145: How is Nature Against the Law? DECRIMINALIZE NATURE
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This week we chat with Larry from @Decriminalizenature. We chat about the specific laws around legalizing nature, animals getting high, and what are the real issues at hand?
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Animals and Psychedelics: The Natural World and the Instinct to Alter Consciousness: Samorini, Giorgio, Montgomery, Rob, Montgomery, Rob: 9780892819867: Amazon.com: Books
Decriminalizing Nature in Your Neighborhood
By KK, Host of the Flora Funga Podcast
What Does “Decriminalize Nature” Mean?
Decriminalize Nature (DN) is a grassroots movement aimed at removing criminal penalties for possessing, growing, and sharing natural entheogens like certain mushrooms, cacti, and plant brews. These substances, often used in spiritual and therapeutic contexts, are surprisingly illegal—while other potentially dangerous items (like toxic mushrooms) remain perfectly legal. The DN approach focuses on a simple concept: stop arresting people for nature.
Why Local Policy Matters
Instead of jumping into federal or state-level battles, DN works city by city. Local officials—like city council members—live in your community and are often more receptive to hearing about real-world benefits and personal stories. By showing them even modest public support, you can help pass measures that make growing or sharing these natural substances a lowest law enforcement priority—essentially freeing up police resources to focus on more pressing issues.
How to Get Started
Form a Core Team: Just three or four committed people can launch a powerful local effort.
Educate and Network: Host a small meetup or integration circle. Place flyers in coffee shops, farmer’s markets, and community boards to connect with like-minded supporters.
Contact City Council Members: Send emails explaining the importance of decriminalization. If they don’t reply, attend public comment sessions—two minutes of heartfelt testimony can make a real impact.
Highlight the Cost Savings: Cities save money by not spending police resources on petty possession arrests. Meanwhile, communities benefit from more compassionate and science-based approaches to natural substances.
A Recent Success Story
DN has supported successful campaigns in over 20 U.S. cities, including Olympia, Washington—where renowned mycologist Paul Stamets even spoke in favor. Such local wins create a domino effect, encouraging neighboring communities to reconsider their own restrictive laws on entheogens.
The “Grow-Gather-Gift” Model
A key reason DN stands apart is its focus on a grow-gather-gift framework rather than expensive commercialization. People can cultivate their own entheogens or share them within their community—no costly licenses or complicated regulations required. This empowers individuals while reducing arrests, stigmas, and profiteering.
Building Mental Wealth
On the podcast, we also explored Magic Mind—a botanical and mushroom-infused drink that offers calmer, more focused energy than typical caffeinated beverages. It’s a reminder that fungi and plants are already helping people’s health in mainstream ways, and that decriminalizing natural entheogens can open even more doors to healing.
Join the Movement
Decriminalizing nature is about human rights, wellness, and ecological respect. Visit Decriminalize Nature for guidance and monthly orientation sessions or listen to the Flora Funga Podcast for deeper insights into the growing world of plant and mushroom advocacy.
Remember: If poisonous fungi aren’t illegal, why should the healing ones be?
