Sarah Brown
Michigan is known for its forests, landscapes, and—believe it or not—psychedelic mushrooms. While the state has not legalized the use of psychedelic substances, several cities have decriminalized the use and growth of magic mushrooms. As the movement for psychedelic reform gains momentum in Michigan, researchers are exploring the therapeutic benefits of these fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms, Psychedelic Mushrooms, Entheogenic Organisms |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Addiction, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol Use Disorder, Migraines, Inflammation |
| Effects | Euphoria, Hallucinations, Altered State of Mind, Deep Spiritual Insights, Introspection, Sensory Experiences, Paranoia, Ego Breakdown |
| Risks | Confusion, Frightening Hallucinations, Nausea, Depersonalization, Overdose |
| Legality in Michigan | As of October 2024, not legal for personal use or purchase. Three cities have decriminalized: Hazel Park, Ann Arbor, and Detroit. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are decriminalised in some Michigan cities
As of March 2025, psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms", is a Schedule I controlled substance under Michigan law, making its use, possession, or sale illegal. However, some cities within the state have taken steps to decriminalize it, and there is a growing movement for statewide reform.
In 2020, Ann Arbor became the first city in Michigan to decriminalize psilocybin, marking the city as a leader in the state's broader effort toward psychedelic reform. Since then, several other cities have followed suit, including Detroit and Hazel Park. These cities have removed criminal charges associated with the possession and use of magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, and other entheogenic substances.
It is important to note that decriminalization is not the same as legalization. Decriminalizing a substance prevents law enforcement from arresting those who possess or use it, whereas legalizing a substance allows businesses to produce and sell it. In the cities where magic mushrooms have been decriminalized, there are no legal dispensaries or storefronts selling psilocybin. However, there are reports of underground communities, such as Arbor Shrooms in Ann Arbor, that deliver shrooms to buyers living within city limits.
The push for decriminalization in Michigan is part of a growing movement for psychedelic reform across the United States. Proponents of psilocybin decriminalization cite its potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits. Psilocybin has been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and recreational settings and is known for its powerful hallucinogenic properties. Recent studies have also shown that psychedelics can be harmless and even beneficial when combined with therapy.
While the legal status of psilocybin in Michigan remains uncertain, with federal law classifying it as illegal, the state may be part of a psychedelic revolution that is gaining momentum.
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Therapeutic and medicinal benefits of psychedelics
Psychedelics are hallucinogenic drugs that can temporarily alter a person’s mood and perceptions. They have been used ritualistically for thousands of years, and interest in their clinical use for the treatment of mental illness began in the 1950s.
Psychedelics affect serotonin levels in the brain, which can cause vivid visions, feelings of insightfulness, or a sense of connection. They can also induce altered thoughts and sensory perceptions, and have been found to be beneficial in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and end-of-life care, among other ailments. One of the most promising psychedelic substances is psilocybin, a compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi, commonly known as magic mushrooms. Psilocybin has been found to help reduce anxiety in cancer patients and facilitate smoking cessation. It has also been shown to produce rapid and large reductions in depressive symptoms in adults with major depression when combined with supportive psychotherapy.
The molecular structure of psilocybin allows it to penetrate the central nervous system, and researchers are beginning to understand its therapeutic effects on the brain and mind. For example, brain scans have shown that the claustrum, an area of the brain believed to be responsible for setting attention and switching tasks, is less active when under the influence of psilocybin. This may explain why people report feelings of being connected to everything and reduced senses of self or ego when using psychedelic drugs.
While the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics are promising, safety and ethical concerns have been raised, particularly with larger doses and repeated intake outside of controlled settings. The unwanted effects of hallucinogens can include nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and a lack of coordination, among other things. Furthermore, the effects of psychedelics can be difficult to predict and may depend on factors such as dosage and individual biology.
Despite these concerns, the re-emerging paradigm of psychedelic medicine holds potential for treating mental illness and addiction in patients who have not benefited from currently available treatments.
