The yearly festival highlights the decriminalization of entheogens -- plants and fungi often referred to as psychedelics for their hallucinogenic effects -- kicks off at 1:11 p.m.

Elected officials and activists spoke from the steps of the Hatcher Graduate Library, addressing decriminalization, legislation, personal stories, healing and of the future.

On Sunday, Sept. 19, community members will gather on the University of Michigan Diag for the inaugural Entheofest, a festival highlighting psychedelic plants and fungi.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – City Council members voted unanimously this week to decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is a college town that prides itself in a more relaxed approach to drug enforcement. “They are non-addictive chemicals,” Ann Arbor City Council member Anne Bannister said. The Council voted 11-0, saying Ann Arbor police should stand down enforcing possession. In its resolution, the Ann Arbor City Council also asked the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to cease prosecution of those involved in entheogenic plant use.