John Miller
Psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in Oklahoma, making it illegal. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and some states, including Oklahoma, are making efforts to understand its benefits. While the cultivation and distribution of psilocybin in Oklahoma remain a felony, the state has approved bills to promote research into the therapeutic effects of psilocybin and provide legal protections for eligible patients who possess the substance for medicinal use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of magic mushrooms in Oklahoma | Illegal |
| Psilocybin classification | Schedule 1 drug |
| Cultivation and distribution of psilocybin in Oklahoma | Felony |
| First offense of possession of psilocybin with an intent to distribute | Up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 |
| Second offense of possession of psilocybin with an intent to distribute | Up to 14 years in prison |
| Third offense of possession of psilocybin with an intent to distribute | Up to 20 years in prison |
| Legal status of psilocybin spores | Legal to sell and possess if for "microscopy use only" |
| Legal status of psilocybin in Oregon and Colorado | Legalized |
| Oklahoma bill HB 3414 | Passed the house but failed in the senate |
| Oklahoma bill HB 3174 | Did not pass |
| Oklahoma bill by Rep. Daniel Pae | Passed with a 6-1 vote |
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What You'll Learn
- Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic alkaloid found in certain mushrooms
- Cultivation and distribution of psilocybin in Oklahoma is a felony
- Legislators are beginning to consider reform to understand its benefits
- Oregon and Colorado have legalised psilocybin under supervision
- Oklahoma lawmakers approved a bill to promote research into therapeutic potential
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic alkaloid found in certain mushrooms
Psilocybin, classified as a Schedule 1 drug in 1970, is a hallucinogenic alkaloid found in certain mushrooms, commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms." These mushrooms are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which, when ingested, converts into psilocin, the chemical responsible for its psychoactive properties. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been identified in several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Magic mushrooms have a long history of use, dating back to rituals among the Aztecs in pre-Columbian Mexico, where they were known as "teonanacatl," meaning "God's Flesh." They were also likely represented in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and have been depicted in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary, inducing hallucinations, perceptual changes, and alterations in thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The duration of these effects typically lasts around four to six hours, with the onset occurring within 20 to 50 minutes and peak effects appearing after about 60 to 90 minutes. The dosage plays a significant role in the intensity of the experience, with subthreshold or microdoses ( <2.5 mg) producing milder effects, while high or ego-dissolution doses (30-40 mg) can lead to more intense hallucinations and ego dissolution.
While psilocybin remains illegal in Oklahoma, with severe penalties for cultivation and distribution, recent efforts have been made to explore its therapeutic potential. Bills have been introduced to promote research and provide legal protections for eligible individuals who possess psilocybin for medicinal purposes. The stigma associated with psychedelic drugs and concerns about their potential for abuse and public safety have been significant obstacles in the path towards decriminalization and legalization. However, with growing interest in the potential benefits of psilocybin, there is a push for reform and a better understanding of its effects.
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Cultivation and distribution of psilocybin in Oklahoma is a felony
Psilocybin, the active component in "magic mushrooms", is illegal in the state of Oklahoma. While the state has embraced the use of medical cannabis, psilocybin remains a Schedule 1 drug at the federal level, and its possession, cultivation, and distribution are considered felonies.
The cultivation and distribution of psilocybin in Oklahoma carry severe penalties. Those found guilty of cultivating or distributing psilocybin may face lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. The penalties increase with subsequent offenses. For instance, a first offense of possession with intent to distribute can result in up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A second offense can lead to up to 14 years in prison, and a third offense can result in up to 20 years of incarceration.
While the spores of psilocybin-containing mushrooms can be sold and possessed for "microscopy use only", once those spores are used for the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, it becomes a felony. It is important to note that the distinction between simple possession and possession with intent to distribute is often at the discretion of law enforcement officers and can depend on various factors beyond the quantity in possession.
Despite the illegal status of psilocybin in Oklahoma, there have been legislative efforts to promote research into its therapeutic potential and protect patients from prosecution. In 2023, the Oklahoma House Committee approved a bill to establish a pilot program for universities and research facilities to study the use of psilocybin for various conditions, including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, early-stage dementia, palliative care, and several mental health disorders. This bill aimed to provide legal protections against prosecution for eligible individuals who possess psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
Additionally, two measures regarding psilocybin were presented in the 2022 Oklahoma legislative session. One of these measures, HB 3414, sought to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin and allow clinical trials on psilocybin for the treatment of various conditions. However, neither of these measures passed. While the decriminalization of psilocybin in Oklahoma has not yet gained widespread support, the ongoing legislative efforts and the growing body of research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics may contribute to a shifting legal landscape in the state.
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Legislators are beginning to consider reform to understand its benefits
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic alkaloid found in certain mushrooms, is currently illegal in the state of Oklahoma. However, legislators are beginning to consider reform to understand its benefits. This shift in perspective is part of a larger trend in North America, where localities are re-evaluating their legal frameworks regarding psychedelics. Oklahoma is joining other states, such as Oregon, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Utah, in exploring the potential benefits of psilocybin.
