Michael Davis
Psychoactive mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are illegal in Maine, USA. Psilocybin, the main psychoactive chemical present in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule X drug. While citizens are not prohibited from possessing or purchasing psilocybin spores, cultivating these spores into mature mushrooms can lead to drug manufacturing charges. Despite the illegality, some varieties of psychoactive mushrooms grow in Maine, and there is a growing community of mushroom foragers and advocates pushing for decriminalization.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of psychoactive mushrooms | Illegal, classified as a Schedule X drug |
| Legality of spores | Not prohibited |
| Legality of possession | Illegal, considered a serious crime |
| Legality of cultivation | Illegal, can lead to drug manufacturing charges |
| Existence of wild psychoactive mushrooms | Yes, but not common |
| Varieties of wild psychoactive mushrooms | Panaeolus, Amanita muscaria |
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What You'll Learn
- Psychoactive mushrooms are illegal in Maine
- Amanita muscaria, a psychoactive mushroom, is restricted by the FDA
- The Legislature voted to decriminalize possession of certain psychedelic fungi, but the bill failed
- There are several varieties of psychoactive mushrooms in Maine
- Citizens of Maine can possess or purchase psilocybin spores
Psychoactive mushrooms are illegal in Maine
Psychoactive mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", are currently illegal in Maine, USA. The state's drug scheduling system categorises psilocybin, the main psychoactive chemical present in magic mushrooms, as a Schedule X drug. This classification is distinct from other states, where psilocybin is often considered a Schedule I controlled substance.
While the possession and use of psilocybin in Maine are illegal, the state has not prohibited citizens from purchasing or possessing magic mushroom spores. This is because spores do not contain psilocybin, and it is only illegal to grow them into mature mushrooms. However, cultivating magic mushrooms can lead to drug manufacturing charges, with sentences varying based on several factors.
Despite the illegality of psilocybin in Maine, there is growing pressure to decriminalise or legalise its use. Recent attempts to change the laws include a bill introduced by Rep. Grayson Lookner that would decriminalise small amounts of magic mushrooms for personal use. This bill narrowly passed in both chambers of the Maine Legislature, but it is unclear if it will become law as it faces further action and opposition from Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
In addition to the legislative efforts, the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin are being explored in research. Studies suggest that magic mushrooms may have antidepressant effects and could be useful in end-of-life care. As a result, advocates for drug policy reform argue that decriminalisation or legalisation of psilocybin in Maine would open up new treatments for various disorders.
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Amanita muscaria, a psychoactive mushroom, is restricted by the FDA
Psychoactive mushrooms, including the species Psilocybe cubensis, are illegal in Maine, USA. While there are a few active varieties of psychoactive mushrooms in the state, they are not common, and consuming them without proper knowledge can be dangerous.
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a psychoactive mushroom species. It is a widely distributed mushroom native to temperate and boreal forests in the Northern Hemisphere. Its bright red cap, covered with distinctive white warts and white gills, makes it one of the most recognizable fungi globally.
Amanita muscaria is not a scheduled substance in the United States; however, it is listed as a poison by the FDA. The FDA has determined that Amanita muscaria, its extracts, and certain constituents (muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine) are unapproved food additives. The use of Amanita muscaria as a food ingredient is prohibited under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
The toxic effects of consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms are well-documented in the FDA's Bad Bug Book. Ingesting these mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, delirium, drowsiness, hallucinations, and alternating periods of excitement and drowsiness. Severe neurological symptoms, such as convulsions and coma, have been reported with large exposures, especially when introduced as extracts or isolated constituents in food products.
Due to the lack of regulation, the use of Amanita muscaria as a legal alternative to hallucinogens has increased significantly, with a nearly 200% rise in Google searches in 2024 compared to 2023. This trend has been correlated with the sudden commercialization of Amanita muscaria products online. The FDA is currently evaluating the use of Amanita muscaria and its constituents in dietary supplements, reminding manufacturers to ensure their products meet safety standards.
