Legality of Magic Mushroom in DC

As of May 2019, the use and possession of magic mushrooms is legal in Washington D.C. This new development has many people wondering what this means for the future of magic mushrooms and their legality across the country. While there are still some unanswered questions, we'll try to break down what's currently known about the status of magic mushrooms in D.C. and how this could impact legalization efforts nationwide. 

What is Magic Mushroom?

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are fungi which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally-occurring psychedelic that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential therapeutic effects and ability to induce altered states of consciousness. Magic mushrooms typically grow wild in many parts of the world, but can also be cultivated in a laboratory environment. 

In Washington D.C., magic mushrooms have recently been decriminalized. This means that possession of the substance is no longer a criminal offense, but is instead punishable by a civil fine and/or community service rather than jail time or other forms of legal punishment. While those caught with larger quantities may still face more severe repercussions, possession of small amounts of mushrooms is now treated in a similar manner to possessing marijuana. 

Overview

It was on November 5th, 2020 that Washington D.C. voters passed Initiative 81 - also known as the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020 - which decriminalized noncommercial cultivation, possession and distribution of entheogenic plants and fungi (including magic mushrooms). This act made it so that individuals over 21 years of age are no longer subject to criminal penalties for possessing these plants and fungi, so long as they have less than 2.2 ounces (62 grams) of mushrooms on-hand at any given time. 

Since the passage of this bill, D.C.'s mayor released a statement that enforcement actions would focus on more serious crimes like those involving violence and trafficking. This means that individuals in D.C. can possess magic mushrooms without fear of legal repercussions so long as they don't exceed the possession limit.

While this is a huge step forward for advocates of decriminalization and legalization, it's important to note that buying or selling magic mushrooms is still illegal under federal law. It's also important to note that while the possession of these mushrooms is no longer a criminal offense, they are still classified as Schedule I drugs by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This means that psychedelic mushrooms cannot be prescribed by doctors and remain illegal for recreational use in all 50 states. 

This policy change in Washington D.C. could pave the way for more progressive drug laws across the country. It also serves to provide an important example of a safe and responsible approach to psychedelics, which could open doors for further research into their medicinal benefits and potential for therapeutic use. 

Conclusion

It's clear that magic mushrooms have taken a monumental leap forward in terms of legal recognition in D.C., but much more needs to be done before they can become widely available across the nation. However, with this move towards decriminalization in D.C., it's safe to say that advocates of magic mushroom legalization have made huge strides in their efforts and are sure to make even more progress in the near future. While there is still much work to be done, it's becoming increasingly clear that the future of magic mushrooms is bright.