Legal psychedelics may soon be available to millions more Americans. Currently, one state has legalized psilocybin, while multiple cities and municipalities have decriminalized various forms of psychedelics. However, those numbers may grow as four states currently have psychedelics reform bills winding through their legislatures.
Here is a breakdown of the current state of legal psychedelics in the U.S.
California
California is currently considering a psychedelic reform bill. Additionally, multiple cities within the state have enacted their own pro-psychedelic measures.
Current Legislation: Plant-based entheogens, including psilocybin and ayahuasca, are decriminalized in Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Arcata City. Oakland was the first city in the country to enact such broad legislation.
Pending Legislation: California might enact further psychedelics legislation in 2022. Senate Bill 519, introduced by State Sen. Scott Wiener, would decriminalize multiple drugs including LSD, ecstasy, and psilocybin.
Decriminalize California attempted to obtain enough signatures to put psychedelics reform on the ballot, but organizers failed to meet their goal. The effort will launch again in 2023.
Colorado
Colorado residents will have a chance to vote for psychedelics reform in 2022.
Current Legislation: Denver was the first city in the nation to decriminalize psilocybin. Unlike cities in California, other entheogens like ayahuasca were not decriminalized.
Pending Legislation: Four pro-psychedelic initiatives have been approved by Colorado’s Title board. Activists will decide which initiative appears on the November ballot. A fifth initiative is currently under review.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is not considering statewide psychedelic legalization at the moment, but multiple cities have passed decriminalization efforts.
Current Legislation: Cambridge, Northampton, Somerville, and Easthampton have decriminalized psychedelics.
Michigan
There are two routes leading to psychedelic reform in Michigan this year. A few cities have already adopted their own legislation.
Current Legislation: Ann Arbor decriminalized psychedelic plants in 2020. Detroit followed suit in 2021.
Pending Legislation: Senate Bill 631, introduced by Michigan Sen. Jeff Irwin, would decriminalize psilocybin and mescaline. In addition, the “Michigan Decriminalization of Psilocybin Mushrooms and Other Plants and Fungi Initiative” has been approved by the state Board of Canvassers and will appear on November’s ballot.
Oregon
Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin in 2020 with Measure 109.
Washington State
Washington legislators will consider a bill legalizing psilocybin for therapeutic use. One city in the state has passed its own psychedelic reform measures.
Current Legislation: Seattle became the largest city in the U.S. to decriminalize natural psychedelics in October 2021.
Pending Legislation: Washington legislators will vote on Senate Bill 5660 in 2022, a bill that seeks to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use.
Washington DC
Washington DC decriminalized natural psychedelics in 2021 with DC Initiative 81.
