A Look At Missouri’s Harsh Stance on Psychedelics: Will the Laws Change Soon?
Missouri is not tolerant when it comes to psychedelics, but there’s hope that things will change in the future.
Missouri is one of the least tolerant states regarding drugs of any kind.
MDMA, LSD, magic mushrooms, ketamine, and DMT are banned there. Possessing any of these substances is a Class D felony and can cost you up to seven years in prison.
What are these drugs, and what good could come from legalizing them?
Here’s the latest information about each one and the laws surrounding them.
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Missouri?
Psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in Missouri and are considered a Controlled Substance. Possession and use is a Class D felony and carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison.
In Missouri, psilocybin classifies as a Schedule I substance, as authorities consider it dangerous. Experts claim that magic mushrooms have therapeutic benefits, but their classification makes it hard to study them in-depth.
The Missouri House of Representatives introduced bill HB 1176 that would have allowed terminally ill patients to use investigative drugs, like mushrooms, as a last resource. The bill died, but it leaves hope that someday there will be great reform.
Map of Magic Mushroom Laws In the USA
Are Mushroom Spores Legal in Missouri?
Shroom spores are legal in Missouri. However, growing them is illegal, so we advise caution.
Because they do not contain any actual psilocybin, the law does not consider them illegal substances.
Related: Where To Buy Magic Mushroom Spores Near Me.
Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Missouri?
Yes, magic mushrooms grow throughout Missouri — especially around state or federal parks, gardens, and old-growth forests.
Psilocybe semilanceata is widespread and grows in wet grasslands, and feeds off decaying roots. You can also find the famous Psilocybe cubensis in the warmer regions of the state. This species grows in cow dung, especially after it rains.
Related: 100+ Species of Magic Mushrooms From Around the World
What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?
Magic mushrooms are in the spotlight after recent scientific breakthroughs.
For example, some studies show that shrooms help people overcome the anxiety and existential dread that comes at the end of life [1].
Researchers believe that psilocybin targets serotonergic signaling 5HT2A and could be effective in treating depression as well.
Other studies suggest psilocybin could help with various disorders like cluster headaches, alcohol and tobacco addiction, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) [2 – 4].
Related: Can Psychedelics Help With Problem-Solving?
Is LSD Legal in Missouri?
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is illegal throughout Missouri and the rest of the United States.
Like mushrooms, researchers have widely studied acid for its psychotherapeutic benefits. However, it is also classified as Schedule I in the Cave State.
Possessing and using LSD in Missouri can get you up to seven years in prison.
Is MDMA Legal in Missouri?
No. MDMA — also known as ecstasy or molly — is illegal in Missouri.
The penalty for using or possessing any controlled substance in Missouri can mean seven years in prison.
Unfortunately, this considerably delays medical breakthroughs with MDMA [5]. This drug could be helpful in some psychedelic-assisted psychotherapeutic treatments.
Thanks to these studies, some countries have begun to reconsider the legality of MDMA.
We could see legalized MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the United States soon.
Is Ketamine Legal in Missouri?
Ketamine is legal in Missouri for medicinal use but is banned for recreational consumption.
If you get caught with unauthorized ketamine, it can cost you up to seven years in prison.
Despite its recreational use, ketamine also has therapeutic benefits. This drug can be used as an antidepressant in some instances [2].
Is DMT Legal in Missouri?
No, DMT is not legal in Missouri.
DMT (dimethyltryptamine) carries the same penalties as the other substances and is therefore highly restricted in the state of Missouri.
The only exceptions to this rule are religious approvals for two groups to access ayahuasca as a form of sacrament. These groups include the Santo Daime, and União do Vegetal.
All other forms of DMT, including ayahuasca, changa, Colorado river toad, or DMT vape pens are strictly forbidden.
What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?
Legalization and decriminalization are not the same things. It’s common to hear them used interchangeably, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
Here is a brief overview of each:
1. Legalization
- Eliminates penalties related to a given substance or activity
- Allows and regulates the commercialization of the substance or activity to the public
- Substances may be legalized for either recreational or medical use
- Attempts to funnel markets away from criminal activity
- Taps into new avenues for taxable income
- Makes it easier for addicts to get help with substance abuse
2. Decriminalization
- Eliminates or significantly reduces related convictions
- Sale and possession remain illegal
- Frees the courts from petty crimes
- Reduces drug violence
- Acts as an intermediate step before legalization
Key Takeaways: What’s the Future of Psychedelics in Missouri?
Unfortunately, Missouri is one of the most stringent states regarding its drug policy. Possessing any controlled substance there can cost you up to seven years in prison. In addition, analogs also receive the same penalties.
The United States is moving towards decriminalizing psychedelics. Such is the case in Oregon, which recently decriminalized all drugs. While Missouri has lagged in these developments, we hope the authorities will soon bring up the debate at the state and federal levels.
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References
- Grob, C. S., Danforth, A. L., Chopra, G. S., Hagerty, M., McKay, C. R., Halberstadt, A. L., & Greer, G. R. (2011). Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Archives of general psychiatry, 68(1), 71-78.
- Bottemanne, H., Claret, A., & Fossati, P. (2020). Ketamine, psilocybine, and rapid acting antidepressant: new promise for psychiatry?. L’encephale.
- Schindler, E. A., Gottschalk, C. H., Weil, M. J., Shapiro, R. E., Wright, D. A., & Sewell, R. A. (2015). Indoleamine hallucinogens in cluster headache: results of the Clusterbusters medication use survey. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 47(5), 372-381.
- Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2017). Potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin. Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), 734-740.
- Sessa, B., Higbed, L., & Nutt, D. (2019). A review of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 138.