The push for reform in Oklahoma is driven by a growing recognition of the limitations of current mental health treatments. State Representative Daniel Pae, inspired by neighbouring Texas's authorization of clinical research on psilocybin, introduced HB 3414. This bill aimed to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin and enable clinical trials on its therapeutic potential for treating various mental health conditions. While the bill passed the house, it failed to gain support in the senate, where its decriminalization provision was removed, ultimately dying.
Despite this setback, there is a growing momentum for change. Oklahoma lawmakers have approved a bill in committee to promote research into the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin while providing legal protections for eligible individuals who possess the substance for medical purposes. This bill calls for a pilot program that would allow universities and research facilities to conduct studies on psilocybin's effectiveness in treating conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, early-stage dementia, palliative care, and various mental health disorders.
Additionally, there is a recognition of the historical use of psychedelic mushrooms in rituals, dating back to the Aztecs in present-day Mexico. The mushrooms, referred to as "teonanacatl" or "God's Flesh," were studied for their potential therapeutic effects. However, the drug has faced a stigma due to its association with the 1960s hippie movement, and its classification as a Schedule I drug in 1970 restricted research efforts.
As scientific research on the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelics advances, legal and political support for reform is also growing. The interactive psychedelic law and policy maps, such as the one offered by Psychedelic Alpha, Calyx Law, and the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, provide valuable resources for policymakers and the public to stay informed about the shifting legal landscape. With the increasing momentum for reform, it is likely that we will see further developments in Oklahoma and other states regarding the legal status of psilocybin and its potential benefits.
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Oregon and Colorado have legalised psilocybin under supervision
Psilocybin, the active component in "magic mushrooms", is illegal in the state of Oklahoma. However, there is a growing movement to legalise its use for medicinal purposes. Oklahoma lawmakers have approved a bill to promote research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, while also providing legal protection against prosecution for eligible individuals who possess the psychedelic substance.
In 2022, two measures regarding psilocybin were presented in the Oklahoma legislative session, but neither passed. One of these bills, HB 3414, initially decriminalised possession of psilocybin and would have allowed certain institutions and research facilities to conduct clinical trials on psilocybin and psilocin for the treatment of various conditions.
While psilocybin remains illegal in Oklahoma, it is important to note that other states in the US have made strides towards legalisation. Oregon and Colorado have taken the lead in this regard, recognising the potential benefits of psilocybin in treating severe mental health conditions.
Oregon became the first state in the nation to legalise the adult use of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that has shown promise in treating severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and end-of-life anxiety among the terminally ill. Licensed guides and facilitators oversee the use of psilocybin in "service centres", ensuring that strict guidelines are followed. Oregon's decision to legalise psilocybin has influenced other states to explore similar paths, with Colorado quickly following suit.
Colorado legalised the use of psilocybin through the passage of the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022, which includes psilocybin in its definition of "natural medicine". This act will be codified at Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-170 et seq. While psilocybin remains federally prohibited, the legalisation in Oregon and Colorado has sparked a conversation about enforcement discretion in states that have already legalised cannabis.
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Oklahoma lawmakers approved a bill to promote research into therapeutic potential
Psilocybin, the active component in "magic mushrooms", is currently illegal in Oklahoma. However, in a bid to unlock the secrets of these mushrooms, Oklahoma lawmakers have approved a bill to promote research into their therapeutic potential.
The bill, which passed with a 6-1 vote, calls for a pilot program that would allow universities and research facilities contracting with Oklahoma institutions of higher education to carry out studies into psilocybin and psilocin. The research institutions would investigate the use of these psychedelics for the treatment of various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, early-stage dementia, palliative care, end-of-life care, opioid use disorder, chronic pain, severe depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
State Representative Daniel Pae, who introduced the bill, has been in conversation with multiple universities in the state, including OU, OSU, and Northeastern State University, and anticipates more universities will be keen on the research in 2024. The bill includes provisions for clinical trials on willing participants, the extraction of psilocybin, and the cultivation of the mushrooms.
The institutions involved in the research will have to register with the state and be approved for accreditation to participate. The bill eventually passed the floor vote with 66 yeas and 32 nays. This development comes as part of a growing "psychedelic renaissance" contributing to a swelling pool of safety and efficacy data regarding the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicine. As a result, many localities, particularly in North America, are revising their legal frameworks surrounding psychedelics.
While the bill promotes research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, it is important to note that the cultivation and distribution of psilocybin in Oklahoma remain a felony with severe consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, is illegal in Oklahoma. However, legislators are beginning to consider reform.
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic alkaloid. They have been used in rituals and for their psychedelic effects.
Possession of psilocybin with the intent to distribute can result in up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for a first offense. The penalty increases to up to 14 years for a second offense and up to 20 years for a third offense.
Yes, there have been several bills proposed in the Oklahoma legislature to decriminalize psilocybin and promote research into its therapeutic potential. While some of these bills have passed in committee, none have been successfully enacted into law.
Advocates for legalization argue that magic mushrooms have the potential to treat mental health conditions and that the current approaches are insufficient. They also point to the success of decriminalization in other states, such as Oregon and Colorado.
