Are Mushrooms Legal in Michigan? The Status of Psilocybin and Psychedelics
Psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal in Michigan under both federal and state law, but reform efforts and research are ongoing. Here’s what researchers, clinicians, and the public need to know.
Are Mushrooms Legal in Michigan? The Short Answer
No, psilocybin-containing mushrooms (commonly called "magic mushrooms") are not legal in Michigan. Both federal and state law classify psilocybin as a controlled substance, making possession, cultivation, and distribution illegal except in the context of approved scientific research. This explainer provides a curated, authoritative overview of the legal status, research landscape, and reform efforts in Michigan. This is general information and not legal advice.
Federal Law: Psilocybin as a Schedule I Substance
Under the United States Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance. This category is reserved for drugs deemed to have a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces this classification nationwide. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved psilocybin for any medical use outside of clinical trials.
Recent developments—such as ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials by Compass Pathways (COMP360) and Usona Institute (IPR001)—may influence future policy, but as of now, psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level. For a broader context on the research landscape, see our Psychedelic Research Landscape guide.
Michigan State Law: Current Statutes and Enforcement
Michigan law mirrors federal policy. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978, Article 7). This means that, outside of federally approved research, it is illegal to possess, cultivate, or distribute psilocybin mushrooms in Michigan. Violations can result in criminal penalties, including fines and incarceration.
There are currently no state-authorized therapeutic or decriminalization programs for psilocybin in Michigan. Unlike Oregon (Measure 109) and Colorado (Proposition 122), which have implemented state-level regulated access to psilocybin for therapeutic use, Michigan has not enacted similar reforms.
Legislative Reform Efforts: The Status of SB 631
Efforts to change the legal status of psychedelics in Michigan are ongoing. The most notable is Senate Bill 631 (SB 631), the Michigan Psychedelics and Mental Health Act. This bill, if enacted, would create a framework for legal therapeutic use of certain psychedelics, including psilocybin, under regulated conditions. As of this writing, SB 631 remains under legislative consideration and has not been enacted into law. Until such reforms pass, the legal status of psilocybin in Michigan remains unchanged.
For updates on legislative activity and policy trends, visit our Psychedelic Policy Briefing feed and Legal Guide.
Exceptions: Research and Clinical Trials
While psilocybin is illegal for general use, exceptions exist for approved scientific research. Researchers in Michigan may obtain special licenses from the DEA and relevant state authorities to study psilocybin under strict protocols. These activities are highly regulated and generally limited to academic or medical institutions participating in clinical trials. For those interested in pursuing research, consult our Psychedelic Research Guides for compliance and application pathways.
It is important to note that personal or non-institutional use, even for purported therapeutic purposes, is not covered by these exceptions and remains illegal.
How Michigan Compares: National and State-Level Trends
Michigan’s current legal stance is consistent with most U.S. states. Only Oregon and Colorado have implemented state-level frameworks for legal psilocybin use in therapeutic settings. Several cities nationwide have adopted local decriminalization measures, but these do not override state or federal law and offer only limited protection from prosecution.
Nationally, the landscape may shift as results from large clinical trials (such as those by Compass Pathways and Usona Institute) become available and the FDA considers potential approvals. However, as of now, psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance, and any use outside of research is illegal in Michigan.
For a comparative overview, see our Psychedelic Research Landscape and Legal Guide.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are a researcher, clinician, or member of the public seeking more information about the legal and scientific status of psychedelics in Michigan, consult our comprehensive Psychedelic Start Guide and Policy Briefings. For those interested in participating in or conducting research, review our Research Guides for best practices and compliance requirements.
Always consult qualified legal counsel before taking any action involving controlled substances. This explainer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.