Michael Davis
In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal under federal law, and it is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. However, there has been a growing acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms, with an increasing number of states and cities pursuing decriminalization and legalization. In Massachusetts, several communities have already moved to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, and there have been efforts to decriminalize or legalize at the statewide level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of decriminalization of mushrooms in Massachusetts | As of November 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a law that would have legalized the use of psychedelic mushrooms for people over the age of 21. However, six communities in Massachusetts have decriminalized psilocybin-containing fungi, including Somerville, Cambridge, Northampton, Salem, and two others. |
| Level of decriminalization | In the communities that have decriminalized psilocybin, it is marked as the lowest priority for arrest and prosecution. |
| Support for decriminalization | There is support for the decriminalization of psilocybin in Massachusetts, including from lawmakers, advocates who praise its health potential, and the Massachusetts medical community. |
| Potential benefits of decriminalization | Decriminalization of psilocybin could allow for research into its therapeutic effects and potential to treat mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. |
| Potential concerns | High doses of psilocybin can cause anxiety and, rarely, psychosis. |
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What You'll Learn
- Six Massachusetts communities have decriminalized psilocybin-containing fungi
- Lawmakers are contemplating statewide decriminalization
- Therapeutic potential is advocated by supporters
- Medical psychedelics legalization will be decided by voters
- Psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance
Six Massachusetts communities have decriminalized psilocybin-containing fungi
In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal under federal law. Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug produced naturally by psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms". However, in recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms, with an increasing number of states and cities moving to decriminalize or legalize their use.
As of 2025, six communities in Massachusetts have joined the movement to decriminalize psilocybin-containing fungi, with Salem being the most recent addition after its City Council approved a measure to do so. Other cities in Massachusetts that have decriminalized psilocybin include Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton. In these cities, decriminalization means that law enforcement will make arrests and prosecutions for possession or use of psilocybin a low priority.
The movement to decriminalize psilocybin in Massachusetts is driven by advocates who praise the therapeutic potential of these substances in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. The Massachusetts medical community has also shown support for psychedelics, with Massachusetts General Hospital establishing the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics to explore the potential of psychedelic compounds in treating mental health disorders.
In addition to the local-level initiatives, there have also been efforts to decriminalize psilocybin at the statewide level in Massachusetts. In 2024, a ballot measure that would have legalized the possession and personal cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms for adults over the age of 21 was rejected by voters. However, the fact that this measure received significant support, with 13,073 signatures, indicates a shift in public opinion towards the acceptance of psilocybin for therapeutic use.
While the decriminalization of psilocybin-containing fungi in six Massachusetts communities is a significant step forward, it is important to note that the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal under federal law. However, with a growing number of states and cities adopting more progressive policies towards psilocybin, the legal landscape surrounding these substances may continue to evolve in the coming years.
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Lawmakers are contemplating statewide decriminalization
In the United States, psychedelic mushrooms are federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance with "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". The drug was banned under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. However, there has been a growing acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms in recent years, with an increasing number of states and cities moving to decriminalize psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in these mushrooms.
In Massachusetts, several communities have already effectively decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms, and lawmakers are now contemplating decriminalization at a statewide level. Six communities in Massachusetts have joined the movement, with Salem being the most recent after the City Council approved a measure to decriminalize psilocybin-containing fungi.
The Massachusetts House and Senate introduced bills for statewide decriminalization in January, and the state's medical community has shown support for psychedelics. Massachusetts General Hospital established the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics, which highlights the potential of psychedelic compounds like psilocybin in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
On November 5, 2024, Massachusetts voters decided against legalizing the use of psychedelic substances, including magic mushrooms, for adults over the age of 21. This decision rejected the proposal to allow individuals to grow and possess limited quantities of these substances in their homes and create a commission to regulate them. Despite this setback, the statewide discussion and contemplation around decriminalization continue, reflecting the evolving attitudes and efforts to address the ongoing mental health crisis.
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Therapeutic potential is advocated by supporters
In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms in the United States. As of 2025, two states and several cities have decriminalized psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in the mushrooms. Six communities in Massachusetts have joined this movement, with Salem being the most recent after its City Council approved a measure to decriminalize psilocybin-containing fungi.
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms is a key argument for decriminalization. Supporters advocate for their ability to treat mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD. Clinical investigations have shown promising results, highlighting the potential of mushrooms in therapeutic applications. For example, an extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill Kyowa, known for its antitumor properties, was used in a clinical trial of 100 patients with gynecological cancers. The treated group showed increased NK cell activity and a reduction in chemotherapy-related side effects.
