Emily Johnson
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms, allowing anyone over the age of 21 to legally possess, consume, and cultivate psilocybin mushrooms. However, it is important to note that the decriminalization of mushrooms in Colorado does not equate to legalization, and selling or distributing them remains illegal. This has led to the emergence of a `gray market, with entrepreneurs offering guided experiences and other mushroom-related services in mostly legal arrangements. As the state prepares to launch a regulated psychedelics industry, the future of mushroom legalization in Colorado remains a topic of interest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Decriminalized, not legalized |
| Possession | Legal for individuals over 21 |
| Consumption | Legal for individuals over 21 |
| Sharing | Legal for individuals over 21 |
| Growing | Legal for individuals over 21 on a 12x12 foot area of private property |
| Sale | Illegal |
| Federal land | Possession is illegal |
| Municipal variations | Local governments can enforce stricter rules, e.g., Colorado Springs does not allow possession within city limits |
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What You'll Learn
- Possession and use of mushrooms are decriminalized in Colorado for adults over 21
- Cultivating mushrooms for personal use is allowed, but commercial growing and distribution are prohibited
- Selling or distributing mushrooms is illegal, but individuals can share them freely
- Mushrooms remain illegal at the federal level, and possession on federal property can lead to federal charges
- Local governments can enforce stricter rules, and some cities have expressed resistance to possession within their limits
Possession and use of mushrooms are decriminalized in Colorado for adults over 21
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms by passing Proposition 122, a citizen-driven initiative aimed at addressing mental health challenges with natural, alternative treatments. This proposition removed criminal penalties related to the cultivation, possession, and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms and three other psychedelic substances, with some limits.
With the passing of Proposition 122, adults over 21 in Colorado are now legally allowed to possess, consume, and share psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms. They can also cultivate these mushrooms for personal use within a 12x12 foot area on their private property, as long as people under 21 are kept away from them. However, it is important to note that commercial growing and distribution are still prohibited and remain felony offenses in the state.
While possession and use have been decriminalized, the sale of psilocybin mushrooms is still illegal in Colorado. It is a felony offense to buy or sell these mushrooms, and there are harsh penalties for doing so. Additionally, possessing or using magic mushrooms remains a federal crime, as they are classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
The decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Colorado has led to the emergence of a "gray market", with entrepreneurs offering guided psychedelic experiences, microdosing advice, and supplies in mostly legal arrangements. However, the state is preparing to launch a highly regulated psychedelics industry, with plans to accept licensing applications for "healing centers" where consumers can pay for supervised psilocybin experiences.
It is important to be aware of local jurisdiction regulations related to the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms, as municipal variances exist. For example, Colorado Springs has expressed resistance to allowing possession within its city limits.
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Cultivating mushrooms for personal use is allowed, but commercial growing and distribution are prohibited
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms, with the passing of Proposition 122. This citizen-driven initiative aims to address mental health challenges with natural, alternative treatments.
Proposition 122 permits individuals over the age of 21 to cultivate mushrooms for personal use. However, it is important to note that commercial growing and distribution are still prohibited and remain felony offenses in the state. While adults can legally possess, grow, and use psilocybin mushrooms, buying or selling them is illegal.
Under Colorado's new legislation, individuals can grow mushrooms within a 12-by-12-foot area on private property. It is crucial to keep people under the age of 21 away from these mushrooms and the area where they are grown. Possession or consumption by those under 21 is illegal.
The decriminalization of mushrooms in Colorado has resulted in a "gray market," with entrepreneurs offering guided psychedelic experiences, advice, and supplies. However, the state is preparing to launch a highly regulated psychedelics industry, with licensed "healing centers" where consumers can pay for supervised psilocybin experiences. While the sale of mushrooms remains illegal, individuals can sell "bona fide" services related to harm reduction or support, and they can share the drugs with clients free of charge.
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Selling or distributing mushrooms is illegal, but individuals can share them freely
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms by passing Proposition 122. This allows individuals over the age of 21 to possess, use, and share psilocybin mushrooms, but not to sell or distribute them.
