Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Arizona? 7 Points to Understand

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have drawn increasing attention for their potential therapeutic applications in treating mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, despite growing interest and research, their legal status remains complex—especially in states like Arizona. Here's what you need to know.

Understanding Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms are a type of fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound known for inducing altered states of consciousness. When ingested, psilocybin affects the brain’s serotonin receptors, leading to visual and sensory distortions, shifts in perception, and, in some cases, profound psychological experiences.

These mushrooms have been used for centuries in spiritual and healing practices, and modern science is now studying their therapeutic potential in treating various mental health disorders.

Are Shrooms Legal in Arizona?

No, magic mushrooms are currently illegal in Arizona. Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in these mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under both federal law and Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3401. This classification means that possessing, selling, or cultivating psilocybin mushrooms is a felony offense in the state, carrying serious legal consequences including potential prison time and fines.

While there have been legislative efforts to study the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, such as the establishment of the Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board and funding for clinical research, these initiatives have not changed the current legal status of psilocybin in Arizona.

Laws Surrounding Magic Mushrooms in AZ

Arizona maintains strict laws regarding magic mushrooms, with psilocybin classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under both federal and state law. However, recent legislative efforts indicate a growing interest in studying the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.

• Controlled Substance Classification: Psilocybin is designated as a Schedule I controlled substance in Arizona, indicating it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
• Felony Offenses: Possession, sale, or cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is considered a felony offense in Arizona, carrying severe legal consequences including potential prison time and fines.
• Spore Legality: While psilocybin spores do not contain the psychoactive compound and are not explicitly illegal, cultivating them into mushrooms is unlawful and treated as manufacturing a controlled substance.
• Legislative Developments: In 2025, Arizona lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1555, establishing the Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board to study the safety and efficacy of psilocybin for treating mental health conditions.
• Vetoed Therapy Center Bill: Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1570, which aimed to create a regulated system for psilocybin-assisted therapy centers. Despite the veto, the state continues to fund clinical research into psilocybin's therapeutic applications.
• First-Time Offenders: Individuals charged with psilocybin possession for the first time may be eligible for diversion programs, potentially avoiding jail time through probation and treatment.
• Comparison with Other States: Unlike Arizona, states like Oregon have legalized psilocybin for supervised therapeutic use, reflecting a more progressive approach to psilocybin legislation.

While Arizona's current laws strictly prohibit psilocybin use, ongoing research and legislative discussions suggest potential changes in the future.

Consequences of Magic Mushroom Possession in AZ

Possessing magic mushrooms in Arizona carries significant legal risks. Psilocybin, the active compound in these mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under both federal and state law. This classification means that any involvement with psilocybin mushrooms can lead to severe criminal penalties.

Simple Possession (Class 4 Felony)

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3407, simple possession of psilocybin is a Class 4 felony. First-time offenders may face up to 3.75 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. However, courts may offer probation and mandatory drug treatment for eligible individuals. Repeat offenders can face longer prison terms, ranging from 6 to 15 years, depending on prior convictions.

Possession with Intent to Sell (Class 2 Felony)

Possessing psilocybin with the intent to sell, transport, or administer it to others is a Class 2 felony. This offense carries a presumptive prison sentence of 5 years, with a range from 3 to 12.5 years, and fines up to $150,000. Aggravating factors, such as large quantities or prior convictions, can lead to enhanced penalties.

Cultivation and Manufacturing

Cultivating psilocybin mushrooms is considered manufacturing a dangerous drug, which is typically charged as a Class 3 felony. Penalties for this offense can include 2 to 8.75 years in prison for a first offense, with longer sentences for subsequent offenses. Possessing psilocybin spores is not illegal in Arizona, but using them to grow mushrooms constitutes an illegal act.

Additional Consequences

A felony conviction for psilocybin-related offenses can have lasting impacts beyond imprisonment and fines. Convicted individuals may face challenges in securing employment, housing, and educational opportunities. In addition a felony record can affect voting rights and firearm ownership.

Legal Alternatives to Magic Mushrooms in Arizona

While psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal in Arizona, individuals seeking alternative treatments for mental health conditions have several legal options to consider.

• Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: Ketamine is a legally available treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Administered under medical supervision in specialized clinics, ketamine therapy is currently the only psychedelic-adjacent treatment accessible in Arizona and has shown rapid antidepressant effects.
• Participation in Clinical Trials: Arizona has dedicated funding to support clinical trials studying the therapeutic use of psilocybin. Participating in these approved studies offers a legal pathway for individuals to access psilocybin-assisted therapy in a controlled research setting.
• Psychedelic Integration Therapy: Licensed therapists in Arizona offer integration services for individuals who have previously used psychedelic substances. While these sessions do not involve administering drugs, they help clients process and integrate their past experiences for improved mental health outcomes.
• Out-of-State Psychedelic Retreats: States like Oregon, where psilocybin is legal for supervised therapeutic use, offer licensed retreats and therapy centers. Traveling to these states allows Arizona residents to access psilocybin therapy legally, although bringing substances back remains strictly prohibited.

Final Thoughts

While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms is gaining recognition nationwide, their use, possession, and cultivation remain illegal in Arizona. Despite legislative progress and growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy, state law continues to classify psilocybin as a dangerous drug with serious legal consequences.
Those seeking alternative treatments have legal options available, but it's essential to stay informed and cautious under current regulations. Stay informed about Arizona's evolving psilocybin laws and related mental health research to better understand your legal rights and options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be drug tested for psilocybin in Arizona?

Yes. While standard drug tests often don’t screen for psilocybin, specialized tests can detect it. Employers or law enforcement agencies may request these if psychedelic use is suspected.

Are there age restrictions related to psilocybin laws in Arizona?

Yes. Regardless of age, possession of psilocybin is illegal. However, minors charged with possession may face juvenile penalties, while adults face felony charges under state law.

Is microdosing psilocybin legal in Arizona?

No. Microdosing still involves possessing a controlled substance. Even trace amounts of psilocybin can lead to felony charges under Arizona law.

Can medical professionals prescribe psilocybin in Arizona?

No. Psilocybin is not an FDA-approved medication and cannot be prescribed by licensed professionals in Arizona or elsewhere in the U.S., outside of sanctioned clinical trials.

Is it legal to buy magic mushroom spores online in Arizona?

Yes, but with strict limitations. Psilocybin spores can be legally purchased for microscopy or research purposes. However, growing them into mushrooms is illegal and considered drug manufacturing.

Are there any active efforts to decriminalize psilocybin in Arizona?

Yes. Legislative interest is growing, and task forces like the Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board are researching therapeutic uses. However, no decriminalization laws have passed yet.

Can psilocybin use affect custody or legal disputes?

Yes. Evidence of psilocybin use, even for therapeutic purposes, can negatively impact child custody cases or legal disputes, as it's currently classified as an illegal drug.