All kidding aside, the recent move by the Somerville City Council to promote decriminalization of entheogenic plants as an aid in treating various disorders seems like a sure step in the right direction.

Use of these natural substances has been proven to help alleviate symptoms and effects of opioid abuse, depression, and suicidal tendencies. Studies have shown that patients who struggle with depression have reported tremendous relief from just a few treatments with these substances.

These plants and their effects have been held in the highest regard by cultures throughout the world for centuries, in some cases being adopted as an integral part of their spiritual and religious practices.

And yet, they have been relegated to the scrap heap of illicit drug designation by our own society and its laws. This could be considered to be due in part to the excesses of the drug culture that exploded in the 60’s and proliferated further through the 70’s and beyond.

In its attempts to stem the tide of rampant abuse of some clearly harmful substances, the relatively benign nature of natural plant based psychedelics were swept up in the wake of the government’s “war on drugs.” As a result, the true benefits of entheogenic plant use were unfairly suppressed and restricted.

Times have since changed, and a new awareness of the efficacy of these substances has emerged. Somerville, as a forward looking, open-minded community, is once again leading the way towards a more enlightened, better way of life.