Proposition 122 removed criminal penalties related to the cultivation, possession, and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms and three other psychedelic substances: psilocin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, and mescaline. However, it is important to note that the initiative only decriminalized, not legalized, these substances. While individuals can grow and share these drugs freely, it is still illegal to sell or distribute them. This includes commercial growing and distribution, which remain felony offenses in the state of Colorado.
The state has also begun issuing licenses for providing psychedelic mushrooms, with the first licenses being granted in early 2025. These licenses allow for the sale of "bona fide" services related to the use of psychedelic drugs, such as "harm reduction" or "support." However, it is important to note that these service providers cannot advertise their services or openly display or consume psilocybin mushrooms.
While the decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms in Colorado has allowed for a "'gray market' to crop up, with entrepreneurs offering guided experiences and other mushroom-related products, the state is preparing for the launch of a highly regulated psychedelics industry. This includes the development of "'healing centers' where consumers can pay for supervised psilocybin experiences. However, there are concerns about the potential for a sprawling, unregulated market, especially given the ease of growing and sharing mushrooms.
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Mushrooms remain illegal at the federal level, and possession on federal property can lead to federal charges
In November 2022, Colorado became the first state in America to decriminalize the recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms. This came about through Proposition 122, a citizen-driven initiative aimed at addressing mental health challenges with natural, alternative treatments.
While this was a major step forward, it's important to note that mushrooms remain illegal at the federal level, and possession on federal property can lead to federal charges. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that even with the changes in Colorado law, individuals could still face consequences from federal law enforcement for using or possessing psilocybin mushrooms.
The decriminalization of mushrooms in Colorado has resulted in a "gray market", with entrepreneurs offering guided psychedelic experiences, microdosing advice, and supplies. However, the state is preparing to launch a highly regulated psychedelics industry, with licenses being issued for providing psychedelic mushrooms in controlled settings.
While adults over the age of 21 in Colorado can legally possess, cultivate, and consume psilocybin mushrooms, buying or selling them is still a felony offense. The state has not set specific quantity limits, but possessing more than 14 grams may suggest intent to sell rather than personal use.
As the situation stands, individuals in Colorado must be aware of the specific regulations related to mushroom possession and use to avoid potential criminal charges, especially on federal property.
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Local governments can enforce stricter rules, and some cities have expressed resistance to possession within their limits
While Colorado has decriminalized the possession and use of magic mushrooms, local governments retain the authority to enforce stricter rules. For instance, Colorado Springs has expressed resistance to allowing possession within city limits. Local authorities have also stated that it is illegal to take money in exchange for mushrooms, even if it is framed as a "donation".
Colorado's new legislation does not permit the retail sale of mushrooms and other drugs. However, a gray market has emerged, with entrepreneurs offering guided psychedelic experiences, "microdosing" advice, and supplies in mostly legal arrangements. These businesses may face challenges as the state plans to launch a more strictly regulated mushroom industry.
It is important to note that the legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies across different states in the US. While Colorado has taken steps towards decriminalization, the federal government still classifies psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that possessing or using magic mushrooms remains a federal crime.
As a result, individuals planning to grow or use magic mushrooms in Colorado need to be aware of the specific regulations in their jurisdiction to protect themselves from potential criminal charges. The laws surrounding psychedelic mushrooms in Colorado are still evolving, and it is crucial to stay informed about any updates or changes to ensure compliance with local and federal laws.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they are not illegal, but they are decriminalized. This means that while it is legal to possess, consume, and share mushrooms, it is not legal to sell them.
Only individuals over the age of 21 can legally possess, consume, and share mushrooms.
No, there is no legal limit to the number of mushrooms one can possess. However, it is advised that you proceed with caution with quantities over 14 grams as this could suggest an intent to sell.
As of 2025, there are no legal dispensaries for mushrooms in Colorado. However, the state plans to launch a regulated mushroom industry soon, with licensed "healing centers" where consumers can pay for supervised psilocybin experiences.
