As interest in alternative therapies grows, psilocybin—the active compound found in certain psychedelic mushrooms—has gained attention for its potential mental health benefits. In Arizona, conversations around psilocybin legalization and decriminalization are increasing, with proponents highlighting its therapeutic uses for conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. However, the legal status of psilocybin in Arizona remains complex. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about psilocybin in Arizona in 2024, including its historical context, legal standing, potential benefits and drawbacks, and where the state stands on this evolving issue.
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Psilocybin Arizona Laws & Legal Status

Recent Developments

As of September 2024, the use of psilocybin in Arizona is illegal. However, trends and recent developments seem to indicate changing attitudes toward this and other psychedelics. In early 2024, a bill that proposed the legalization of psilocybin was passed in the Arizona senate (SB 1570). Its key provisions included: 

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1. Psilocybin Therapy Centers: This would allow for the licensure of psychedelic-assisted therapy centers where psilocybin can be administered to patients under indirect supervision by licensed health professionals.
2. Arizona Psilocybin Advisory Board: Establishes a 12-member board to oversee psilocybin services, approve training programs, make safety recommendations, and publish annual reports on psilocybin’s efficacy.
3. Licensing and Regulation: The Arizona Department of Health Services would regulate these centers, collect licensing fees, and oversee the Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund, which could be used for psilocybin clinical trials.
4. Training Programs: Health professionals administering psilocybin must complete at least 132 hours of specialized training in various aspects of psilocybin use and patient care.
5. Consumer Protection: The bill includes provisions to protect public health and safety, including restrictions on advertising to minors and location requirements for therapy centers (e.g., cannot be near schools).
6. Legal Protections: Licensed professionals and state employees would be protected from prosecution when involved in psilocybin-related activities as part of their official duties.

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Though the bill was vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs in June 2024, $5 million in funding was allocated for clinical human trials using psilocybin in the state, including at the Scottsdale Research Institute and the University of Arizona. Psychedelic mushrooms can be added into foods like chocolates or drinks like tea for easy consumption and near-precision dosing for the upcoming FDA Phase 1/2 trials.
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Current Legal Status

As of 2024, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under both federal law and state law, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use. In Arizona, it is treated the same as other drugs and substances typically regarded as much “harder”, including cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy, steroids, and PCP. The different charges associated with psilocybin possession include: 

• Class 4 Felony: Possession or use of psilocybin
• Class 3 Felony (unlikely to apply to psilocybin): Obtaining psilocybin through fraud or possessing equipment to manufacture psilocybin
• Class 2 Felony: Possession or transportation of psilocybin for sale, or administering psilocybin to another person

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The penalty for the class 4 felony, possession or use of a Schedule I drug (including psilocybin), is a maximum of 3.75 years in prison and up to 4 years of probation if it is the first offense. Note that these felony charges cover possession, use, home cultivation, and sharing/gifting. 
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Mushroom Spores vs. Psilocybin

Psilocybin mushrooms are grown from the spores of other mushrooms, but the illegal component is the psilocybin itself, not the mushroom’s fruiting body. Technically, possessing mushroom spores is legal; they only become classified as a controlled substance once they are cultivated into psilocybin-producing mushrooms.

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It’s important to understand this distinction – spores can attach to clothing or skin, so it’s not uncommon to unknowingly carry them after being in an area where mushrooms grow. This is not illegal by itself. However, it becomes a legal issue if the spores are intentionally used to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms.

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Accessing Psilocybin Legally in Arizona

Under Arizona’s drug laws in 2024, it is not possible to access psilocybin legally in the state. The possession of magic mushrooms or any psychedelic mushrooms is considered a felony offense. If you're caught with these types of mushrooms, you could face serious legal consequences. The Arizona senate bill 1570 would have prompted the registration of licensed healing centers for psychedelic-assisted therapy but it was vetoed by the governor in June 2024. 
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Though it doesn’t seem likely that the use of psilocybin will be legally available in Arizona in the near future, it is currently legal several states over in Oregon and is soon to be made legal for therapeutic use in Colorado. Odyssey offers both psilocybin group retreats and private experiences that are fully legal, scientifically backed, and professionally guided – get matched to the right experience for you. 
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Medical & Therapeutic Applications of Psilocybin

Mental Health Treatment

Psilocybin, the key component in "magic mushrooms," is gaining attention for its potential in treating various mental health disorders. Studies suggest that psilocybin may be highly effective in managing major depression. A survey by the Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University revealed that individuals who consumed psilocybin in non-research settings experienced significant improvements in mental health, overall well-being, and psychological function. Participants reported lasting reductions in depressive symptoms, with the effects being notably strong.

