John Miller
If you want to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan, you must be certified as an expert mushroom identifier. The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) offers a workshop program that, if successfully completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier who can then legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms in Michigan. However, it is important to note that the sale of certain types of mushrooms, such as psilocybin mushrooms, is illegal in Michigan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License required to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan | Yes, a license is required to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan. However, no license is needed if the cultivated mushrooms are offered for sale without further processing. |
| License provider | The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) offers a workshop program that, if completed successfully, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier who can sell wild-foraged mushrooms in Michigan. |
| License requirements | To obtain a license, you must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. |
| License cost | The cost of the license is not explicitly mentioned, but some sources indicate that there may be associated costs or requirements, such as attending an all-day class. |
| Psilocybin mushrooms | As of 2025, it is not legal to buy or sell psilocybin mushrooms in Michigan, and there are no legal dispensaries for psychedelic mushrooms. However, several cities in Michigan have taken steps to deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psychedelic substances, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ferndale, and Hazel Park. |
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What You'll Learn
Wild mushroom certification
In Michigan, if you want to forage wild mushrooms for sale, you must be certified as a mushroom identification expert. However, there is a catch-22 situation as the state previously did not offer a way to become certified. The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) now offers a workshop program that, once completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier. After this, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will provide certification for people to legally sell specific wild-foraged mushrooms.
The MAMI Wild-Foraged Mushroom Certification Workshop covers mushroom biology and identification. The recertification exam results are generated within 72 hours. A score of 80% or higher is required to receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion and be added to the MDARD's list of certified mushroom identification experts.
In other states, such as California and Oregon, a permit is required to pick mushrooms even for private use, with a set limit on the amount. In Minnesota, a certified wild mushroom harvester must complete a mushroom identification course at an accredited college, university, or mycological society. Mushroom identification courses are offered by the Minnesota Mycological Society.
There are also Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certifications offered by Mushroom Mountain. This is a 5-year certification that allows for the sale of wild foraged mushrooms in specific states, including South Carolina, Georgia, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. These states have varying requirements for the sale of wild mushrooms to restaurants, with some species being prohibited.
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Requirements to sell wild mushrooms
In Michigan, wild mushrooms must be collected or identified by a certified expert to be sold. The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) offers a workshop program that, if successfully completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier who can then legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will provide certification for people to lawfully broker select wild-foraged Michigan mushrooms. The course and exam are considered simple if you have the knowledge base. The exam consists of 50 questions, and you must score 80% or higher to pass.
Once the recertification exam is taken, exam results are generated by MAMI within 72 hours. Those who pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher will receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion and will be added to MDARD's list of certified mushroom identification experts.
While it is legal to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms," are not legal to buy or sell in the state. This is due to the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic properties. However, there have been significant developments in the state regarding the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms. Several Michigan cities, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ferndale, and Hazel Park, have passed resolutions to deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psychedelic substances.
In terms of licensing, it is important to note that a food establishment license is generally not required to forage and sell wild mushrooms. However, specific regulations may apply depending on the intended use and processing of the mushrooms. For example, under Michigan Food Law, a license is required for selling fermented foods and beverages, which are considered specialized processes. Additionally, while cultivated mushrooms are treated as produce items and do not require a license if they are not further processed, wild mushrooms must be collected or identified by a certified expert and labeled according to the requirements of the program.
It is also worth mentioning that some states, like California and Oregon, require a permit to pick mushrooms, even for private use, and there may be limits on the quantity allowed. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the specific regulations in your state or region.
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Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms
As of October 2024, it is illegal to possess, sell, or use psilocybin in Michigan, and there are no legal dispensaries for psychedelic mushrooms in the state. However, some cities within Michigan, such as Ann Arbor, have taken steps to decriminalize psilocybin and other psychedelic plants, indicating growing support for broader legalization.
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in "magic mushrooms," has gained increasing attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, including treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. While it is not currently legal in Michigan, the state's stance may be influenced by national trends and local advocacy efforts. The Michigan Decriminalization of Psilocybin Mushrooms and Other Plants and Fungi Initiative, which aimed to decriminalize the cultivation, possession, and use of psilocybin and other substances, did not make it onto the ballot in November 2024.
