Sarah Brown
As of November 2024, the use of psychedelic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, remains illegal in Massachusetts. However, the state has shown a relatively friendly stance towards the decriminalization of certain psychedelics, including psilocybin. As of 2021, three Massachusetts cities—Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton—have implemented measures to decriminalize psilocybin, making it the state with the most local-level psychedelic decriminalization laws at the time. In October 2024, a ballot question was put forward to voters in Massachusetts to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for use in licensed therapy centers. However, the measure was rejected, maintaining the illegal status of psychedelic mushrooms in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psilocybin status in Massachusetts | Illegal |
| Massachusetts stance on psilocybin | Relatively friendly |
| Number of cities in Massachusetts that have decriminalized psilocybin | 3 |
| Cities in Massachusetts that have decriminalized psilocybin | Somerville, Cambridge, Northampton |
| Status of psilocybin under federal law | Illegal |
| Status of psilocybin in Oregon | Legalized for supervised adult use |
| Status of psilocybin in Colorado | Medical-assisted use legalized |
| Number of states pursuing psychedelics reform legislation in 2023 | 11 |
| Status of psychedelics legalization in Massachusetts | Rejected by voters in November 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are currently illegal in Massachusetts
- Some cities in Massachusetts have decriminalized magic mushrooms
- There is support for the legalization of magic mushrooms in Massachusetts
- The state rejected a proposal to legalize magic mushrooms in 2024
- Massachusetts could become the third state to legalize magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are currently illegal in Massachusetts
In November 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a proposed law that would have legalized the possession and personal cultivation of certain naturally occurring psychedelics for individuals over the age of 21. This rejection maintained the illegal status of magic mushrooms in the state. However, it is important to note that three cities in Massachusetts, including Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton, have implemented measures to decriminalize certain psychedelics, including psilocybin. These cities have effectively reduced the priority of enforcing entheogen prohibition, making arrests for possession or use of magic mushrooms the least concerning for law enforcement.
The medical community in Massachusetts has expressed mixed opinions regarding the legalization of magic mushrooms. While some traditional medical professionals oppose the measure due to potential dangers, others acknowledge the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in treating conditions like depression, PTSD, and nicotine dependence. Additionally, the Massachusetts General Hospital has established the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics, recognizing the promising treatments that may increase the brain's capacity for positive change.
Despite the current illegality of magic mushrooms in Massachusetts, there is ongoing discussion and effort to decriminalize or legalize certain psychedelic substances in the state. The state's lawmakers and activists continue to explore the potential benefits and implications of making these substances more accessible for therapeutic purposes. It remains to be seen whether future legislation will succeed in altering the legal status of magic mushrooms in Massachusetts.
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Some cities in Massachusetts have decriminalized magic mushrooms
While psilocybin, the substance found in "magic mushrooms", is illegal in Massachusetts, the state has a relatively friendly stance on the hallucinogenic substance. As of 2021, three Massachusetts cities have implemented measures to decriminalize certain psychedelics, including psilocybin. These cities are Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton. This makes Massachusetts the state with the most local-level psychedelic decriminalization laws as of 2021.
The push for decriminalization is driven by advocates who cite research suggesting that psilocybin is non-addictive and causes a low number of emergency visits compared to other illegal drugs. They also emphasize the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating treatment-resistant depression, nicotine dependence, and other psychological issues.
The Massachusetts medical community has also shown support for psychedelics. Massachusetts General Hospital has established the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics, acknowledging the potential of psychedelic compounds in increasing the brain's capacity for change and improving symptoms, behavior, and functioning.
In 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a proposed law that would have legalized the possession, personal cultivation, and use of certain natural psychedelic substances, including magic mushrooms, for people over the age of 21. However, the ongoing efforts at the local level demonstrate a continued interest in decriminalization and reform in the state.
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There is support for the legalization of magic mushrooms in Massachusetts
While magic mushrooms are currently illegal in Massachusetts, there is a growing movement to legalize them for therapeutic, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. In February 2024, Massachusetts lawmakers approved a psilocybin bill to legalize the use of psychedelics for these purposes. The bill, H.3605, sponsored by Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga, would set up a licensing process for facilitators who would supervise the use of psilocybin and create a framework for independent training schools to instruct them. The bill would also allow individuals over the age of 18 to use psilocybin during facilitated sessions for therapeutic, spiritual, and medicinal reasons.
The push for legalization in Massachusetts is part of a larger trend in the United States towards decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics, including magic mushrooms. As of 2024, four municipalities in Massachusetts have decriminalized magic mushrooms: Cambridge, Northampton, Somerville, and Easthampton. Additionally, several other cities in the state, including Medford, Salem, Amherst, and Provincetown, have adopted resolutions to deprioritize arrests and prosecutions related to psychedelic plants and fungi.
