Laura Smith
Missouri is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, with over two thousand species identified on MushroomObserver.org. While some mushrooms are prized for their culinary or medicinal uses, others are sought after for their hallucinogenic properties. Psychedelic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound. While the possession and use of psychedelic mushrooms are currently illegal in Missouri, recent scientific breakthroughs have sparked interest in their potential therapeutic benefits, including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, and more. As a result, there is a growing discussion around reconsidering the legality of psychedelic mushrooms in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of psychedelic mushrooms in Missouri | Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cubensis, Stropharia |
| Where they grow in Missouri | State or federal parks, gardens, old-growth forests, and wet grasslands |
| Legality | Possession and use are illegal; spores are legal to purchase online |
| Therapeutic benefits | Potential to treat anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, cluster headaches, and more |
| Recent legislative efforts | Missouri Bill and House Bill 1176 aimed to legalize psilocybin for terminally ill patients, but both failed |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin mushrooms grow in Missouri
Missouri is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, with over 2000 species identified on MushroomObserver.org, a collaborative mycology website. While most are harmless, some are mildly poisonous or hallucinogenic, and a few are deadly. It is important to be cautious when consuming mushrooms, as even experts can have difficulty identifying certain types.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound. While the possession and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms are currently illegal in Missouri, the state has considered legislation to legalize their use for medicinal purposes. In 2024, a bill was introduced that would have allowed terminally ill patients to use investigative drugs like mushrooms as a last resort, but it did not pass. However, it is legal to purchase mushroom spores online, as they do not contain psilocybin and are therefore not considered illegal substances.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be found growing wild in Missouri, particularly in state or federal parks, gardens, and old-growth forests. The species Psilocybe semilanceata is widespread in the state and can be found in wet grasslands, feeding off decaying roots. Another well-known species, Psilocybe cubensis, is found in the warmer regions of Missouri and grows in cow dung, especially after rainfall.
When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to be cautious and take the time to learn about the characteristics of fungi. There is no straightforward rule for distinguishing poisonous mushrooms from edible ones, and even similar-looking mushrooms can have different effects. For example, the innocent-looking little mushrooms of the genus Galerina, which fall into the \"little brown mushrooms\" category, are among the most dangerous.
While the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms in Missouri is still pending, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that psilocybin may help people overcome anxiety, existential dread, and depression by targeting serotonergic signaling 5HT2A. It has also been suggested that psilocybin could aid in treating various disorders such as cluster headaches, alcohol and tobacco addiction, and PTSD.
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Stropharia mushrooms are psychedelic
Stropharia mushrooms, also known as roundheads, are a group of medium to large agarics with a distinct membranous ring on the stipe. While Stropharia mushrooms are not generally regarded as good to eat, some species are edible and even considered a delicacy when young. For example, the wine-red Stropharia, or Stropharia rugosoannulata, is native to Europe and North America and is described as a “very tasty edible mushroom”.
However, the Stropharia family is most sought after for its hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms, although this only accounts for a portion of the species within the family. One notable species is the Stropharia cubensis, which was reclassified into the genus Psilocybe by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1949 and is now known as Psilocybe cubensis. This species is commonly known as the magic mushroom, shroom, golden halo, cube, or gold cap, and is widely distributed and easy to cultivate.
Psilocybe cubensis is a species of moderate potency, with its principal active compounds being psilocybin and psilocin. The concentrations of these compounds can vary depending on factors such as age and storage method. For a modest psychedelic effect, a minimum of one gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms is typically ingested orally.
While the consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been reported in various parts of the world, the cultivation or possession of Psilocybe cubensis is illegal in all states of the United States, except for Denver, Colorado, and Oakland and Santa Cruz in California, where it has been decriminalized for those over 21.
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Missouri's stance on psychedelics
Missouri has a harsh stance on psychedelics, where possessing any controlled substances is considered a Class D felony and can result in up to seven years in prison. Substances such as MDMA, LSD, magic mushrooms, ketamine, and DMT are banned and criminalized in the state. However, there have been recent developments where Missouri lawmakers and researchers are exploring the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies, especially for veterans suffering from PTSD and high rates of substance abuse and mental health issues in the state.
