logo

Did the Minneapolis mayor order police to not enforce laws against psychedelics?

By Alberto Gomez
NO

Mayor Frey signed an executive order on July 21 lowering the priority that psychedelics have for law enforcement. The city states that “many other higher priorities,” such as addressing violent crime and opioid use, take precedent.

The executive order will place use, possession, cultivation and distribution of entheogenic products at the lowest priority level, effectively encouraging officers to not use the products in investigation or justification for arrest.

The order does not apply to enforcement of laws barring the commercial sale and manufacturing of psychedelics, their possession or distribution on school grounds, and their use while operating a vehicle, possessing a firearm or instigating public disturbance.

The U.S. already protects some use of entheogenic practices under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.
 

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
MinnPost is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces thoughtful, in-depth journalism about civic and cultural affairs impacting Minnesota. Through our reporting, we take readers beyond the headlines and deep into the issues that matter through our public-service journalism, empowering them to engage in the politics and policy-making shaping Minnesota’s future.
FACT BRIEF BY
facebook
twitter
email
email