University of Michigan Denies Permit for 5th Annual Entheofest

The University of Michigan has denied a permit for the upcoming 5th annual Entheofest, a festival celebrating psychedelic plants and fungi, traditionally held on the Central Campus Diag.

Organizers, including the Student Association for Psychedelic Studies (SAPS), are now considering alternative venues and legal options.

Emily Berriman, SAPS President and a graduate student in social work, expressed her disappointment, stating, "It's incredibly disheartening. We've worked diligently to abide by university policy and are willing to comply with their requirements, yet our permit was still denied under terms we believe are unjust."

The university cited concerns that the event promotes substances illegal under state and federal law, despite Ann Arbor's 2020 resolution decriminalizing entheogenic plants and fungi, making their enforcement the city's lowest law enforcement priority.

Entheofest, akin to the annual Hash Bash marijuana rally, focuses on educating the public about the therapeutic and scientific benefits of psychedelics.

Past events have featured keynote speakers like neuroscientist George Mashour, director of the Michigan Psychedelic Center, which was established in 2022 to advance research and education on psychedelics.

Organizers have filed an appeal against the permit denial and are awaiting the university's response.

They remain hopeful for a reversal but are prepared to relocate the event if necessary.

Jim Salame, another organizer, emphasized their commitment to the cause, stating, "We're still going to go and we're not going to stop. We just want them to support us."

Entheofest aims to be a peaceful assembly advocating for the recognition and decriminalization of plant medicines and natural substances.

Organizers have urged attendees to refrain from illegal activities during the event and have called on campus police to assist in maintaining order.

As the situation develops, the community awaits further decisions from the university regarding the festival's future on campus.