed with 61% voter approval
- Hazel Park (March 2022) — Unanimous council resolution
- Ferndale (February 2023) — Unanimous council resolution
- Ypsilanti (January 2024) — Unanimous 6-0 vote
The pattern is clear: when these resolutions come up for a vote, they pass—often unanimously. But they only reach that point when communities show up and demonstrate support.
Why this matters for Jackson
Residents of Ann Arbor, Detroit, and other decriminalized cities can access plant medicines for personal healing without fear of having their lives upended by the legal system. Jackson residents deserve the same freedom.
Research from institutions like Johns Hopkins, NYU, and UCLA continues to demonstrate psilocybin's remarkable potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life distress. Yet under current law, Jackson residents who seek out these evidence-based alternatives risk criminal penalties—while residents just miles away in Washtenaw County do not.
Decriminalization is about equity, access, and the fundamental right to explore safe, natural options for healing and personal growth.
How you can help
Your presence at Tuesday's meeting sends a powerful message to the City Council. You don't need to prepare remarks or be an expert—simply showing up in support demonstrates that this issue matters to the community.
If you'd like to speak, you can sign up when you arrive. Speakers have three minutes and must state their name and address at the beginning. But speaking is entirely optional. Being there is what counts.
Meeting details
📅 Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30 PM
📍 Jackson City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers 161 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201
Can't attend in person?
Residents can watch the meeting live on Comcast Cable Channel 21, the City of Jackson website, or the City's YouTube page (link below).
This is how change happens
Every Michigan city that has passed decriminalization started with community members showing up, speaking out, and demonstrating that this issue matters. Jackson's advocates have attended council meetings throughout 2025, building momentum for this moment.
Now it's time for a vote. Be there.