Which states have legal psilocybin? While psilocybin remains federally illegal in the United States, some states have taken progressive steps to decriminalize or legalize its use under specific conditions. As attitudes shift and research highlights its therapeutic potential, the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin is evolving rapidly.
Here’s your 2025 Guide to the Evolving Landscape
Understanding Psilocybin Legalization in the United States
At the federal level, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, certain states and cities have challenged this classification by introducing laws or measures to permit its use for therapeutic or personal purposes.
Which States Have Legal Psilocybin?
As of 2024, the following states have made significant progress in legalizing or decriminalizing psilocybin:
1. Oregon
- Status: Legal for supervised use in state-approved service centers.
- Details: Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin for supervised use with the passage of Measure 109 in 2020. Under this law, psilocybin services are available for adults over 21 at licensed service centers, such as 7 Gates Sanctuary.
- Decriminalization Update: Initially, Measure 110 also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of psilocybin. However, in March 2024, Oregon’s House partially rolled back Measure 110 in response to concerns about the proliferation of public drug use, particularly in Portland. This rollback does not impact legal supervised psilocybin services protected under Measure 109.
- Clarification: It is not legal to possess, grow, or purchase psilocybin outside of Oregon’s regulated service center framework.
- Portland Psychedelic Health Act: Advocacy groups in Oregon are also working on the Portland Psychedelic Health Act, which aims to appear on the 2026 ballot.
2. Colorado
- Status: Legal for therapeutic use.
- Details: In 2022, Colorado passed Proposition 122, legalizing the supervised use of psilocybin and psilocin for therapeutic purposes. Like Oregon, the state allows regulated access through licensed facilitators.
- Colorado is in the process of creating a legal framework for service centers, facilitators and manufacturers to deliver psilocybin services.
Cities Leading the Decriminalization Movement
In addition to state-level changes, several cities have passed measures to decriminalize psilocybin:
California
- Cities: Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz.
- Details: These cities have decriminalized the possession and use of psilocybin, deprioritizing law enforcement efforts against it.
Massachusetts
- Cities: Cambridge, Somerville, Northampton.
- Details: Local resolutions have decriminalized psilocybin, signaling a shift toward broader acceptance within the state.
Washington State
- City: Seattle.
- Details: Seattle decriminalized psilocybin in 2021, joining the national movement to deprioritize the prosecution of psychedelic-related offenses.
Oregon
- City: Portland.
- Details: Portland remains central to Oregon’s psilocybin efforts, with ongoing discussions around access and regulation.
- Currently, psilocybin is only legal through state-approved service centers like 7 Gates Sanctuary.
The Future of Psilocybin Legalization
As research continues to reveal psilocybin’s potential benefits for mental health, such as treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD, more states are considering legal or decriminalization measures. Key developments to watch:
- California: Proposed bills aim to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use statewide.
- Massachusetts: A 2024 ballot initiative could lead to broader decriminalization.
- Arizona and Michigan: Growing advocacy efforts may result in future legislative changes.
FAQs: Which States Have Legal Psilocybin?
- Is psilocybin legal in the United States?
Psilocybin is federally illegal but has been legalized for therapeutic use in Oregon and Colorado. Several cities have also decriminalized it. - Can I legally use psilocybin for therapy?
Yes, in Oregon (and eventually Colorado), psilocybin services are available under regulated conditions at licensed service centers. - Which states might legalize psilocybin next?
States like California, Massachusetts, and Washington are exploring legalization or expanded decriminalization measures.
Conclusion
The question “Which states have legal psilocybin?” reflects a growing curiosity about this once-taboo substance. With states like Oregon and Colorado leading the charge and cities across the country embracing decriminalization, the legal landscape for psilocybin is shifting rapidly.
Stay informed about psilocybin laws and upcoming changes by subscribing to our updates. As more states consider legalization, we’ll keep you updated on the latest developments.
