The XL Film Fest in Chicago is a celebration of Black culture, bringing together artists, filmmakers, and enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and experience independent films, panels, and creative exchange.
It is more than just a celebration of cinema—it’s a space where culture, community, and conversation meet. This year’s festival brought together creators, leaders, and visionaries to share not only their work but also their perspectives on issues shaping our world today.
One of the most powerful conversations came from State Representative LaShawn Ford, who spoke about the movement to legalize psilocybin, commonly known as the “magic mushroom.” He highlighted its potential benefits for mental and physical health while addressing the deeper impact of prohibition on the Black community. For Ford, legalization isn’t just about policy—it’s about healing, justice, and opening new doors for wellness.
Mental Health and Medicinal Benefits
Rep. Ford centered his argument on the potential mental health benefits of psilocybin, emphasizing its healing properties . The State Rep highlighted how the substance could serve as a therapeutic tool for improving mental wellness, positioning it as a legitimate treatment option rather than simply a recreational drug.
Criminal Justice Reform Perspective
Beyond the health benefits, Ford addressed the criminal justice implications of current psilocybin laws. He pointed out that individuals caught in possession of psilocybin face Felony charges and potential jail time up to 3 years. THIS contributes to an already overburdened justice system for what he suggests should be treated as a health matter.
Cross-referencing with other substances, Ford noted that psilocybin finds itself in a similar “prohibition-type vicinity” as marijuana and alcohol have historically occupied. He specifically mentioned that while alcohol remains legal despite its known health risks, psilocybin faces criminalization despite its potential therapeutic value.
Audience Engagement and Personal Testimonies
The panel’s discussion resonated strongly with attendees, generating surprising levels of audience engagement. Several audience members openly shared their personal experiences with microdosing mushrooms, describing improvements in:
• Enhanced Psychological function
• Breathing and emotional regulation
• Enhanced psychological functioning
• Reduces Depression & Anxiety
• Pain Management
These firsthand accounts added a personal dimension to the policy discussion, putting into perspective the real-world experiences behind the legislative conversation.
Mental Health Advocacy
Ford’s appearance at the film festival spotlighted the growing intersection between entertainment, mental health awareness, and drug policy reform. The panel’s focus on how various substances can potentially heal rather than harm people reflects a broader shift in public discourse around mental health treatment options.
While Representative Ford did not provide specific timelines for potential Illinois legislation, his presence at the festival signals continued momentum in the movement toward The “Magic Mushroom” (psilocybin) decriminalization at the state level.
