Embracing Reality: Scores Rally Behind Psychedelic Mushrooms at Oakland Wellness Summit

Source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/church-of-ambrosia-magic-mushroom-19372526.php

Hundreds of advocates of psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, gathered at Oakland's Kaiser Convention Center for the fourth annual "Spirituality and Beyond" conference, hosted by the Church of Ambrosia. The conference aimed to rally support for the legalization of magic mushrooms for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, as well as for their cultivation and sale.

Founded in 2019, the Church of Ambrosia is an interfaith organization advocating for the use and legalization of cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms. Dave Hodges, the founder of the church and a key figure in the push for legalization, emphasized the importance of access to psilocybin for individuals seeking spiritual and therapeutic experiences, envisioning a world where such access is facilitated through discussions with healthcare professionals.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2Jo-wu58Qg

While a legalization measure for magic mushrooms was initially pursued for the 2024 ballot, organizers shifted their focus to the 2026 election, aiming to garner more support and funding. The proposed initiative would legalize private use and cultivation of magic mushrooms and establish a statewide framework for their sale, with provisions allowing local jurisdictions to regulate sales through voter approval.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation in the past year that would have decriminalized magic mushrooms for personal use, expressing concerns about the lack of therapeutic guardrails. In response, Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB1012, a more limited proposal allowing supervised therapeutic use of psychedelics, which is set for its first committee hearing in April.

Despite the setbacks, advocates at the conference emphasized the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating mental health issues and chronic illnesses. Testimonials shared at the event highlighted success stories of individuals overcoming addiction, depression, and physical ailments through psychedelic therapy.

The Church of Ambrosia, which boasts a membership of 106,000 individuals who pay a monthly fee for access to sacraments, operates in Oakland and San Francisco. While psilocybin remains technically illegal in these cities, law enforcement has been directed to prioritize other offenses, reflecting a de facto decriminalization approach.

Source: https://ambrosia.church/

The conference, adorned with mushroom-themed attire and artwork, featured panels discussing dosage, policy, and research related to psilocybin. Attendees engaged in conversations about the spiritual and therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, with Hodges cautioning against frequent high-dose usage and emphasizing the importance of responsible and intentional psychedelic experiences.

As the conference concluded, attendees left with a deeper understanding of the potential of magic mushrooms in promoting mental well-being and spiritual growth, echoing the sentiment that the time for the legalization and normalization of psychedelics has come.

Sources: Ricardo Cano, “No hallucination: Hundreds back magic mushrooms at Oakland psychedelic wellness conference, San Fransico Chronicle , 03/30/2024, https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/church-of-ambrosia-magic-mushroom-19372526.php, Accessed  04/01/24.