Psychedelic Drug Laws in Idaho: Any Chance for Change?
Idaho is bullish on potatoes and bearish on psychedelics.
This article is intended to be a guide for those who want to know about the legality of psychedelic substances in the state of Idaho.
We’ll go through the most-used psychedelics and their legal status, and we’ll dive into some of the evidence-based medicinal uses of these substances.
Next, there’s everything you need to know about the legality of psychedelics in the state of Idaho.
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Idaho?
No, magic mushrooms are banned in the state of Idaho.
Idaho is governed by stringent drug laws in general, including psilocybin, the primary psychoactive agent in magic mushrooms. This drug falls into the Schedule I category, which includes drugs that carry the highest legal penalties.
This category is reserved for substances that have a high tendency to cause dependence and addiction and have no confirmed medical uses.
Various movements seek to reclassify the legal status of magic mushrooms — arguing that the drug has medicinal value and a relatively low addictive power.
As it stands, Idaho state law (Title 37, Chapter 27, Article II) denotes the possession, cultivation, and sale of magic mushroom spores are illegal in Idaho.
Penalties for possession of this drug range from three to seven years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. Idaho is one of the few states where spores are illegal.
Map of Magic Mushroom Laws in the US
Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Idaho?
There are over 180 species of magic mushrooms, each one with specialized environmental requirements. Several of these species grow wild in Idaho — especially in the northern part of the state.
The most common species in Idaho include:
- Panaeolus cinctulus
- Panaeolus olivaceus
- Pholiotina cyanopus
- Psilocybe fimetaria
- Gymnopilus luteofolius
What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?
The medical use of psilocybin has been studied for decades.
Psilocybin has been shown in several clinical trials to be effective in treating a variety of different health conditions, including:
- Addiction & substance abuse
- Cluster headaches
- Depression
- Existential anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The key argument presented by those advocating the medical use of psilocybin is that it has no addictive potential and that psilocybin therapy is supported by research.
Other studies suggest magic mushrooms and other psychedelics may assist in facilitating problem-solving and creativity.
Is LSD Legal in Idaho?
No. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is illegal in Idaho.
LSD is a Schedule I psychedelic drug. Its possession, sale, and production are punishable by law with severe sentences of up to 55 years, depending on the amount.
This drug is covered the same way as psilocybin is under state law, so the penalties and legal action are the same.
Is MDMA Legal in Idaho?
No. MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or molly) is another synthetic drug belonging to Schedule I, so its sale, possession, and use are illegal under state law.
While this drug is associated with the party and rave scene, medical trials and many movements advocate its therapeutic use.
Using MDMA in Idaho can lead to penalties of 7 years in prison and considerably high fines.
Is Ketamine Legal in Idaho?
Ketamine is a sedative drug with powerful analgesic properties. All activity related to its recreational use is punishable by national and state law as it is a Schedule I drug.
However, many states are beginning to legalize the medical use of ketamine, and it’s usually included in the Schedule III category.
We expect ketamine laws to change soon in Idaho.
Legal Psychoactive Substances in Idaho
Idaho is a somewhat restrictive and conservative state when it comes to substances. However, kratom, a psychoactive substance from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, is legal thanks to HB567.
What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?
Legalization and decriminalization are legal terms that relate to the legal status of drugs.
The main difference is that legalization strips the drug of any illegal status, while decriminalization lessens the severity of the consequences faced by offenders.
Key Takeaways: What’s the Future of Psychedelics in Idaho?
We’ve said it before, and it’s a fact. Idaho is a conservative state when it comes to drug issues. Yet, every year, marijuana legalization is consistently debated and still fails to pass in Congress.
Taking all this into account, we don’t think psychedelic laws will change soon in Idaho. We may need to wait until changes happen at a federal level to see some action in Idaho regarding this topic.
