Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in "magic mushrooms," has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. While states like Oregon and Colorado have already decriminalized or legalized psilocybin for medical and personal use, Michigan is now part of the conversation as the movement for psychedelic reform grows across the U.S. In this article, we’ll explore the legal status of psilocybin in Michigan, potential health benefits, risks, and where the state stands in comparison to others. Whether you're curious about legal changes, research updates, or personal use, this guide covers everything you need to know about psilocybin in Michigan.
‍

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in over 200 species of fungi. Known for its powerful hallucinogenic properties, it has been used for centuries in both spiritual ceremonies and recreational settings. When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, the compound responsible for its mind-altering effects.
‍

Are Mushrooms Legal in Psilocybin? 

Current State Laws

As of October 2024, psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance under Michigan law, making its use, possession, or sale not legal. According to Section 333.7404 of Michigan's Public Health Code, it is prohibited to knowingly or intentionally use a controlled substance like psilocybin. Violations of this law can result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. There are currently no legal exemptions for medical or personal use, though advocacy groups in the state are pushing for reform. Several cities, including Ann Arbor, have taken steps toward decriminalization, but state and federal law still classify psilocybin as illegal.

‍

Sign up for Odyssey to stay in the loop on future legal, professionally-guided psychedelic experiences in Michigan. 
‍

Decriminalization and Legalization Efforts

Several Michigan cities have taken steps to deprioritize the enforcement of laws against psychedelic substances. Detroit, for example, passed Proposal E in 2021; over 61% of voters supported the measure to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi. This move placed Detroit alongside other Michigan cities, including Ann Arbor, Ferndale, and Hazel Park, which have passed similar resolutions. Decriminalization means that while psilocybin remains illegal, it becomes the lowest law enforcement priority, meaning arrests and prosecutions for possession or use are deprioritized.

Ypsilanti stands out from other Michigan cities in its approach to decriminalizing psychedelic drugs. While those cities have passed resolutions to deprioritize enforcement of psychedelic-related activities, Ypsilanti's resolution goes a step further by explicitly prohibiting the use of city funds or resources for investigating or prosecuting cases involving entheogenic plants. 

‍

There are ongoing efforts to decriminalize psilocybin in Michigan, led by organizations like Decriminalize Nature Michigan. This advocacy group is focused on decriminalizing psychedelics, including psilocybin, by pushing for changes in local policies and raising awareness about their therapeutic potential. The group works closely with communities and policymakers to eliminate criminal penalties for the personal use of entheogenic plants and fungi. Additionally, they collaborate with Michigan Medicine to advance research on the medical benefits of psychedelics.
‍

How to Legally Access Psilocybin in Michigan

As of October 2024, you cannot legally access psilocybin in Michigan for personal use or purchase. However, there have been significant developments in the state regarding the decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin mushrooms.

‍

For those looking for immediate psilocybin-assisted support, Odyssey offers both psilocybin group retreats and private sessions that are legal, professionally guided, and science and evidence-based in Oregon. Get matched to the right experience for you. 
‍

Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin

Mental Health Benefits 

Psilocybin has shown significant promise in treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Research suggests that psilocybin may help individuals with depression by enhancing neuroplasticity—allowing the brain to form new neural connections and break negative thought patterns. Studies, such as those conducted by Johns Hopkins University, have found that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with therapy, can lead to lasting improvements in mood for months, particularly by reducing activity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is often hyperactive in people with depression.

‍

Early research has also signaled that psilocybin may be effective in reducing anxiety, especially among individuals facing terminal illness. Clinical trials show that cancer patients treated with psilocybin report a profound sense of emotional well-being, helping them confront end-of-life fears. Similarly, psychedelic-assisted therapy is being explored as a treatment for PTSD, where it appears to help patients process trauma more effectively by reducing fear-based responses and promoting emotional healing.

‍

In the realm of addiction, psilocybin has demonstrated encouraging results for individuals seeking to quit smoking or reduce alcohol consumption. Studies indicate that psilocybin, in combination with therapy, offers a psychological "reset," helping patients gain new perspectives on their addictions and fostering long-term behavior change. Psilocybin’s ability to bind to serotonin receptors (5-HT2A) is thought to play a key role in these therapeutic outcomes by triggering neurochemical changes that promote mental flexibility and emotional resilience. 

