Sarah Brown
The legality of mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in so-called \magic mushrooms\, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. While the mushrooms themselves were not included in the convention, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition. For example, in the US, the commercial sale of psilocybin is illegal, but some states have decriminalized its use, while in Canada, activities with magic mushrooms are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms | Varies worldwide |
| Psilocybin and psilocin classification | Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances |
| Definition of Schedule I drugs | Drugs with a high potential for abuse or no recognized medical uses |
| Examples of national drug laws | UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act |
| Legality of spores | Legal to sell and possess in some jurisdictions |
| Legality of cultivation | Considered drug manufacture in most jurisdictions |
| US federal regulation | Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 |
| United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances | Requires members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict use to controlled medical and scientific research |
| Exceptions to UN Convention | Mushrooms containing psilocybin were not specifically included due to pressure from the Mexican government |
| Recent developments in the US | Colorado became the second state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms; other states are pursuing similar measures |
| Therapeutic use | No approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin in Canada or elsewhere as of 2024 |
| Research and advocacy | Research suggests psilocybin is non-addictive and causes fewer emergency visits than other illegal drugs; advocates argue decriminalization would benefit law enforcement resource allocation |
| Mushroom edibles | Products may contain undisclosed and potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients, including psilocybin and kratom |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in the US and Canada
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are considered illegal in the US and Canada. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. While the convention did not specifically include the mushrooms containing these drugs, most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms, including the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978 and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996. These laws prohibit the unauthorised activities associated with psilocybin mushrooms, such as sale, possession, and production, and often carry severe legal penalties.
In the US, the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 first subjected psilocybin and psilocin to federal regulation, with the intent to control the unlicensed possession, manufacture, or sale of hallucinogenic drugs. While there has been ambiguity about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, most US state courts consider the mushrooms a "container" of illicit drugs, making them illegal. Some jurisdictions, like California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. However, there are exceptions and ongoing changes to the legal landscape. For example, in 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, allowing the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. In 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, the Native American ceremonial use of peyote, a psychedelic substance, is protected under federal regulation in at least 28 states.
In Canada, magic mushrooms are illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Activities involving magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin, such as sale, possession, and production, are prohibited unless authorised by Health Canada. While most psychedelics are illegal in Canada based on their classifications under the CDSA, there have been recent moves towards expansion. In 2023, the province of Alberta announced it would allow the use of psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and other substances for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. This move aligns with increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms and psilocybin, with ongoing clinical trials showing promising results.
The legal status of magic mushrooms in the US and Canada is subject to ongoing change and evolution. While currently considered illegal in both countries, there is a growing recognition of their potential therapeutic benefits, influencing policy shifts and decriminalisation efforts in specific jurisdictions. These developments reflect a broader global trend towards the increased legalisation and decriminalisation of psychedelics as treatment usages expand and research progresses on their potential mental and physical health advantages.
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But some US cities have decriminalised them
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", are illegal under federal law in the United States. They are classified as a Schedule I drug, which means they have "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". Despite this, some US cities have taken steps to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms in recent years.
In May 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the United States to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms after a ballot initiative narrowly won with 50.6% of the vote. Following this, in September 2020, the City Council of Ann Arbor, Michigan, voted unanimously in favour of a resolution declaring the investigation or arrest of anyone for activities related to entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms, to be the city's lowest law enforcement priority.
In November 2020, the District of Columbia passed Initiative 81, also known as the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020. This initiative decriminalised psilocybin drugs, including magic mushrooms, making arrests for their possession or use the lowest priority for the DC police. This move was followed by Oregon in the same month, becoming the first state to decriminalise psilocybin and legalise its supervised non-medical use. However, much of Oregon's measure was repealed in 2024, effectively recriminalising the drug.
In 2022, Colorado reinforced its stance on the decriminalisation of psilocybin mushrooms with a medical-use measure, becoming the second US state to do so. This was followed by the issuance of the first sets of licenses for medical-assisted use in March 2025. Additionally, New Mexico's governor signed a bill into law in April 2025 to establish a therapeutic psilocybin program in the state.
While the trend towards decriminalisation is growing, it is important to note that the commercial sale of psilocybin remains illegal in the United States. However, advocates for decriminalisation argue that redirecting law enforcement's attention and resources away from policing private psychedelic usage will allow them to focus on higher-priority issues affecting the general public, such as violent crime.
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And Oregon and Colorado have state-regulated programs
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are illegal in most countries. Psilocybin and psilocin, the psychoactive ingredients in these mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means that they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. However, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government, and their legal status varies worldwide.
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first regulated at the federal level by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, and they remain illegal under federal law. However, individual states have the power to create their own drug laws, and a few have taken steps to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin mushrooms.
