Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Maryland? 4 Things to Know

Curiosity around the legal status of magic mushrooms has grown alongside rising interest in their potential to support mental health treatment. In Maryland, as in many states, the landscape is evolving—shaped by shifting public opinion, scientific research, and legislative efforts. Here's what you need to know about where psilocybin mushrooms currently stand under Maryland law.

Magic Mushroom Overview

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of natural psychedelic substance that contain psilocybin—a compound known for its mind-altering effects. When consumed, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which affects mood, perception, and cognition.

Traditionally used in spiritual and medicinal contexts, these mushrooms are now gaining attention for their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating mental health conditions such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. Despite growing scientific research, their legal status remains complex and varies by location.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Maryland?

Magic mushrooms are currently illegal in Maryland. Psilocybin, the active compound in these mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under both state and federal law. Possession, cultivation, or distribution is prohibited and subject to criminal penalties. However, psilocybin mushroom spores are legal to possess, as long as they are not cultivated into mushrooms.

Why Are Magic Mushrooms Illegal in MD?

Magic mushrooms are illegal in Maryland primarily due to their classification as a controlled substance. Despite growing interest in their therapeutic use, state law continues to treat psilocybin—the active compound in these mushrooms—as a drug with no accepted medical use under existing regulations.

State and Federal Drug Classification

In Maryland, psilocybin and psilocin are classified as Schedule I substances under the Maryland Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. This mirrors federal law, where the Drug Enforcement Administration also places psilocybin in Schedule I, reserved for substances deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. This classification means that the possession, cultivation, and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms are criminal offenses under both state and federal law.

Enforcement and Legal Penalties

The enforcement of these laws falls under the jurisdiction of Maryland State Police and local law enforcement agencies. The Maryland Criminal Law Article, Title 5, governs controlled substances. Possession of psilocybin mushrooms is treated as a criminal offense and may result in misdemeanor charges, with possible jail time and fines. More serious offenses, such as manufacturing or distribution, may carry felony charges.

Psilocybin Spores and Legal Grey Areas

While the mushrooms themselves are illegal, psilocybin mushroom spores are legal to possess in Maryland—provided they are not cultivated. This is because spores do not contain psilocybin or psilocin, making them exempt from current controlled substance laws. However, the moment they are grown into mushrooms, they become illegal.

Policy Review and Psychedelic Task Force

In 2024, Maryland lawmakers unanimously approved Senate Bill 1009, which established a state task force to study the use of natural psychedelic substances, including psilocybin. This task force was created to examine the therapeutic potential of these substances, assess public health and safety impacts, and study equitable and affordable access.

The initiative is overseen by state agencies, including the Maryland Cannabis Administration, and includes input from medical, legal, and policy experts. While this is not legalization, it is a formal step toward re-evaluating current laws.

What Happens When You Possess or Use Shrooms in Maryland?

Possessing or using magic mushrooms in Maryland carries legal risks that are important to understand. Here's a breakdown of the potential consequences:

• Possession (small amounts): Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $5,000; considered a misdemeanor under state law.
• Possession with intent to distribute: Treated as a felony with possible multi-year prison terms and fines exceeding $15,000.
• Cultivation: Considered illegal manufacturing of a controlled substance, carrying penalties of up to 5 years in prison and heavy fines.
• Spores exception: Legal to possess as long as they are not cultivated; once grown into mushrooms, they become illegal.
• Enforcement authorities: Managed by Maryland State Police and local law enforcement under Title 5 of the Maryland Criminal Law Code.
• No medical or research exceptions: Maryland does not recognize psilocybin for any medical, therapeutic, or research use outside federally approved programs.

Alternatives for Magic Mushrooms in MD

If you're interested in alternative options to magic mushrooms in Maryland, here are some legal and safe paths to study:

• CBD and legalized cannabis: State‑legal substances that may help with anxiety or stress without psilocybin.
• Ketamine-assisted therapy: Legal in clinical settings, this is FDA‑approved for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
• MDMA in clinical trials: Access via authorized research programs for PTSD; still illegal for general use, but part of federally regulated studies.
• Therapeutic psychedelics (e.g. ibogaine, ayahuasca retreats abroad): These aren’t legal in Maryland, but supervised retreats in countries where they’re permitted may offer alternatives.
• Ketamine-assisted therapy clinics: Licensed centers offer structured, legal psychedelic support under medical supervision.
• Mindfulness and meditation programs: Non-substance modalities supported by mental health professionals to address conditions like anxiety or trauma.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): FDA‑approved, non-invasive treatment for depression available through Maryland clinics.

Final Thoughts

While magic mushrooms remain illegal in Maryland, growing public interest and ongoing legislative review suggest that the conversation around psilocybin is far from over. For now, individuals should stay informed, understand the risks, and consider legal, evidence-based alternatives.

If you're studying safe mental health options, now may be a good time to consult with a licensed professional or research supportive therapies available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can magic mushrooms be detected in drug tests?

Yes. Standard drug tests usually don’t screen for psilocybin, but specialized tests can detect it in urine for up to 24–48 hours after use.

Are there cities in Maryland that have decriminalized psilocybin?

No. Unlike some cities in other states, no Maryland city has enacted a local ordinance to decriminalize psilocybin or other natural psychedelics.

Can I travel with magic mushrooms through Maryland if they’re legal elsewhere?

No. Transporting psilocybin mushrooms through Maryland is illegal, even if they were legally purchased in another jurisdiction.

Are there any licensed therapists in Maryland who use psilocybin?

No. Psilocybin-assisted therapy is not legally permitted in Maryland, so no licensed professionals can administer or guide its use.

Could future legislation make magic mushrooms legal in Maryland?

Possibly. The state task force created in 2024 is studying responsible use and access. Recommendations could lead to future policy changes, but nothing is guaranteed yet.

Is microdosing psilocybin legal in Maryland?

No. Any form of psilocybin use, including microdosing, remains illegal under state and federal law. There are no quantity exemptions for personal or experimental use.