One of the most important things that you can do to help is to take direct action and write to your MSP.
Since 2005 the picking and preparation of Liberty Caps, our native magic mushroom has been illegal with repercussions for those caught with this native medicine.
While the situation is slowly changing there are things that you can do to help bring about this change.
Please write to your local MP asking them to educate themselves about #decriminnature and ask them to consider voting to change policy in favour of decriminalisation of our natural plants. We have provided a template below.
From
<Your name and address here>
<Date>
Dear <your MP’s name>
Current research on psychedelics demonstrates that natural plant medicines can bring relief and mental health well-being that no pharmaceutical can match. As you know, Scotland has one of the highest rates of substance abuse and accordingly high rates of treatment-resistant depression.
I demand that you make your policy position on psychedelics based on current data and research. Your policy choices must be based on current research and not outdated attitudes towards psychedelics.
My name is <your name> and I am one of your constituents. I am writing to you because I am concerned about the negative impacts of Scotland’s prohibition-based approach to psychedelics and our natural plant medicines and I would like to meet you to discuss this further.
Scotland has a dire track record for drug deaths and it is only worsening with our current policy. In Scotland drug-related deaths are at record levels, our prisons are in crisis and drugs are getting stronger. Scotland has one of the highest drug mortality rates in the world.
Psychedelics offer a safe alternative to conventional treatments and our communities need to know that they are not being criminalised for accessing our native, indigenous plants. I am particularly concerned that people in our constituency are having their lives negatively impacted by our current policy.
I am urging you, as my Member of Scottish Parliament, to meet with me to discuss what can be done about this pressing issue, so that we can find a better way to keep our communities safe.
Yours sincerely,
<Your name>
<Your email address>
Here is a link to the page with the names and offices of all Scottish MSP’s.