‍

All of the retreats and sessions at Odyssey are professionally guided and evidence-based, designed to mitigate any risk. Learn more here.

‍

Read: 

• Psilocybin Therapy for Depression
• Psilocybin Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• The Safety of Psilocybin Therapy 
  ‍

Research on Psilocybin

The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is leading the way in exploring its potential as a treatment for mental illnesses. The studies that have been done so far already suggest that psilocybin, when used in controlled settings with medical supervision, can be safe and effective in treating a wide variety of conditions.

Several clinical trials are currently underway to further investigate psilocybin's therapeutic potential. These studies aim to evaluate its effectiveness in treating various conditions, including but not limited to:

1. Chronic pain
2. Depression in Parkinson's Disease
3. Bipolar II Disorder
4. Anorexia Nervosa in young adults
5. Opioid addiction
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
8. Alcohol use disorder 

Advocacy and Research in Michigan

Psilocybin advocacy in Michigan has been largely driven by grassroots organizations like Decriminalize Nature Michigan, which leads efforts to reform both state and local laws surrounding psychedelics. The group focuses on educating the public and policymakers about the therapeutic potential of entheogenic plants and fungi, including psilocybin, in treating mental health disorders and enhancing well-being. Their primary objective is to decriminalize the personal use and possession of these substances, aiming to eliminate criminal penalties and shift law enforcement’s focus away from non-violent, drug-related offenses.

Research into psilocybin’s medical benefits is rapidly expanding across the U.S., with Michigan playing an active role. Leading institutions such as the Michigan Psychedelic Center and Michigan Medicine are conducting cutting-edge studies on the therapeutic effects of psilocybin in treating mental health disorders. As mentioned, clinical trials are investigating its efficacy in addressing conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and addiction, with early findings showing promising potential for long-term relief.

Conclusion

The future of psilocybin in Michigan is uncertain and will likely depend on a combination of ongoing research, public opinion, and legislative action. While cities like Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Ypsilanti have moved toward decriminalization at the local level, psilocybin remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under Michigan state law. This designation means that it is considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, aligning with federal government classifications.

‍

Advocacy groups are pushing for state-wide reform, but any legislative changes will likely hinge on the outcomes of scientific research. Studies investigating the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction are ongoing. Positive results from clinical trials could influence both public opinion and policymakers, potentially leading to shifts in how the state regulates psilocybin. However, it is important to note that the process of drug reclassification or legalization at the state level can be lengthy and complex, often requiring substantial evidence and support from medical and legal communities.

‍

Additionally, Michigan's stance on psilocybin will likely be influenced by broader national trends. States like Oregon and Colorado, which have already enacted legal reforms around psilocybin, may serve as models for potential future legislation. However, Michigan’s path forward will be determined by a combination of local advocacy efforts, legal frameworks, and the continued development of scientific understanding regarding the risks and benefits of psilocybin use.

FAQs

Is psilocybin legal in Michigan?

• Psilocybin is currently not legal in Michigan under state law, and its possession, sale, or use can result in criminal charges. However, some cities within the state have taken steps to decriminalize psilocybin and other psychedelic plants, sparking interest in broader legalization efforts.

Where are magic mushrooms legal?

• Magic mushrooms are legal in a few U.S. states where the state legislature has decriminalized or legalized their use for specific purposes, such as Oregon and Colorado. These states have implemented regulated programs to allow for the therapeutic and medicinal use of psilocybin.

What is the decriminalization effort of psychedelics in Michigan?

• Ann Arbor’s City Council voted to decriminalize psilocybin in 2020, marking the city as a leader in Michigan’s broader effort toward psychedelic reform. Several other cities have also since passed resolutions. While statewide psychedelic decriminalization and psilocybin legalization have not yet occurred, these local actions suggest growing support for change.

Where to buy psilocybin in Michigan?

• Under current state law, it is not legal to buy or sell psilocybin in Michigan, and there are no legal dispensaries for psychedelic mushrooms. Anyone seeking psilocybin in Michigan should be aware of the legal risks and the absence of state-sanctioned avenues for purchase.

What are the health risks associated with psilocybin? 

• While psilocybin is generally considered safe when used in controlled, therapeutic settings, some users may experience temporary side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or anxiety. However, these risks are often mitigated through proper dosage and professional guidance, making psilocybin a promising tool for mental health treatment when used responsibly.