Psilocybin has also been found to have important health benefits, exhibiting a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, antidepressive, and neuroprotective properties. In a small study of adults with major depression, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that two doses of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Half of the participants achieved remission during the four-week follow-up.
Additionally, an online survey of 300 people with Alcohol Use Disorder reported reduced alcohol consumption after taking psilocybin, adding to the growing evidence supporting psychedelic-assisted treatment for substance abuse. The potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin have also been recognized in Australia, where, as of July 2023, authorized psychiatrists can prescribe psilocybin-containing medicines to treat treatment-resistant depression.
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms is advocated by many, it is important to acknowledge the risks associated with their use. Psilocybin may worsen symptoms of certain conditions, such as personality disorders and schizophrenia. Additionally, individuals with physical health conditions like heart and liver disease may be more susceptible to negative side effects.
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Medical psychedelics legalization will be decided by voters
In the United States, psychedelic mushrooms are federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance with "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". The drug was banned under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. However, in recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms, with an increasing number of states and cities moving to decriminalize or legalize their use.
In Massachusetts, several communities have already effectively decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms, and the state has a relatively friendly stance on the hallucinogenic substance. On November 5, 2024, Massachusetts voters will decide whether to legalize medical psychedelics statewide. The ballot question, titled "Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances," was created by Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO), an organization advocating for access to mental health treatment through natural psychedelic medicine therapy.
The ballot question seeks to address the ongoing mental health crisis by legalizing the use of psychedelic substances for medical purposes. Supporters of the effort argue that psychedelic mushrooms have therapeutic effects that can be used to treat mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. They believe that these substances should be equitably legalized and made accessible for those who could benefit from their use.
However, it is important to note that the legalization of psychedelic substances is a complex issue. While some people advocate for their therapeutic potential, others raise concerns about the potential adverse effects, such as anxiety and the rare possibility of triggering psychosis. Additionally, the current legal classification of these substances can interfere with research efforts and hinder access for those seeking alternative treatments.
As the decision on legalizing medical psychedelics in Massachusetts rests with the voters, it remains to be seen whether the state will join the growing movement towards decriminalization and legalization of these substances. The outcome of the vote will have significant implications for the future of mental health treatment and the regulation of psychedelic substances in the state.
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Psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance
In the United States, psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". Schedule I drugs are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence. The classification of psilocybin as a Schedule I substance has significant implications for its legal status and accessibility.
While psilocybin has been decriminalized in some states and cities, it remains illegal under federal law. This means that even in places where it has been decriminalized, there are still restrictions on its use and possession. For example, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed Initiative 81, also known as the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which decriminalized psilocybin drugs, including magic mushrooms. Similarly, several cities in Massachusetts, including Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton, have voted to decriminalize the possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms.
The push for decriminalization of psilocybin in Massachusetts has been driven by advocates who praise its therapeutic potential in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. They argue that criminal penalties interfere with research and hinder people who are trying to heal themselves. As a result of these efforts, six communities in Massachusetts have joined the movement, with Salem being the most recent to decriminalize psilocybin-containing fungi.
However, it's important to note that the decriminalization of psilocybin does not mean that it is legal for recreational use. Instead, it typically means that law enforcement will not prioritize arrests for possession or personal use, and individuals may be able to access psilocybin for therapeutic purposes under certain conditions. In some cases, decriminalization efforts have also included initiatives to legalize the supervised adult use of psilocybin, as seen in Oregon and Colorado.
While there is a growing acceptance of psychedelic mushrooms and their potential benefits, it is essential to approach their use with caution. Even with decriminalization, there can be adverse effects, such as anxiety and, in rare cases, psychosis. Additionally, the dosage and setting can significantly impact the experience, and it may be disorienting if not approached responsibly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are not decriminalized in Massachusetts. However, several cities in Massachusetts have decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms, and there is a growing acceptance of these mushrooms in the state.
Decriminalization refers to something ceasing to be considered a crime or minimizing penalties for certain acts that are ordinarily criminal.
Many supporters of decriminalization say that mushrooms have therapeutic effects that could be used to treat mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
One concern is that psychedelic mushrooms can cause anxiety and, rarely, psychosis. However, the main concern is anxiety and panic attacks.
On November 5, 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a law that would have legalized the use of psychedelic substances, including magic mushrooms, for adults over the age of 21 under licensed supervision. However, several communities in Massachusetts have already effectively decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms.