The movement to legalize magic mushrooms in Massachusetts has support from various quarters. The medical community in the state has shown support for psychedelics, with Massachusetts General Hospital establishing the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics. The Center's website highlights the potential of psychedelic compounds like psilocybin in treating mental health issues and improving overall brain functioning.
Proponents of legalization also argue that magic mushrooms have a relatively low risk of harm compared to other substances. Additionally, there is a growing body of research supporting the medicinal benefits of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. This research has led to a shift in public perception, with an increasing number of people viewing magic mushrooms as a potential treatment option for mental health issues.
While there is support for legalization, there is also some opposition. In November 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a ballot measure that would have legalized the possession and personal cultivation of certain naturally occurring psychedelics for adults over the age of 21. However, the close vote, with 49% in favor and 51% opposed, indicates a relatively even split on the issue among Massachusetts residents.
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The state rejected a proposal to legalize magic mushrooms in 2024
In November 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a proposal to legalize the possession and personal cultivation of certain naturally occurring psychedelics for people over the age of 21. The proposal, known as Question 4, would have allowed individuals to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their homes and would have created a commission to regulate those substances.
The commission, known as the Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission, would have been responsible for setting rules around the licensing, training, and safety requirements for the use of psychedelics. A separate advisory board would have been established to make recommendations about regulation and taxation issues, while an excise tax of 15% on these substances would have been implemented.
Property owners would have been allowed to prohibit the use, cultivation, or sale of these substances on their premises. The proposal also specified that the use of psychedelics would remain illegal under federal law, with the current legislation not meant to create a commercial market. Instead, the proposal suggested that adults would be able to share the plants without financial gain, with a personal use limit of up to two grams.
Supporters of the proposal argued that the use of psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," has helped people deal with depression and other psychological issues. They also claimed that decriminalization would allow law enforcement to redirect their attention and limited resources from policing private psychedelic usage to higher priorities affecting the general public. Additionally, the medical community in Massachusetts has shown support for psychedelics, with the Massachusetts General Hospital establishing the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics.
However, there was also opposition to the proposal from traditional medical professionals, who argued that these substances can be dangerous to certain individuals. They asserted that the drugs need to be given under medical supervision and that those at risk for schizophrenia or psychosis could experience severe reactions to hallucinogens.
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Massachusetts could become the third state to legalize magic mushrooms
While magic mushrooms are illegal in Massachusetts, the state has shown a relatively friendly stance on the hallucinogenic substance. As of January 2024, four municipalities in Massachusetts have decriminalized magic mushrooms: Cambridge, Northampton, Somerville, and Easthampton. In November 2020, the City Council of Somerville, Massachusetts, voted unanimously to decriminalize the possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms and ibogaine. In February 2021, the City Council of Cambridge, Massachusetts, followed suit, and in March 2021, Northampton, Massachusetts, did the same.
In addition to these cities, several other Massachusetts communities have effectively decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms. This includes the city of Medford, which adopted a resolution to deprioritize arrests around psychedelic plants and fungi and urged county prosecutors to stop pursuing cases of possession, cultivation, or distribution of these substances. Medford is the eighth Massachusetts city to adopt such a policy, along with Salem, Somerville, Cambridge, Easthampton, Northampton, Amherst, and Provincetown.
On February 8, 2024, Massachusetts lawmakers approved a psilocybin bill to legalize the use of psilocybin for "therapeutic, spiritual, and medicinal purposes." The bill would allow individuals aged 18 and older to use psilocybin during facilitated sessions by a properly licensed psilocybin facilitator. Facilitators would need to be 21 or older, Massachusetts residents, high school graduates, and free of felonies for the past five years before applying for a license. They would be allowed to possess up to five grams of psilocybin under the proposal. The bill also sets a low licensing fee of $155, designed to combat the high costs of similar services in other states.
Despite these efforts, on November 15, 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a law that would have legalized the possession and personal cultivation of certain naturally occurring psychedelics for people over the age of 21. The law would have allowed individuals to grow and possess limited quantities of these substances in their homes and would have created a commission to regulate them. While this measure was rejected statewide, several communities in Massachusetts have already moved to effectively decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, demonstrating a growing trend towards acceptance and reform.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in "magic mushrooms", is illegal in Massachusetts. However, the state has a relatively friendly stance on the substance, and several cities have implemented measures to decriminalize it.
As of 2021, Somerville, Cambridge, and Northampton, Massachusetts, have decriminalized the possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms.
In 2023, Massachusetts lawmakers filed bills to make it lawful for adults to grow, ingest, and give away certain psychedelic plants and fungi. However, in November 2024, Massachusetts voters rejected a law that would have legalized the possession and personal cultivation of certain psychedelic substances, including magic mushrooms, for people over the age of 21.
