Psilocybin Law Reforms Gain Momentum Across the United States

LOS ANGELES- Efforts to reform psilocybin laws are accelerating nationwide, with several states making significant strides toward decriminalization or legalization of the psychoactive compound found in “magic mushrooms.”​

In Colorado, voters approved Proposition 122 in November 2022, legalizing psilocybin and establishing treatment centers for its supervised use. By June 2023, however, concerns arose over a burgeoning gray market, prompting legislative measures to regulate the advertisement and sale of psychedelic substances. Senate Bill 23-290, effective July 1, 2023, aims to curb unlicensed activities related to psilocybin. ​

California has seen multiple legislative attempts to decriminalize psychedelics. In September 2023, Senate Bill 58, which sought to decriminalize the possession and use of certain hallucinogenic substances, was passed by the legislature but vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2023. Advocates are now exploring alternative approaches, including pilot programs for psychedelic therapies targeting mental health issues among veterans. ​

In Massachusetts, the push for psilocybin reform has manifested through various legislative proposals. House Docket 188, introduced by Rep. Marc Lombardo, aims to decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin, imposing a $100 fine for quantities under one gram. Another proposal, House Docket 4017 by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, seeks to establish a pilot program offering psilocybin treatment through nonprofit therapeutic centers.

New Hampshire‘s House of Representatives recently approved a bill to decriminalize the use and possession of psilocybin by adults. This legislative move reflects a growing acknowledgment of the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics and a shift toward more lenient policies.

As of early 2025, over a dozen states have introduced more than three dozen psychedelics-related bills, indicating a nationwide surge in legislative interest. These initiatives range from decriminalization efforts to the establishment of regulated therapeutic programs, reflecting evolving perspectives on the medical and societal implications of psilocybin use. ​

While the trajectory of psilocybin law reform varies across jurisdictions, the overarching trend suggests a significant shift in public and legislative attitudes toward the compound, with an increasing number of states considering measures to decriminalize or legalize its use.