You likely found this post by searching about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms). For those interested in magic mushroom consumption, we’ll answer some of your questions in this post. But for the purpose of preparing for the inevitable legality of psilocybin mushrooms, we’ll also discuss where you can currently operate a legal magic mushroom grow.
Keep reading to learn more about where magic mushrooms are legal and how you can transform these little spores into your share of a marketplace that’s set to become the next cannabis industry.
What are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are categorized as psychedelic drugs. Unlike the mushrooms you’ll find on most pizzas, these hallucinogenic mushrooms are one of the many psychedelic substances humans consume for recreational and medical use.
Psilocybin mushrooms are found throughout Mexico, Central America, and the United States. But they’re grown globally, despite the fact that many countries have made these so-called magic mushrooms explicitly illegal.
You’re likely wondering what gives magic mushrooms their “magic.” The psilocybin these fungi produce offers impressive hallucinogenic effects in large doses. But in small doses, the use of magic mushrooms has been known to offer a unique form of mental health treatment that demands more scientific research.
We’ll talk more about that later.
These fungal species have been used in religious ceremonies, for medical use, and recreational use. But it’s crucial to remember that just because some use this recreationally for an unforgettable psychedelic experience does not mean that these psychedelics don’t have other impressive applications.
We expect these psychedelics to become fully legal throughout the United States, and as more research highlights the applications for therapeutic uses, we believe a thriving mushrooms marketplace will rise.
How Does Psilocybin Work?
Psilocybin is found in certain species of mushrooms. But it’s not present in all magic mushrooms. The trick behind how these mushrooms work is that they contain a high concentration of psilocybin and psilocin, which are psychoactive substances that have hallucinogenic properties when consumed.
When someone eats these mushrooms, the psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the stomach, which then binds to serotonin receptors in the brain. These experiences are often described as spiritual or mystical by those who have used them.
We’ll save some of the science for another post on magic mushrooms. But rest assured that you can continue to eat these fungi (or grow them) and with minimal risk.
This drug, when used responsibly, can lead to extremely powerful and unique experiences that we believe will change the world in the near future.
Why Are Shrooms Illegal?
Before talking about where magic shroom production is legal, it’s essential that you gain a better understanding of why a substance is made illegal in the first place.
In countries where magic shrooms are considered a “controlled substance,” they’re categorized as psychedelics, stimulants, or hallucinogens. This means that these fungi can impact your thought process and change how you perceive the world around you.
For some, this may sound appealing. But it’s important to remember that with this legal classification comes a long list of health risks. And not all countries have taken to the approach of legalization.
Are Psilocybin Mushrooms on the Federal List of Controlled Substances?
While many people are working hard to legalize magic mushrooms at the federal level, it’s always going to be an uphill battle to legalize psychedelic drugs. Despite scientific research highlighting several benefits that could make magic mushrooms an option for several forms of mental health treatment, more research is essential.
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance that comes from several types of magic mushrooms, is on the list of illegal substances banned by the federal government. Thus, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are still considered banned substances at the federal level.
Magic mushrooms are consumed orally, commonly brewed as tea or added to other foods to mask their flavor. Chocolate is one of the most common.
Public health is a concern as it is possible to abuse this drug. It’s commonly used at raves, clubs, and even on college campuses. The people who tend to abuse psilocybin the most are teenagers and young adults.
This is why psilocybin is illegal. Even though many would prefer to legalize magic mushrooms, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This is the same list of drugs that includes heroin and LSD.
However, many believe that this is a wrongful addition. While magic mushrooms have recreational use applications and a high potential for abuse, they also have medical applications that are proven to be effective.
The fact that magic mushrooms offer a lot of versatility in their consumption methods also speaks volumes for this evolving industry. As these psychedelic drugs become legal across the nation, we can expect entrepreneurs to go beyond distributing fresh mushrooms and mushroom spores by creating a vast line of products that contain various species of magic mushrooms.
Are Magic Mushrooms Illegal Everywhere?
