Emily Johnson
In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin, the psychedelic drug produced naturally by magic mushrooms, is federally illegal. However, there is a growing movement in the US to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its therapeutic use. In 2024, Missouri lawmakers approved a bill to legalize psilocybin therapy for military veterans over the age of 21, making it one of the many states pursuing psychedelics reform legislation. While the bill text has not yet been published, it is expected to lift penalties for veterans, most adults, and people with qualifying conditions who use, produce, possess, transfer, or administer psilocybin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of the bill to legalize psilocybin therapy for veterans | Approved by the Missouri House Committee |
| Requirements for patients to receive psilocybin therapy | Provide the state Department of Mental Health (DMH) with information about their diagnosis, the person administering psilocybin, and details of the place and time of treatment sessions |
| Maximum duration of psilocybin therapy | One year, with the option for subsequent one-year periods |
| Maximum amount of psilocybin used in treatment | 150 milligrams |
| Protection from legal consequences | Regulators, physicians, and state agency officials involved in the legalized activity are protected |
| Funding for research | DMH to provide funding to support research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin |
| Expansion of the state's Right to Try statute | Allow individuals with life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions to access experimental controlled substances |
| Commercial sale of psilocybin | Illegal |
| Status of psilocybin under federal law | Illegal, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance |
| States with similar measures | Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, Vermont, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, New York, Indiana, California, Massachusetts |
| Missouri's stance on drug crimes | Takes drug use very seriously with harsh penalties and prison sentences |
Explore related products
$23.2 $24.95
What You'll Learn
Psilocybin therapy for veterans
In March 2024, Missouri lawmakers approved a bill to legalize psilocybin therapy for veterans. The bill allows military veterans aged 21 and over, who are diagnosed with a qualifying condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance use disorder, to legally access laboratory-tested psilocybin. Psilocybin therapy has been studied for its potential to treat various conditions, including depression, addiction, and end-of-life distress.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has gained attention as a potential treatment for veterans, especially those struggling with mental health issues and facing death. Organizations such as We Honor Veterans provide resources and information on psychedelic-assisted therapy for hospice workers and those caring for veterans. The University of Pennsylvania also offers trainings that cover psychedelics research and therapy, including a free course on how psychedelic therapy can benefit veteran health.
The use of psychedelics in therapy is being explored as an alternative treatment for veterans with PTSD, as traditional treatments have low completion and improvement rates. An FDA-approved trial using MDMA (ecstasy) has shown promising results for veterans with PTSD. The Heroic Hearts Project is another initiative advocating for psychedelic options to be made available to veterans, highlighting the benefits of community and connection in the healing process.
While Missouri has taken steps towards legalizing psilocybin therapy for veterans, the state has strict drug laws with harsh penalties for possession, delivery, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances. The state categorizes drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical purpose. As the conversation around psychedelic-assisted therapy evolves, it is important for veterans and their caregivers to stay informed about the latest research, legislative changes, and available resources.
Gummy Mushrooms: Do They Work?
You may want to see also
Psilocybin possession, use, and distribution
Psilocybin, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", is a psychedelic drug naturally produced by psilocybin mushrooms. In the United States, it is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". The possession, use, and distribution of psilocybin are currently illegal under federal law, and it was banned by the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.
However, there have been recent developments in Missouri that indicate a potential shift in the legal status of psilocybin. In March 2024, a Missouri House committee unanimously approved a bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans and fund studies exploring its therapeutic potential. This legislation, known as the House measure, would allow veterans aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with qualifying conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance use disorders to legally access laboratory-tested psilocybin. To receive legal protection under this bill, participants would need to enrol or seek enrolment in a study involving the psychedelic. The Senate version of the bill, known as the Senate companion version, has also progressed through the legislative process.
In addition to Missouri, several other states are pursuing reforms related to psilocybin and psychedelic substances. For example, lawmakers in Alaska, Hawaii, New York, Indiana, and California are considering or have approved bills related to the legalization or decriminalization of psilocybin-assisted therapy, the creation of psychedelic service centres, and the funding of clinical research trials. Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use in 2020, although much of this measure was repealed in 2024. Colorado followed with a similar measure in 2022, and in 2025, it issued the first sets of licenses for medical-assisted use of psilocybin.
While the trend towards decriminalization and legalization of psilocybin is growing, it is important to note that the commercial sale of psilocybin is still illegal in the United States. The possession, use, and distribution of psilocybin remain prohibited under federal law, and Missouri's proposed legislation specifically targets its use for therapeutic purposes by military veterans. As of March 2025, Missouri has not yet passed a law legalizing or decriminalizing psilocybin for general use, and the current legal framework in the state treats drug-related offences, including possession, delivery, distribution, and trafficking, very seriously.
Mushrooms: Living or Nonliving?
You may want to see also
Drug laws in Missouri
Missouri has stringent drug laws that address the illegal possession, sale, and distribution of controlled substances within the state. The state has passed laws regarding the possession, delivery, distribution, and trafficking of any controlled substances. Missouri categorises drug offences into misdemeanours and felonies.
Possession
Possession of any controlled substance in any amount that has not been prescribed by a medical professional is classified as a Class D felony, carrying a potential maximum sentence of seven years. For marijuana, in particular, possession of greater than 35 grams carries this penalty. For possession between 10 and 35 grams, the crime is downgraded to a Class A misdemeanour, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. Possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is a Class D misdemeanour with no prison time but a fine of up to $500. However, if the offender is a repeat offender, the penalty is upgraded to a Class A misdemeanour.