Oregon and Colorado are two such states that have implemented state-regulated programs for the use of psilocybin mushrooms. In Oregon, the use of psilocybin was legalized through a ballot measure known as Measure 109, which was approved by voters in November 2020. This measure allows for the creation of psilocybin service centers where anyone over the age of 21 can consume the mushrooms in a supervised setting with a state-certified facilitator present. The application process for becoming a service center or facilitator was slated to start in January 2023. While the use of psilocybin is legal in Oregon, the sale of the mushrooms is not permitted, and they must be consumed on-site at a service center. Despite the legalization, about a third of the state's counties and cities are proposing ballot measures to ban the substance within their communities.
Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms in 2022 when voters approved a ballot measure removing criminal penalties for possessing certain psychedelics. This measure does not legalize the sale or possession of psilocybin mushrooms, but it reduces the penalties for those found in possession of the substance.
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Magic mushrooms are not addictive and cause few emergency visits
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as \"magic mushrooms\", varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit psilocybin. However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms, with possession, sale, and use being illegal in most countries, including most states in the United States.
Despite their illegal status in many places, magic mushrooms are not considered addictive. While addiction risk is low, psychological dependence can still develop, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits. Regular use may lead to people becoming tolerant to the effects of psilocybin, and cross-tolerance occurs with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline. However, there is ongoing research into psilocybin's potential to help treat conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Magic mushrooms can cause a range of effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations can influence the experience. While the mushrooms are not considered addictive, users may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. These negative experiences are often referred to as a "bad trip". The risk of a bad trip may be higher if a person takes a higher dose of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before consuming it.
Although magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, they can still lead to emergency room visits in certain situations. Mushroom poisoning is a potential risk, with symptoms including muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. Most accidental mushroom ingestion results in minor gastrointestinal illness, but the most severe cases require immediate medical attention. Additionally, magic mushrooms can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, including car accidents and assaults.
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But they can cause hallucinations and distort your senses
Mushrooms that contain the compound psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," can indeed cause hallucinations and significantly distort your senses. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, and it has a profound impact on the human brain. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects. These effects can include visual, auditory, and even tactile hallucinations, as well as a distorted sense of time and perception.
The intensity of the hallucinations and sensory distortions can vary depending on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the dosage, and the individual's physiology and mental state. Some users report mild effects, such as enhanced colors and patterns, while others experience intense hallucinations that completely alter their perception of reality. It's important to recognize that these hallucinations can be unpredictable and may not always be pleasant. Negative experiences, often referred to as "bad trips," can occur and may involve intense fear, anxiety, paranoia, and a loss of control.
In addition to hallucinations, psilocybin mushrooms can also cause other sensory distortions. They can affect your sense of time, making it seem like time is slowing down or speeding up. They can also distort your sense of self, leading to feelings of ego dissolution, where the sense of self becomes blurred or nonexistent. Some users report synesthesia, where the stimulation of one sense leads to an automatic response in another sense, such as "hearing colors" or "seeing sounds."
It is crucial to approach these substances with knowledge and caution. While the hallucinogenic effects may be sought after by some for recreational or spiritual purposes, it's important to recognize the potential risks. Ingesting psilocybin mushrooms can impair judgment and decision-making abilities, which could lead to unsafe behavior or putting oneself in dangerous situations. Additionally, for individuals with underlying mental health conditions or a predisposition to certain psychiatric disorders, the use of psilocybin mushrooms could potentially exacerbate symptoms or trigger the onset of these conditions.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically last for several hours, but the impact on the brain may have longer-lasting consequences. Some research suggests that the use of psilocybin can lead to long-term changes in personality and cognition, including increased creativity, openness, and positive mood. However, more studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects, both positive and negative, that these mushrooms can have on the brain and mental health.
While the hallucinogenic and sensory-distorting effects of psilocybin mushrooms are well-documented, it's important to remember that not all mushrooms cause these effects. Only certain species of mushrooms contain psilocybin, and accurate identification is crucial to avoid accidental ingestion. Additionally, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies across jurisdictions, and it's essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding their possession and use.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are controlled substances under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. While the UN convention requires members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included. As a result, the legal status of magic mushrooms varies by country and even by state or city. For example, Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms, while California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogens that can distort your sense of reality and mix up your senses. They can make people feel happy and creative, and they may experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, it's important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person.
There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms. However, it is possible to build a tolerance to the drug's effects with regular use. Additionally, magic mushrooms sold on the street may be contaminated with other harmful substances, and there have been reports of serious harm associated with intravenous injection of mushrooms.
Edibles that claim to contain psychedelic mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular. However, these products may contain undisclosed and potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients, including psilocybin, kratom, and even prescription medications. The FDA has expressed concern about these products, and consumers are advised to use caution when considering purchasing or consuming them.