Some regions allow magic mushrooms for personal use and adult possession. Others permit the possession, sale, transportation, and cultivation of these special mushrooms.
For example, the British Virgin Islands have these mushrooms growing naturally. This country has made it legal to have and use these mushrooms. However, selling these mushrooms is still prohibited, albeit, unenforced.
Even with the illegal nature of selling this drug, businesses continue to openly sell them. Thus, the British Virgin Islands miss out on tax revenue that would otherwise come with this drug use.
Austria has decriminalized personal possession and consumption. It’s also legal to cultivate as long as the mushrooms are not being grown for use as drugs. But transporting and selling them is still prohibited.
The Bahamas, Brazil, and Jamaica have some of the most relaxed laws pertaining to magic mushrooms. It’s legal to possess, sell, transport, and cultivate them in the Bahamas. However, equally important to note is that psilocybin and psilocin are banned by the United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
Brazil has legal shrooms, too. But psilocybin and psilocin are prohibited. However, the fungal species themselves have not been outlawed.
Jamaica has never prohibited shrooms. With this being the case, they’re openly sold throughout the country.
Many countries – including Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, and many in South America – have banned shrooms while allowing grow kits, spores, and mycelium.
As you can see, thriving mushroom marketplaces exist throughout the world. And as more insight is uncovered, whether by researchers, the Health Committee, or more anecdotal evidence – and more countries permit shroom sales, we can expect entrepreneurs to jump at the opportunity to gain their share of this emerging market.
Shroom Decriminalization in the U.S.
Back in May 2019, Denver, Colorado became the first city in the U.S. to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms following an ordinance being admitted to the ballot after obtaining enough signatures. It won with just 50.6% of the vote.
However, this initiative didn’t actually legalize shrooms. With this initiative, Denver no longer allocates resources to prosecute shroom consumption or possession, which is still a massive win for consumers.
A month after, thirty people testified to the Oakland, California city council. They discussed their experiences with psilocybin, and with these testimonies, the city council unanimously voted to decriminalize adult psilocybin possession and cultivation. However, commercial sales are still prohibited.
Santa Cruz, California also voted to decriminalize adult possession and cultivation of psilocybin in January 2020. But commercial sales aren’t allowed.
In September 2020, Ann Arbor, Michigan’s city council voters passed a resolution that de-prioritized investigations and arrests of people who plant, cultivate, buy, transport, distribute, engage in practices with, or possess entheogenic plants or plant compounds.
Then, in November 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin for therapeutic utilize with Ballot Measure 109’s passing. That same month, initiative 81 was passed in the District of Columbia. This was titled the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020 and decriminalized psilocybin drugs.
By January 2021, even more progress was made. Washtenaw County Michigan also decriminalized. Later that month, Somerville, Massachusetts’s city council voted unanimously on decriminalization for possessing entheogenic plants, which includes psilocybin mushrooms and ibogaine.
The following month (February 2021), Cambridge, Massachusetts’s city council was pressured by outreach from the Bay Staters for Natural Medicine. Northampton, Massachusetts also voted to decriminalize.
In October 2021, Seattle, Washington, and Arcata, California’s city councils both held unanimous votes to deprioritize entheogen prohibition enforcement. That same month the city council of Easthampton, Massachusetts voted to cease arrests for growing entheogenic plants and fungi, along with decriminalization for possession of many other substances commonly controlled in other states.
Detroit voters recently approved Proposal E on November 3, 2021. This makes Detroit the most current city to decriminalize. The ballot initiative passed with 61% of voters supporting a law that makes it a minimal priority for law enforcement to go after adults who possess and therapeutically use entheogenic plants.
The Psilocybin Mushroom Controversy
Lawmakers are actually working to legalize magic mushrooms, even though psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I drug. There are people who support legalizing magic mushrooms so they may be used for medicinal purposes.
We also expect these psychedelics to be used in several medicinal applications in the future. There are people who believe that psilocybin can help them cope with severe mental illnesses, including depression and bipolar disorder.
