Psilocybin, the active compound found in “magic mushrooms” is gaining increased attention in the United States for its potential therapeutic benefits and evolving legal status. In Washington, interest is growing as more research highlights its promise in treating mental health conditions. Washington’s neighbor, Oregon, was the first state to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin. While psilocybin remains illegal in Washington, some have advocated for its decriminalization and medical use. 

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This article covers everything you need to know about psilocybin in Washington, including current legislation, health benefits, ongoing research, and the future of the substance in the Evergreen State.
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What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, commonly referred to as magic mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction leads to altered sensory perception, changes in mood, and shifts in consciousness. Psilocin’s influence on the brain disrupts normal communication patterns, producing experiences such as visual changes, time distortion, and altered thought processes.

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Psilocybin’s effects seem to stem from its ability to create a "hyperconnected" brain state by loosening the usual communication barriers between different regions of the brain. Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors, particularly in areas related to cognition, mood, and perception. This often leads to a rewiring that can have profound changes in sensory experiences and thought patterns. The effects of psilocybin typically last between 6 to 8 hours. 
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Psilocybin Legalization & Legislation in Washington

Recent History 

As of September 2024, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, meaning it is illegal to possess, consume, or sell. However, in recent years, changes in legislation signify an evolving attitude toward the substance from Washington residents and lawmakers.

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In February 2021, the Washington Supreme Court temporarily decriminalized drug possession by ruling that felony criminal penalties for both knowing and unknowing possession of controlled substances were unconstitutional (State vs. Blake). This landmark decision effectively struck down the state's drug possession laws, leading to significant changes in Washington's approach to drug offenses.

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In response to the State v. Blake ruling, Washington's legislature reformed the state's drug possession laws with the passage of SB 5476, which took effect in July 2021. This law encourages law enforcement and prosecutors to divert first- and second-time drug possession offenders to drug treatment programs and support services rather than pursuing criminal penalties. The law also reduces the penalty for possession of controlled substances from a felony to a misdemeanor. 

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In January 2022, Washington lawmakers introduced bill SB 5660, the “Psilocybin Wellness and Opportunity Act”, which attempted to legalize psilocybin use for individuals aged 21 or over and establish a Washington Psilocybin Advisory Board. There was bipartisan interest but the bill failed to make it out of committee. 

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Senate budget bill SB 5693 proposed $200,000 in funding for a new workgroup that would study the implications of legalizing psilocybin services in the state, using the current regulatory systems for marijuana. The proposed budget was made effective in March 2022 and the group received $50,000 in funding for FY 2022 and $150,000 in funding for FY 2023. 
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Current Legislation

In early 2023, SB 5263 was introduced which directed the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) to create a regulatory system for adult-use psilocybin and a Task Force. Though it was vetoed by the Governor, a substitute to this bill was signed in May of the same year that provided $1.4 million in funding for a two-year pilot program that went into effect on July 7, 2023. This project limits psilocybin use to veterans and first responders as it collects data and tests the implications of regulation.  

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Several cities have also made local changes. In 2021, both Seattle and Port Townsend declared entheogen-related activities a “low enforcement priority”, but did not change city laws or legalize controlled substances. Note that this resolution excludes minors from participation. In 2023, Jefferson County decriminalized psilocybin and other psychedelic plants, becoming the first in Washington to do so. 
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Ongoing Research

The University of Washington’s School of Medicine is set to begin a medical trial on the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms in early 2025. With funding from SB 5263, UW is enrolling about 40 veterans and first responders with documented PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Participants will undergo psychotherapy before and after their psychedelic experiences, which they will go through with two therapists present. 
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Personal Use and Possession Limits

Under current law, possession of psilocybin mushrooms is punishable by up to 180 days of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. For those with two or more prior convictions after July 1, 2023, the maximum imprisonment can increase to 364 days. 
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Accessing Legal Psilocybin in Washington

Currently, it is not possible to legally access psilocybin in the state of Washington. However, it is legal for therapeutic use one state over in Oregon as well as in Colorado. For those looking for immediate psilocybin-assisted support, 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 Mushrooms

