Decriminalize Psychedelic Drugs

In New Zealand, possession, use, and social supply of psychedelic drugs carries the same penalty as drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Neither LSD, DMT, nor magic mushrooms are physically addictive, with no withdrawal symptoms and mellow comedowns. in addition to this, they're also nearly impossible to overdose on, and both (especially mushrooms) do not negatively impact physical health, provided they are taken correctly, in a controlled setting, and are pure LSD/mushrooms. People found in possession of LSD, magic mushrooms, or DMT are currently faced with up to an $1000 fine, or up to 6 months in prison.

Decriminalizing and providing education on psychedelics would not only be more appropriate, given the evidence of the nature of both drugs, but would also mean no charges for those found in possession of these drugs, who tend to be predominantly young, male, and Māori. . An overwhelming amount of evidence clearly shows that punishment and convictions for drug users don’t decrease drug use. In truth, New Zealand’s current drug laws are fuelled by stigma, marginalization and are focused on punishment rather than education and rehabilitation.

Sources:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/classic-psychedelics-arent-addictive
https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/policy-and-advocacy/drugs-and-criminal-justice/
https://thelevel.org.nz/drug-information/psilocybin-mushrooms/
https://thelevel.org.nz/drug-information/lsd/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306889#risks
https://www.vox.com/2015/7/24/9027363/acid-lsd-psychedelic-drugs