Are Any Psychoactive Plants & Fungi Legal in Louisiana?

It’s prohibited to possess and sell LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and magic mushrooms in Louisiana.

Spores and certain lesser-known drugs, however, are not punishable by law.

Still, the Bayou State’s laws can be confusing, so this article will tell you everything you need to know about them.

In addition, we’ll discuss the future of the legality of psychedelics, which species of magic mushrooms grow in Louisiana, and the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing a drug.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Louisiana?

No. Magic mushrooms are illegal in Louisiana.

This is because psilocybin, the main compound in psychedelic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance according to Louisiana Revised Statute 40:964.

Federal law also classifies both psilocin and psilocybin this way.

Several experts have advised authorities to reclassify this substance, as its abuse potential is low and there is evidence of medicinal potential. However, possessing psychedelic mushrooms can cost you up to two years in prison and a $5000 fine in Louisiana.

However, the spores of magic mushrooms are not specifically punishable under Louisiana law. According to federal law, they are only illegal when they grow to the point where they contain psilocybin.

Still, as this is a legal grey area, we recommend proceeding with caution if you intend to grow magic mushrooms.

Map of Magic Mushroom Laws in the US

Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Louisiana

Yes, you can find several species of wild psychedelic mushrooms in Louisiana. Many species prefer the high humidity and warm winters Louisiana has to offer.

The most common species here include Psilocybe baeocystis in temperate forests, Psilocybe cubensis in the warmer parts of the state, and Psilocybe mexicana near cattle ranches.

What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?

Recently, magic mushrooms have been the subject of significant scientific research.

Evidence supports the following medicinal uses of magic mushrooms:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Existential anxiety in terminally ill patients
• Cluster headaches
• Clinical depression
• Substance addiction

Magic mushrooms have also been shown to improve creativity and problem-solving.

Is LSD Legal in Louisiana?

Possessing and selling LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is illegal throughout Louisiana.

Because it is a Schedule I substance, the penalty for possessing it can be up to 2 years in prison and $5000 in fines.

In addition, Article 40:964.1 stipulates that lysergamide analogs, such as 1P-LSD, PRO-LAD, 1cP-LSD, AL-LAD, will be treated under the same regulations.

Is MDMA Legal in Louisiana?

MDMA, better known as ecstasy, is entirely illegal in Louisiana.

Unfortunately, state law treats it the same as LSD, so possessing MDMA can cost you up to two years in prison and $5000.

Many countries have begun to move towards the legalization of MDMA due to its medicinal use in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

 In the United States, Oregon was one of the most recent states to decriminalize the substance, thanks to new research. However, it doesn’t look like Louisiana’s laws are going to change anytime soon.

Is Ketamine Legal in Louisiana?

No. Ketamine is illegal throughout the Bayou State.

While it is considered a Schedule III substance due to its medicinal uses, it is prohibited to possess it without medical authorization.

However, this could be further developed in the future, as ketamine treatment shows promising results on depression and PTSD.

The penalties for illegally possessing or selling ketamine include 1-5 years in prison and a fine of $5000.

Legal Psychoactive Substances in Louisiana

Certain substances are legal in Louisiana despite the state’s harsh drug laws. In addition to medical marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol, the following substances are not punishable by state law:

• Kratom
• Morning Glory (LSA)
• Nutmeg
• DXM
• Kava
• Delta 8 THC
• Delta 10 THC

However, these laws change regularly, so we recommend that you keep an eye out for updates.

For example, Louisiana authorities periodically try to ban kratom but have failed every single time.

What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?

Nowadays, it is common to talk about the legalization or decriminalization of a drug. However, not many people know the difference.

Decriminalization consists of abolishing or significantly reducing the penalties for possessing a substance. Therefore, it makes treatment easier for people with addiction problems and frees up the courts for more critical cases.

Legalization, on the other hand, allows the sale of a drug to the general public. While this sale is regulated, it is the fundamental step towards eradicating drug trafficking, drug market violence, and addiction.

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

Louisiana is known for its strict drug laws, as simply possessing a controlled substance can carry hefty fines and sentences of 1-2 years in prison.

While legalizing medical marijuana was a big step forward, it doesn’t look like any upcoming changes to psychedelic substance regulations.

Still, the entire United States is moving towards the legalization of psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ketamine because of their medicinal uses. For this reason, we can suspect that if federal law loosens up, so will Louisiana regulations.