Here are just a few of the potential benefits that magic mushrooms have to offer.
Magic Mushroom Applications
While it might be challenging to imagine a world in which psychedelic substances like psilocybin and psilocin are legal, the idea isn’t so farfetched. Scientific research highlights real-world applications besides recreational use, all of which will offer legitimate business opportunities as the marketplace evolves.
Here’s a list of some of the applications of psilocybin and psilocin we can expect to see with legal magic mushrooms:
Psilocybin Mushrooms for Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States. It’s also a leading cause of suicide, which is why legalizing magic mushrooms could help save countless lives.
As mentioned earlier, psilocybin contains a substance called psilocin that’s been linked to several antidepressant properties. The scientific study on this topic is ongoing, but early studies reveal the great potential for psychedelic drugs like magic mushrooms to help patients suffering from depression.
For now, psilocybin and psilocin remain psychotropic substances of interest. As both drugs are listed as Schedule I substances, the U.S. government closely monitors their study and experimentation. But when considering the fact that so many people try treating depression with various medications that don’t always work, there’s definitely room for magic mushroom businesses to gain their share of the market.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for Anxiety
As we saw with depression, researchers continue to learn more about how magic mushrooms can help treat anxiety disorders and related health concerns.
In 2020, magic mushroom research showed considerable promise in clinical trials with patients suffering from anxiety. The effects of psilocybin on this condition highlighted the potential provision of long-term relief for anxiety and depression in cancer patients.
The cancer patients that took a single dose of psilocybin actually reported a reduction in anxiety, along with depression, demoralization, hopelessness, and death anxiety for beyond four years following receiving their dose in conjunction with psychotherapy.
With this being the case, we can expect magic mushroom business operators to target this specific issue. According to Biospace, the anxiety disorder and treatment market size is expected to reach $19.81 billion by 2028. Once legalized even by state law, it’s likely that magic mushroom products – including grow kits – once considered illegal will obtain a large share of this market.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for Migraines
Not only are magic mushrooms legal in some countries, they’re also prescribed as a treatment for migraines.
There’s currently no concrete evidence suggesting that magic mushrooms actually prevent or treat the symptoms of migraines. However, early research has found compounds like psilocybin to be effective at helping patients reduce pain and discomfort caused by these debilitating headaches.
The global migraine drugs market was evaluated at $1.713 billion in 2017. It’s believed that this will expand to $2.19 billion by 2025. With this being the case, as more information is uncovered about how these psychedelics can help reduce the symptoms of these painful headaches, entrepreneurs working with these psychedelic plants stand to profit while helping people.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is tied to anxiety disorders, which explains why magic mushrooms can help treat patients suffering from PTSD.
There are several trials that highlight the benefits of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD in treating severe cases of PTSD. The results were so positive that these substances were considered breakthrough therapies for this mental health condition.
By 2026, the PTSD therapeutics market is expected to grow to $10.679 billion. With this in mind, the therapeutic use of these drugs may become commonplace as criminal prosecution eventually transforms to legal tax revenue.
Once the cultivation, sale, and use of magic mushrooms becomes legal, we expect these therapeutic medications to be openly sold in much the same way cannabis is sold today.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for Sleep Disorders
The psychoactive properties of magic mushrooms may also help patients suffering from various sleep disorders.
Psilocybin and its effects on the human brain have been studied as a treatment for sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and other conditions. Clinical trials illustrate the great potential for psilocybin in treating these health concerns.
Looking at the total market for Rx and over-the-counter sleep drugs, its estimated value is $2.1 billion in 2020. Once the use of magic mushrooms becomes legal, we can expect these currently uncontrolled substances to obtain their share of the sleep drug use market, offering opportunities for magic mushroompreneurs.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for Pain
Pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical treatment and relief.
Psilocybin has been linked to several pain-relieving qualities, but not as a means for patients to actually “forget” about their aches and pains entirely. Clinical studies indicate that psilocybin might help some patients cope with pain more effectively.