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The Legislature voted to decriminalize possession of certain psychedelic fungi, but the bill failed
Psychoactive or "magic" mushrooms that contain psilocybin are illegal in Maine, USA. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule X drug in the state, and possession of these mushrooms can result in criminal charges. Despite this, Maine citizens can still legally possess and purchase psilocybin spores, which do not contain any psychoactive chemicals but can grow into mature mushrooms. Growing psilocybin spores into mature mushrooms, however, is considered a serious crime that can lead to drug manufacturing charges.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin mushrooms in Maine. In 2025, the Legislature voted to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of certain psychedelic fungal species for adults. Unfortunately, the bill failed after a second vote on an amended version. This push for decriminalization or legalization is driven by a growing understanding of the potential benefits and minimal risks associated with psilocybin, as well as a recognition of the many years of traditional use.
Advocates for decriminalization argue that lawmakers are often out of touch with the public's evolving understanding and acceptance of substances like psilocybin. They also highlight the potential for integration into various industries, such as production, distribution, and therapeutic facilitation. However, some lawmakers remain hesitant, and the bill's failure reflects this ongoing debate.
While the bill did not pass, the conversation around psilocybin decriminalization or legalization in Maine is expected to continue. Citizen-led ballot campaigns have successfully created legal pathways to psilocybin use in other states, and a similar approach may be considered in Maine. Additionally, events like the Fungi Festival in Standish and workshops provided by organizations like the Good Medicine Collective in Portland contribute to a growing community interested in safe and responsible psychedelic use.
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There are several varieties of psychoactive mushrooms in Maine
Psychoactive mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", are illegal in Maine, USA. Psilocybin, the main psychoactive chemical present in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule X drug in the state. Despite this, there are several varieties of psychoactive mushrooms that can be found growing in Maine.
According to one source, there are a few active species of psychoactive mushrooms that grow in the state, but they are not common. It is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms without proper knowledge can be dangerous, as it is difficult to identify the different species.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in Maine to legalize or, at the very least, decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. In 2025, Portland's City Council directed its police department to deprioritize enforcement of laws against possession of plants and fungi with psychoactive properties. Additionally, Maine's fourth annual Fungi Festival, held in 2025, included discussions and advocacy for the decriminalization of psilocybin.
While the push for legalization or decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms in Maine continues, it is important to note that, as of 2024, the FDA has restricted the use of certain psychoactive mushrooms in edibles due to safety concerns. The mushroom in question, Amanita muscaria or "fly agaric", has been associated with a rash of illnesses and suspected deaths. This particular mushroom primarily acts on GABA receptors, which can lead to a dissociative state that some find disturbing.
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Citizens of Maine can possess or purchase psilocybin spores
While magic mushrooms are illegal in Maine, citizens are still allowed to possess or purchase psilocybin spores. This is because spores don't initially contain psilocybin, the main psychoactive chemical present in magic mushrooms. However, cultivating these spores into mature mushrooms is considered a serious crime and can result in drug manufacturing charges.
Although it is not illegal to possess or purchase psilocybin spores in Maine, citizens should exercise caution when identifying and consuming wild mushrooms. Some varieties of psychedelic mushrooms grow in Maine, but they are not common, and consuming unidentified mushrooms can lead to poisoning.
It is important to note that the legal status of psilocybin spores and magic mushrooms can change, and citizens of Maine should stay informed about the latest laws and regulations regarding these substances to avoid legal consequences. While Maine's approach to regulating psilocybin may be more relaxed than some states, cultivating and possessing mature psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal and can result in criminal charges.
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Frequently asked questions
No, psychoactive mushrooms are illegal in Maine, USA. Psilocybin, the main psychoactive chemical present in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule X drug. While citizens are allowed to possess or purchase psilocybin spores, growing these spores into mature mushrooms can result in drug manufacturing charges.
There are a few active species of psychoactive mushrooms that grow in Maine, but they are not common. Some sources suggest that there are several varieties, while others claim that they are quite rare.
Yes, Maine hosts an annual Fungi Festival that includes discussions and workshops related to psychedelic mushrooms and other fungi. The festival is aimed at mushroom foragers, growers, therapists, guides, and artists.
One example of a psychoactive mushroom found in Maine is Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric. This mushroom has been restricted by the FDA due to safety concerns, but it is not prohibited for personal growth or picking. Another genus of mushrooms found in Northern Maine that may contain psychoactive compounds is Panaeolus, which is commonly found in Europe and North America.
