Psychedelic Drug Laws in Mississippi
Mississippi is a great place to go mushroom hunting, but avoid the psychedelic ones unless you want a hefty fine or lengthy jail sentence.
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a substance that is increasingly used both medicinally and recreationally worldwide.
This article will teach you about the legality of psilocybin in Mississippi and other psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA, and ketamine.
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Mississippi?
No. Magic mushrooms are illegal in the USA, including Mississippi.
According to Mississippi Code Annotated 41-29-139, this substance is a Schedule I controlled substance, which means the penalties can be very harsh.
Just 2 to 10 grams of shrooms (1–3 doses) can place you in jail for eight years and cost you $250,000 in fines. Ultimately, the severity of one’s penalty will vary depending on past criminal records.
Related: Magic Mushrooms 101: Everything You Need To Know.
Map of Magic Mushroom Laws in the US
Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Mississippi?
You can find several species of wild magic mushrooms in Mississippi.
There are five species you’re most likely to find here:
- Panaeolus cinctulus
- Panaeolus cyanescens
- Psilocybe caerulescens
- Psilocybe cubensis
- Psilocybe tampanensis (very rare)
These mushrooms commonly grow in disturbed areas, pastures, or even manure deposits — especially in dark and humid areas.
What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?
Studies supporting the medicinal use of psilocybin have increased in recent years. This opened a debate in North America and Europe about the legality of this substance.
Psilocybin has already been shown promise as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, cluster headaches, and more.
Some of the most recent clinical studies on the subject come from Johns Hopkins Medicine, which has studied the effects of psilocybin on problem-solving, creativity, existential anxiety, addiction, and more.
Is LSD Legal in Mississippi?
No. LSD (AKA Acid) is illegal throughout the United States, including Mississippi.
Code Ann.§ 41-29-113 of Mississippi classifies it as a Schedule I substance, so the penalties can be pretty harsh.
If you are caught with more than 30 grams of LSD (equivalent to over 200 doses), you can spend up to 30 years in prison and pay fines ranging from $5000 to $1,000,000.
Lesser amounts bring various fines and potential jail sentences as well.
In addition, any compounds derived from or related to Schedule I substances, such as LSD, are also banned. Therefore, 1P-LSD, AL-LAD, LSZ, and other similar lysergamide analogs are strictly prohibited.
Is MDMA Legal in Mississippi?
No, MDMA (ecstasy) is illegal in Mississippi.
However, it’s likely to become legal for clinical use within the next 12 months.
The possession or sale of this substance can get you into serious trouble outside of approved clinical use. It’s currently considered a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.
For example, if you are caught with 30 grams, you can be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.
Is Ketamine Legal in Mississippi?
While ketamine is illegal in Mississippi for recreational use, the law considers it a Schedule III controlled substance.
This means that the penalties are lighter than the psychedelics mentioned above. It also acknowledges the clear medicinal value of this substance.
If the police catch you with ketamine without a prescription, you can get up to 20 years in jail, depending on the amount and your history of prior convictions.
What’s The Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization
Legalization and decriminalization are two similar terms that mean two different things.
Legalization refers to the revocation of all penalties for a previously prohibited activity.
On the other hand, decriminalization means that the penalties for a crime are considerably reduced, but it doesn’t make it legal.
In terms of psychedelic law in Mississippi, the most likely outcome is the decriminalization of natural psychedelics and the legalization of certain substances for clinical use only (such as MDMA and ketamine).
Key Takeaways: What’s The Future of Psychedelics in Mississippi?
As harsh as the drug laws in Mississippi are, there’s a steady movement pushing to decriminalize psychedelics within the state. This will likely take another year or more to materialize, however.
With that said, more and more evidence is coming out in favor of the therapeutic use of these substances, which makes us optimistic these laws will change within the next year or two.
