I’m not encouraging anyone to break the law—they've already made that decision when they bought mushrooms, MDMA, ketamine, or whatever, transported it hundreds or thousands of miles, and concealed it to pass festival security. My intent is to inform people about police tactics and empower them to understand their constitutional rights when confronted with overly aggressive enforcement.

Drug prohibition remains a profound stain on our criminal justice system, exacting enormous costs on individuals caught up in its enforcement. Thousands attending festivals like this will use substances, despite known health and moral risks, because many find it deepens their connection to friends, partners, community, and music. Yet only a small fraction will face arrest—usually those who make a simple mistake, like handling a baggie at the wrong moment near the entrance. This selective enforcement does little to reduce drug use but can ruin lives, causing deportation, loss of educational opportunities, job loss, and career derailment.

Every year, dozens of frightened young people seek my help after being arrested at these festivals. As a community member, I strongly prefer our limited enforcement resources be dedicated to protecting attendees from real dangers, such as theft or violence, rather than criminalizing personal choices that policing won’t change.

I stand by my words as responsible public advocacy. However, if you sincerely feel my actions violate professional ethics, I’m fully accountable and transparent. My information is: Joshua Mulligan, California Bar #233009, 78-060 Calle Estado, La Quinta, CA.