Student Association of Psychedelic Studies President, Emily Berriman, speaks at this year's annual psychedelic event. Photo credit: Entheofest

Psychedelics

Michigan court rules that Ann Arbor psychedelics festival must continue

Ann Arbor decriminalized psychedelic substances in 2020

Rowan Dunne

Published

2 days ago

The University of Michigan’s attempt to stop an annual psychedelics festival from taking place on its campus again was futile.

Last week, the president of the university’s Student Association of Psychedelic Studies (SAPS) stood before the Michigan Court of Claims to back a lawsuit brought against the school over its decision to deny a permit. An application for the fifth annual Entheofest was filed in July and rejected in August.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favour of the association and said the controversial convention must be allowed to continue on First Amendment grounds.

“ENTHEOFEST IS ON!!!” said SAPS President Emily Berriman and Entheofest organizers on Instagram Sept. 18. “Justice is served! Let this set a precedent for free speech on and off The Diag.”

The event has been held annually since the city of Ann Arbor decriminalized psychedelic substances in 2020. It aims to promote the mental and physical health effects of psilocybin mushrooms, cannabis, and psychoactive plants like iboga, ayahuasca and the San Pedro cactus. Many who consume these entheogens report improved well being as a result.

Despite this aim, the event had no intention of attracting people aiming to make money from selling magic mushrooms or other products that remain illegal under state law.

“They can’t stop Entheofest!” said state Senator Jeff Irwin in a speech at The Diag outdoor event venue on Sept. 21.

The Democrat politician explained how he believes entheogenic substances have had cultural and religious value for thousands of years.

“The university can’t stop Entheofest, the cops can’t stop Entheofest,” he added, “this event is going to continue to go on until we win freedom for ourselves and for our neighbours who want access to plant medicines to improve their lives.”

A crowd of approximately 100 people were in attendance at the University of Michigan’s campus this year despite less than optimal weather conditions and short notice that the event had been authorized to proceed.

Their formerly arranged keynote speaker, neurobiologist and convicted LSD chemist William Leonard Pickard, was not able to make it because organizers had to cancel his flight and accommodations weeks prior.