What is the legal status of psilocybin in the United States?
Psilocybin, the active compound found in certain species of mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance under the United States Controlled Substances Act. This means that psilocybin is considered to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. As a result, psilocybin is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess in the United States.
What are psilocybin mushrooms commonly called in the United States?
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are often referred to by various street names, including:
- Shrooms
- Boomers
- Magic
- Mushies
- Purple Passion
- Cubes
Is it legal to grow psilocybin mushrooms in the United States?
It is illegal to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms in the United States due to their classification as a Schedule I controlled substance. This includes growing them for personal use or for distribution to others. Additionally, the possession of spores for psilocybin-producing mushrooms is also illegal in some states, including California, Georgia, and Idaho.
What are the laws and penalties for psilocybin use and possession in the United States?
Penalties for psilocybin use and possession vary depending on the state and the circumstances of the offense. Some common penalties include:
- Fines
- Imprisonment
- Probation
- Drug counseling and education programs
- Community service
- Loss of driving privileges
In some states, possession of small amounts of psilocybin for personal use may be treated as a misdemeanor, while larger amounts or intent to distribute can result in felony charges. It is important to note that federal law enforcement agencies can still enforce federal drug laws in states where psilocybin is decriminalized or legalized for medical use.
How do government laws and links relate to psilocybin in the United States?
While psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level, there have been some recent changes and initiatives at the state and local levels to reevaluate its legal status. Some of these include:
- Denver, Colorado – In May 2019, Denver became the first city in the U.S. to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms for personal use and possession for adults aged 21 and older.
- Oregon – In November 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use under the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act. The Oregon Health Authority is currently developing a regulatory framework for the licensing and administration of psilocybin therapy.
- Oakland, California – In June 2019, the Oakland City Council passed a resolution decriminalizing the use and possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms, for adults aged 21 and older.
- Santa Cruz, California – In January 2020, the Santa Cruz City Council passed a resolution decriminalizing the use and possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms, for adults aged 21 and older.
These recent changes signal a growing interest in reevaluating the legal status of psilocybin and its potential therapeutic benefits. However, it is important to remember that psilocybin remains illegal under federal law and penalties for its use and possession can be severe.