Alabama’s Current Psychedelic Drug Laws & What the Future Looks Like

Alabama has been slow to adopt changes to psychoactive substances, including marijuana and magic mushrooms.

Despite numerous other states updating archaic and outdated laws, Alabama has held firm — maintaining a blanket ban on all mind-altering substances.

Below, you will learn about the legality of psilocybin and other drugs such as ketamine, LSD, and MDMA in Alabama.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Alabama?

As is the case nationwide, magic mushrooms are illegal in Alabama.

According to Alabama Code § 13A-12-212, possession of this substance represents a Class D felony. This means that penalties are no more than five years and no less than one year and up to $7500 in fines. Of course, it all varies with the amount you are found with.

On the other hand, the distribution penalty is harsher, ranging from 2 to 20 years imprisonment.

Related: Where are magic mushrooms legal?

Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Alabama?

You can find wild species of magic mushrooms almost everywhere in the world — including Alabama.

To increase your chances of finding them, you should get as close to the coast as possible. Also, keep an eye out for those weeks of torrential rains, as you will likely find large clusters growing around after rainfall.

The most common species in Alabama are Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens, which are common in cow fields positioned near the coast.

What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?

Scientific advances in recent years strongly support the use of psilocybin for therapeutic use. These findings are leading the charge in the decriminalization and legalization of magic mushrooms around the world.

The current Schedule I standing suggests “no medicinal value” from magic mushrooms. But that’s not what the evidence suggests.

So far, magic mushrooms have shown promise as a treatment option for such conditions as cluster headaches, substance abuse, depression, PTSD, existential anxiety, and more.

There are also interesting studies suggesting that magic mushrooms can help with problem solving and creativity.

Is LSD Legal in Alabama?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic substance with effects similar to psilocybin. In Alabama, this substance is illegal. The penalties are pretty harsh, as acid is considered a Schedule I controlled substance.

For example, possession of LSD can bring 1 to 5 years in prison, or a fine of up to $7500, depending on the amount you’re carrying.

Is MDMA Legal in Alabama?

MDMA (ecstasy) is illegal in both Alabama and the rest of the country. Like LSD, MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance under state law. The penalties also go up to five years in prison and fines up to $7500.

The manufacture of this substance has very harsh consequences. This offense is considered a Class A felony, which means you can spend a lifetime in prison or face fines of up to $60,000.

Medical use of MDMA is still not considered legal in the state of Alabama.

Is Ketamine Legal in Alabama?

Ketamine is a sedative drug mainly used by veterinarians. However, many people use this substance recreationally as it also has hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.

Unlike the previously mentioned psychedelics, ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance. This means that the Alabama legislature considers it to have less potential for abuse, accepting medical applications.

Medical doctors can use ketamine legally for the treatment of clinical treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

Related: What is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy?

What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization

Understanding the difference between legalization and decriminalization is crucial to avoid misunderstandings, especially when traveling to another country.

Decriminalization means that the penalties for a particular illicit activity are reduced. In some cases, misdemeanors are legalized altogether. On the other hand, legalization means completely revoking any penalties for a specific illegal activity.

Key Takeaways: What’s the Future of Psychedelics in Alabama?

Alabama is not the most open state when it comes to drugs. However, the studies that support the use of psilocybin are changing the rules of the game. Psychedelics are excellent tools to support psychotherapy, and the authorities can’t neglect their benefits for much longer.

Although we don’t see legalization happening in Alabama in the short term, we do expect the laws to get a bit laxer as time goes by.