Sale and Distribution
The delivery of any controlled substance, including more than 35 grams of marijuana, is a Class C felony with a prison term of three to ten years. If the recipient is a minor, the crime is upgraded to a Class B felony with a prison term of five to fifteen years. For less than 35 grams of marijuana, the delivery is a Class E felony with a maximum prison term of four years.
Trafficking
Once the quantity of drugs reaches certain levels, the state may charge the crime of trafficking, which is a minimum of a Class C felony. The harshest punishment in the Missouri legal system for trafficking is a Class A felony, carrying a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 30 years.
Psilocybin Therapy
In March 2024, Missouri lawmakers approved a bill to legalise psilocybin therapy for military veterans. The bill allows veterans over the age of 21 with qualifying conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance use disorders to legally access laboratory-tested psilocybin.
Mushroom Legality in Massachusetts: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Psilocybin decriminalization in the US
Psilocybin, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", is a psychedelic drug naturally produced by psilocybin mushrooms. In the United States, it is 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. Despite federal law, a growing body of research has found therapeutic and anti-anxiety uses for psilocybin, prompting some states and cities to decriminalize and legalize its use.
In May 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. The ballot initiative prohibited Denver from spending resources to prosecute people for their use or possession, but it did not legalize mushrooms. In November 2022, Colorado passed Proposition 122, legalizing the use of psilocybin and psilocin, two psychedelic compounds found in magic mushrooms. This measure allows for the use of psilocybin at state-regulated centers under the supervision of licensed facilitators and also legalizes personal private use, growing, and sharing by adults over the age of 21.
Other cities that have decriminalized psilocybin include Oakland, California; Santa Cruz, California; Washtenaw County, Michigan; Somerville, Massachusetts; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Washington, D.C. In November 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use. In 2024, much of the measure decriminalizing psilocybin in Oregon was repealed, effectively recriminalizing it.
There are ongoing efforts to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin in other states and cities across the United States. Bills that would decriminalize possession have been introduced in 19 states, including Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. Lawmakers in Hawaii are advancing a bill that would provide legal protections to patients engaging in psilocybin-assisted therapy with a medical professional's approval. A Vermont legislative panel is considering a bill to legalize psilocybin and establish a work group on regulating psychedelics for therapeutic use. The Arizona Senate passed a bipartisan bill to legalize psilocybin service centers, and an Indiana House committee approved funding for clinical research trials into psilocybin. Bipartisan California lawmakers introduced a bill to legalize psychedelic service centers for adults 21 and older, and Connecticut lawmakers are funding therapy programs administering psychedelic treatments to veterans and retired first responders.
Despite these reforms, it is important to note that the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin remain illegal under federal law and in most states. The State of Missouri, in particular, takes drug use very seriously and has passed many laws regarding the possession, delivery, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances. As such, it is crucial to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your state or city regarding psilocybin and other controlled substances.
Mushroom Mystery: Chlorophyll Content in Fungi
You may want to see also
Magic mushrooms in Missouri
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are currently illegal in Missouri. The state of Missouri takes drug use very seriously and has passed many laws regarding the possession, delivery, distribution, and trafficking of any controlled substances. Psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance with "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse".
However, there is a growing movement in the United States to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin for therapeutic and medicinal use. In March 2025, Colorado became the second state to offer state-regulated psychedelic mushrooms, after Oregon began offering them in 2023. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for supervised non-medical use in 2020, although much of the decriminalization measure was repealed in 2024. Several other states, including California, New York, Vermont, Arizona, Indiana, and Hawaii, are also pursuing or have recently passed legislation related to the legalization or decriminalization of psilocybin, especially for therapeutic use.
In Missouri, there have been recent efforts to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use, particularly for military veterans. In March 2024, a Missouri House committee unanimously approved a bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by veterans and fund studies exploring its therapeutic potential. Another bill, introduced by Missouri State Senator Holly Thompson Rehder, aims to legalize psilocybin for veterans, most adults, and people with various medical conditions. This bill would lift penalties for various subsets of people who use, produce, possess, transfer, or administer psilocybin. While these bills represent a step towards decriminalization and legalization of psilocybin in Missouri, they are still in the early stages of the legislative process.
Tiger Milk Mushroom: Does It Work?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are illegal under federal law in the United States, including in Missouri. However, as of March 2025, a few states have started to decriminalize or legalize them for therapeutic or medical use.
Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, which means it has "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." Possession, delivery, distribution, and trafficking of any controlled substances are all crimes in Missouri. However, in March 2024, a Missouri House committee approved a bill to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans. The bill also funds studies exploring the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic.
Possession of any controlled substance in Missouri is a crime and can result in severe penalties. The specific penalties depend on the quantity of the drug and the number of offenses. For example, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is a Class D Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500, while a repeat offense would be a Class A Misdemeanor.
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin in Missouri. In 2024, a bill sponsored by Missouri State Rep. Tony Lovasco to legalize psilocybin in a therapeutic setting was blocked by other lawmakers. However, a similar bill introduced by Missouri State Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, which aims to legalize psilocybin for veterans, adults 21 and older, and people with specific medical conditions, cleared a Senate committee in February 2024.
Advocates for decriminalization cite research suggesting that psilocybin is non-addictive and causes fewer emergency visits compared to other illegal drugs. They also argue that decriminalization would allow law enforcement to focus on higher-priority issues affecting the general public, such as violent crime. Additionally, there is growing scientific research highlighting the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psilocybin, which is gaining legal and political support.