Under Michigan state law, possession or sale of psilocybin can result in criminal charges, with penalties including imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $500, or both. However, it is important to note that some legally sanctioned exceptions exist for controlled, therapeutic settings.
While the sale of wild mushrooms for commercial purposes is allowed in Michigan, there are specific requirements and certifications needed. The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) offers a workshop program that, once completed, qualifies individuals as expert mushroom identifiers who can legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides certification for the lawful brokerage of select wild-foraged mushrooms. However, it is important to note that a food establishment license may not be required for foraging and selling wild mushrooms, but proper identification is crucial to ensure safety.
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Obtaining a food license
If you want to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan, you must be certified as an expert mushroom identifier. The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) offers a workshop program that, once completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier. After this, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will provide certification for people to lawfully sell select wild-foraged Michigan mushrooms.
In Michigan, a food establishment license is required in almost all instances where food is commercially handled or served to the general public. Food service establishments include restaurants, cafeterias, delicatessens, mobile units, temporary food service establishments, and special transitory food units.
The first step to obtaining a food license is to determine whether your business qualifies for a license exemption. Some firms do not require a food establishment license but are still subject to inspection by MDARD or local agencies.
If you do need a license, you must complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment License Application. The application form applies to food establishments licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The license fees vary depending on the type of establishment. For example, an extended retail food establishment license costs $471.
Temporary food service establishments use a separate form and are licensed to operate throughout the state without the 14-day limits. All licenses, except temporary, expire on April 30 and must be renewed at least 30 days prior to that date.
It is important to note that the Cottage Food Law, enacted in 2010, allows individuals to manufacture and store certain types of foods in an unlicensed home kitchen.
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Mushroom foraging laws
In Michigan, it is illegal to sell wild mushrooms unless they have been identified by a certified expert. The Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI) offers a workshop program that, if successfully completed, will qualify you as an expert mushroom identifier who can then legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) provides certification for people to lawfully broker select wild-foraged Michigan mushrooms. The MAMI Wild-Foraged Mushroom Certification Workshop covers mushroom biology and identification.
Once the recertification exam is taken, exam results are generated by MAMI within 72 hours. Those who complete and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher will receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion and will be added to MDARD's list of certified mushroom identification experts. This certification is required to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan, as improperly identified wild mushrooms can pose serious health risks.
While there is no specific license required to forage for mushrooms in Michigan, it is important to note that foraging on private property without permission is considered trespassing. Additionally, some state and national parks may have regulations in place regarding foraging. It is always a good idea to review the rules and regulations of the area you plan to forage before heading out.
In terms of selling foraged mushrooms, there are a few options available in Michigan. Under the Cottage Food Law, small-scale food processors can sell directly to consumers without the need for a commercial kitchen space. However, there is a $25,000 annual sales limit for Cottage Food producers, and sales records must be maintained and provided to a Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) food inspector upon request. Additionally, while Cottage Food businesses are exempt from food licensing requirements, they must meet all other provisions of the law, including tax law.
It is important to note that the sale of specific types of mushrooms, such as psilocybin-containing "magic mushrooms," may be prohibited in Michigan. While some cities in Michigan, such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ferndale, and Hazel Park, have taken steps to deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psychedelic substances, it is essential to stay informed about the legal status of any mushrooms you plan to forage and sell.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to be certified to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan. You can obtain certification by completing a workshop program offered by the Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI). After completing the program, you will be qualified as an expert mushroom identifier and can legally sell wild-foraged mushrooms.
Yes, Michigan's Food Code requires that wild mushrooms be obtained from certified sources and properly identified to ensure they are not hazardous to consumers. Improperly identified wild mushrooms can pose serious health risks.
No, you do not need a license to sell cultivated mushrooms in Michigan if they are offered for sale without further processing. Cultivated mushrooms are treated as produce items and are regulated similarly to other raw agricultural commodities.
Yes, as of 2025, it is not legal to buy or sell psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in "magic mushrooms," in Michigan. However, several cities in Michigan, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Ferndale, have taken steps to deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psychedelic substances.