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Risks and negative side effects of psychedelic mushrooms
The use of psychedelic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, carries several risks and may lead to negative side effects. Magic mushrooms are not addictive or habit-forming, and they are not lethal in the same way as other recreational drugs. However, they can still lead to serious bodily injury or death.
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical that can cause a range of effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as dose, type of mushroom, and individual factors such as mood, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations.
One of the main risks associated with magic mushrooms is the potential for a "'bad trip". This can include extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia as users experience hallucinations and an altered sense of reality. In rare cases, an altered sense of reality can lead to accidental self-harm, especially if the user is not in a safe environment.
Another risk is misidentifying mushrooms and accidentally consuming poisonous or toxic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms sold illegally may be in the form of dried whole mushrooms or powder, and they are also produced and sold illegally as a powder or in tablets or capsules. Drugs produced illegally may contain other dangerous substances.
Magic mushrooms can also cause physical side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, and delayed headaches. While there are no known long-term side effects, high doses may lead to a more intense psychological experience.
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Local advocacy groups push for decriminalisation
As of March 2025, psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms", is a Schedule I controlled substance under Michigan law, making its use, possession, or sale illegal. However, advocacy groups in the state are pushing for reform, and several cities, including Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Hazel Park, have taken steps toward decriminalization.
Local advocacy groups such as Decriminalize Nature Michigan, a state chapter of Decriminalize Nature, and Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) are leading efforts to decriminalize psychedelics in Michigan. These groups are working to change local policies and raise awareness about the therapeutic potential of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin. They collaborate with communities, policymakers, and organizations like Michigan Medicine to advance research on the medical benefits of psychedelics and eliminate criminal penalties for personal use.
The movement for psychedelic reform in Michigan has gained momentum, with growing support from scientists, wellness companies, and policymakers. The therapeutic benefits of psychedelic plants and fungi are being studied worldwide, and they show promise in treating various conditions such as inflammation, addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The potential for psilocybin to stimulate certain areas of the brain has led to increased interest in using it for the treatment of addictions, depression, and other mental health disorders.
While there are risks and negative side effects associated with the use of psychedelic mushrooms, such as paranoia, confusion, frightening hallucinations, and nausea, advocates believe that decriminalization will reduce the risk of legal consequences for those using entheogens. As of 2025, three Michigan cities and one county have decriminalized magic mushrooms, and a statewide petition to decriminalize psychedelic substances is in the works. The statewide ballot initiative, known as the Michigan Decriminalization of Psilocybin Mushrooms and Other Plants and Fungi Initiative, did not make it onto the ballot in 2024, but advocates continue to collect signatures to push for reform.
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How to legally access psychedelic mushrooms in Michigan
As of October 2024, it is not possible to legally access psilocybin in Michigan for personal use or purchase. However, there have been significant developments in the state regarding the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms.
Three Michigan cities—Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Hazel Park—have decriminalized psilocybin, allowing for the personal use of entheogenic plants and fungi without the risk of criminal charges. In these cities, there are no storefronts that sell the psilocybin, but there is a "community" called Arbor Shrooms that delivers shrooms to buyers living within Ann Arbor and Detroit city limits.
For those seeking psilocybin-assisted support, Odyssey offers both group retreats and private sessions that are legal, professionally guided, and science- and evidence-based in Oregon.
While the legal status of psilocybin in Michigan remains uncertain, there is a statewide movement gaining momentum, with advocates rallying for a ballot measure to decriminalize psychedelic substances across the entire state.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of October 2024, it is not legal to access psilocybin in Michigan for personal use or purchase. However, there have been significant developments in the state regarding the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms.
Ann Arbor, Detroit, Ferndale, and Hazel Park have decriminalized psychedelic mushrooms.
Psychedelic mushrooms can cause a sense of euphoria, hallucinations, and an altered state of mind. They are often eaten raw, added to food, or brewed in tea. The dosage depends on the individual, but it is important to start with moderate dosages to reduce side effects.
Yes, there are potential risks associated with using psychedelic mushrooms, including paranoia, confusion, frightening hallucinations, nausea, and depersonalization. These issues can arise from overdosing on mushrooms, and it is important to have access to a reliable trip sitter when using them.