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Psilocybin also shows promise in helping patients cope with end-of-life anxiety, particularly those diagnosed with terminal illnesses like cancer. Research has demonstrated that psilocybin-assisted therapy can significantly reduce anxiety and elevate mood, with up to 80% of participants reporting sustained improvements for six months or longer.

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Another promising area is addiction treatment. Another study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that when psilocybin was paired with psychotherapy, it dramatically reduced heavy drinking days for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Additionally, a pilot study at Johns Hopkins University reported that 10 out of 15 participants quit smoking for at least 12 months after undergoing psilocybin therapy combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.

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Explore more: Psilocybin Therapy for Depression and Psilocybin Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Clinical Trials in Arizona

Arizona is taking on a new role in psilocybin research. As mentioned above, the state has allocated $5 million for whole mushroom psilocybin trials. These trials are unique as they use natural psilocybin mushrooms rather than synthetic versions. The Scottsdale Research Institute (SRI) is set to conduct FDA Phase 1/2 trials in patients with life-threatening illnesses. If approved, Arizona will be the first state to host an Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabled randomized controlled clinical trial using whole mushrooms.
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Potential Risks

While psilocybin is generally regarded as physiologically safe, it does come with certain risks, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. Potential concerns include interactions with prescription medications, psychological effects such as anxiety or paranoia, and the worsening of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. To ensure safety, it's crucial for individuals to undergo proper screening, be aware of their mental health history, and have a reliable support system in place. Responsible usage, along with professional guidance and oversight, are key to reducing these risks. All of Odyssey’s retreats and sessions are professionally-guided and based on scientific research, designed to mitigate any kind of risk. Learn more here.
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Read: The Safety of Psilocybin Therapy 
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Conclusion

The evolving landscape of psilocybin in Arizona reflects a growing interest in its potential therapeutic applications. While currently illegal, recently attempted legislation aimed to establish regulated psilocybin service centers and shows a shift in the behaviors and attitude toward psychedelic-assisted therapy. The state has also funded clinical trials to explore its effects on certain conditions. This shift could pave the way for more accessible and controlled use of psilocybin in the future. Looking ahead, the outcomes of initiatives and funding like these could have a significant impact on how psilocybin is perceived and used in medical settings, not just in Arizona but across the country.
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FAQs

What are magic mushrooms?

• Magic mushrooms–otherwise known as “shrooms”, psilocybin, or psychedelic mushrooms–are fungi containing psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which induce alterations in perception, mood, and cognition. Historically used for spiritual and ritualistic purposes, they can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, changes in time perception, and profound emotional or psychological insights. The effects vary based on dosage, mushroom type, and individual factors. Recently, psilocybin has garnered interest for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating conditions like depression and anxiety, although it remains a controlled substance in many areas.

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Are mushrooms legal in Arizona? 

• As of 2024, “magic mushrooms” are illegal in Arizona and classified as a felony. Earlier this year, a bill was passed in the Arizona senate that would have begun the process of legalization but it was vetoed by the governor, Katie Hobbs. However, more than $5 million in funding was allocated for clinical trials involving psilocybin. 

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Can I legally grow psilocybin mushrooms at home in Arizona?

• No, home cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in Arizona. Even though possessing mushroom spores is technically legal, using them to grow mushrooms is classified as "manufacturing a controlled substance," which is a felony under Arizona's drug laws.

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Can psilocybin be used for medical treatment in Arizona?

• While psilocybin is not yet legal for medical use in Arizona, it is being studied for its potential to treat different medical conditions in newly-established clinical trials. Psilocybin mushrooms have been the recipient of increased attention in recent years for the potential to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, addiction, OCD, and PTSD, as well as other medical conditions like cancer and end-of-life care. 

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In what states are mushrooms legal? 

• “Magic mushrooms” are legal in Oregon for therapeutic use through licensed healing centers and retreats like Odyssey. Colorado also recently passed legislation and will start receiving applications for centers in December 2024.