Missouri is recognized as one of the least tolerant states concerning drugs. The state's laws classify psychedelic mushrooms as a controlled substance, and their possession or use can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. This stance is in contrast to the direction taken by some other states and jurisdictions, which have recently relaxed restrictions on psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, for therapeutic or religious purposes.
Despite Missouri's stringent stance on psychedelics, there is a growing recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin. In 2019, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis were the first in Missouri to legally administer psilocybin, and their research demonstrated significant relief from major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for up to a year. This has sparked a debate within the Missouri General Assembly about exploring psychedelic therapy for veterans with PTSD and addressing the state's high suicide rates.
While Missouri's laws remain strict, there is a glimmer of hope for change. The discussions within the Missouri General Assembly indicate that legislators are becoming more open-minded about the potential benefits of psychedelics in therapeutic settings. However, it is still early in the process, and the ultimate outcome of these discussions remains uncertain. Missouri's future stance on psychedelics will depend on the continued research, public perception, and the state's willingness to prioritize mental health and substance abuse issues.
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Bill to legalise psilocybin
Missouri is considering a bill that could legalize psilocybin, a psychedelic drug, for veterans and adults 21 or older. Missouri State Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder (R-Cape Girardeau) introduced SB 768 to legalize psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, and lift penalties for various groups of people who use, produce, possess, transfer, or administer the substance.
The bill would specifically benefit Missouri veterans, most adults, and people suffering from various medical conditions. It aims to help veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other qualifying conditions such as substance use disorders. Thompson Rehder's bill cleared a Senate committee in late February 2024, showing progress toward potential legalization.
The Missouri House committee has also unanimously approved a separate bill, HB 1830, introduced by State Rep. Aaron McMullen (R-Independence), to legalize the medical use of psilocybin by military veterans. The bill includes funding for studies exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. This legislation aligns with a growing trend in states pursuing psychedelics reform, focusing on both research and therapeutic access.
Additionally, Missouri State Rep. Tony Lovasco (R-O'Fallon) sponsored a similar bill to legalize psilocybin in a therapeutic setting in 2023, but it was blocked by other lawmakers who were not supportive of the concept. With the recent progress of SB 768 and HB 1830, Missouri is joining other states in exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and considering its legalization for specific populations.
While the legalization of psilocybin in Missouri is still under discussion and has not yet been enacted, the progress of these bills indicates a shift in perspective and a recognition of the potential benefits of psilocybin for therapeutic use, particularly for veterans struggling with PTSD and other qualifying conditions.
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Where to find psychedelic mushrooms in Missouri
Missouri is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, some of which are hallucinogenic. However, it is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms can be dangerous, and even deadly, and is not recommended. If you do decide to forage for and consume wild mushrooms, it is exceedingly important to have a thorough understanding of what you are dealing with.
The Stropharia family is sought after for its hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms, although this only accounts for a portion of the species within the family. Stropharias are decomposers, typically growing on manure or decaying wood. They can be distinguished by their spore prints, as most other differences are microscopic.
Russulas are generally characterised by their bright colours and large circular caps, as well as their flaky and fragile flesh. They are typically found on the ground, growing off the roots of trees. While most Russulas are edible, a few poisonous species have been identified, so it is best to avoid any with an acrid taste.
Cup Fungi are common in the spring, especially before most gilled mushrooms sprout. They can be found on rotting wood or in damp areas and are often quite colourful. This group includes Morels, False Morels, and other cup-fungi varieties.
Clavariaceae, or coral fungus, are unique mushrooms that resemble sea coral, and some species are quite colourful. They typically grow on decaying wood in late summer or early fall, and most are edible. However, some species can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea.
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Frequently asked questions
No, possessing and using psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in Missouri and can result in harsh penalties. However, shroom spores are legal in the state as they do not contain any psilocybin.
Psilocybe semilanceata is a common variety found in Missouri, especially in wet grasslands. Psilocybe cubensis is another famous species found in the warmer regions of the state, growing in cow dung.
Consuming psychedelic mushrooms can be dangerous as there are no clear distinguishing features between poisonous and edible mushrooms. Incorrect identification can lead to adverse health effects, including coma or even death.
Recent studies have shown promising results for the use of psychedelic mushrooms in treating mental health disorders. Research suggests that psilocybin, a compound found in these mushrooms, may help with anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD.