It’s important to note that magic mushrooms aren’t a quick fix for any of these health concerns or treatments for opioid addiction. The team behind the research is still in the early stages of exploring psychedelic substances as a viable alternative to existing treatments and medications.
The global pain management drugs market is massive, valued at $71.432 billion in 2020. It’s projected to expand to $91.649 billion by 2027, highlighting impressive opportunities for those interested in capitalizing on selling psilocybin mushrooms for pain relief.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that has reached near-epidemic levels, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
As with other mental disorders and addictions, research indicates great potential for psilocybin in treating OCD. Some clinical trials show magic mushrooms to be more effective than conventional treatments like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and clomipramine.
Globally speaking, the OCD drugs market is expected to grow at a rate of nearly 4.8% from 2021 to 2026. At this point, the main products dominating this market include SSRI, TCA, and a small percentage of others.
This expected growth shows an industry that has plenty of space for new products, including but not limited to magic mushrooms in dried form. We can expect mushroom business operators to carve into this space once this drug becomes fully legal.
Psilocybin Mushrooms for Addiction Recovery
Recovering from addiction isn’t easy. In some cases, the only way to escape a dangerous or uncomfortable situation is by using more of a specific substance.
That’s why psilocybin and its effects on the brain have been linked to drug rehabilitation and treatment programs for patients struggling with addiction.
The addiction treatment industry has plenty of room for mushroom-related drugs. This industry is worth over $35 billion annually, and with so many people interested in turning to psychedelics that heal, it’s apparent that these products will eventually obtain their share of this industry.
Psilocybin Mushrooms Legality FAQ
Is it legal to consume magic mushrooms?
This all depends on where you find yourself in the world. Currently, magic shrooms are illegal in many countries including the USA, but some cities have decriminalized or approved using psilocybin for medical reasons.
Are magic mushrooms legal in the UK?
The UK continues to outlaw psilocybin despite support from medical professionals to approve it as a treatment for depression. The UK’s home office has cited concerns about their safety and possible long-term effects.
Is it legal to buy or sell magic mushrooms?
While some countries have decriminalized or legalized the consumption of psilocybin, it’s still illegal to sell or buy shrooms. Actors in this market can be punished for their part if caught and brought to justice, so it’s important to recognize legal risks before making business decisions.
Equally important to note is that many regions are decriminalizing and legalizing this drug. The benefits far outweigh the risks of a bad trip, and with so many possibilities for this space to flourish, illegal psychedelics are well on their way to becoming a legitimate industry like cannabis.
Are mushrooms illegal in Texas?
Mushrooms are not fully legalized or decriminalized in the U.S., so it’s currently illegal to buy and sell magic mushrooms in Texas. If you’re caught in possession of any amount of shrooms in Texas, this is a felony-level offense. Even those who are caught with a small bag containing remnants of shrooms can be arrested on a felony charge.
Are mushrooms legal in Vegas?
Shrooms are illegal in Vegas. Just as it is a felony to have cocaine, heroin, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, methamphetamine, or ketamine, it’s also a felony to possess psilocybin in Vegas. Even if you’re in a private place with any of these drugs for personal consumption, you can be arrested and charged.
Is it legal to grow psychedelic mushrooms?
This all depends on where you are in the world. For example, you might find psychedelic mushroom grow kits are legal to obtain. However, it might still be illegal to grow the shrooms. In California, cultivating “any spores or mycelium capable of producing mushrooms or other substance” that contain psilocybin or psilocin is illegal if it’s an activity that’s done with the intent of producing the illegal chemicals, psilocybin or psilocin.
Concluding on Magic Mushroom Legality
As legalization continues to make progress, we believe the magic mushroom industry has the potential to become the next cannabis sector. Through continuous efforts to decriminalize and legalize these fungi for recreational and therapeutic utilization, the marketplace will become established.
At Northstar, we want to provide financial services to this industry as it develops. We’re here at the spore of it, and we plan to continue offering support as the mushroom industry continues its expansion.
Have questions about how to scale your magic fungus operation? Contact us now to learn how our team of experts will support your goals!