Mental Health Treatment

Psilocybin has emerged as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions. Research suggests that it could be particularly effective in combating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addictive disorders, and eating disorders, among others. 
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A study conducted by the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University explored the mental health effects of psilocybin among individuals who used the substance in non-clinical settings. Results showed that psilocybin use was linked to significant improvements in overall well-being and mental health, with many participants reporting lasting reductions in depressive symptoms and enhanced psychological functioning.
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Another promising area of research is the use of psilocybin for end-of-life care in cancer patients. Studies have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can alleviate anxiety and enhance mood, with some reports indicating that up to 80% of patients experienced lasting benefits for six months or more.
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Psilocybin has also been studied for its potential to treat addiction. Research published in JAMA Psychiatry found that when psilocybin was used alongside psychotherapy, it led to a significant reduction in heavy drinking days for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Similarly, a pilot study at Johns Hopkins reported that 10 out of 15 participants were able to quit smoking for a year after receiving moderate-to-high doses of psilocybin combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.
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Read: Psilocybin Therapy for Depression and Psilocybin Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Potential Benefits and Risks

Psilocybin's therapeutic potential extends beyond traditional mental health treatments, offering a unique mechanism that promotes neuroplasticity—helping the brain form new connections and pathways. This capacity for rewiring neural circuits may play a crucial role in why psilocybin appears to be effective in conditions resistant to standard treatments, such as chronic depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early studies suggest that psilocybin therapy can induce profound changes in thought patterns and emotional responses, allowing individuals to confront deeply rooted psychological issues with greater openness and insight.

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Furthermore, psilocybin's ability to reduce the brain's default mode network activity—a network associated with self-referential thinking and rumination—could be key in alleviating mental health symptoms. By temporarily disrupting these habitual patterns, psilocybin allows the brain to reset, often leading to significant and long-lasting improvements in mood, outlook, and mental clarity.

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Read: Psilocybin and Neuroplasticity: Research & Benefits and The Safety of Psilocybin Therapy 

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Here is what several past private session and retreat clients have said about their experiences using psilocybin-assisted therapeutic services through Odyssey: 

• “This was the single most meaningful experience of my life. I feel like I'm now the person I've always been but didn't realize it until now.” – Gary
  
  
• “This experience, while challenging, was also imbued with a sense of peace, bliss, and a serene calmness that enveloped me in a way I've never felt in my almost 50 years of existence. I experienced an intense feeling of love, a deep connection with my loved ones, and a profound oneness with the world around me.
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• I can confidently say it has been a pivotal turning point in my life. I find myself more in touch with my emotions, often moved to tears not by sadness, but by an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude. This heightened emotional awareness has brought a sense of lightness, a pervasive happiness that colors my daily life.” – Laura
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• “I was diagnosed with OCD 21 years ago. Since then I have tried so many different treatments and therapies that I have lost count. I have been in weekly therapy for the past 5+ years and on a heavy SSRI dose.
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• Odyssey’s experience has changed my life. I’m now 5 weeks post-ceremony, and only can I tell a difference in my symptoms, but everyone around me can. My first week back, my therapist couldn’t believe the difference. For the first time in many years, I can take a shower with no assistance. This has easily given me back an hour of every day.” – Connor 
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While psilocybin is generally considered safe in controlled settings, it does carry some risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Potential concerns include negative interactions with prescription medications and the risk of exacerbating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. To minimize these risks, comprehensive screening and attention to mental health history are essential. Additionally, a strong support network and using psilocybin under professional supervision are critical for ensuring safe and positive outcomes. Responsible use and oversight are key to maximizing its therapeutic potential while reducing possible harm.

All of the retreats and sessions at Odyssey are professionally guided using protocols  based on scientific research, designed to mitigate any risk. Learn more here.
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Conclusion

The exploration of psilocybin in Washington sheds light on a complex and evolving landscape. While current laws classify it as a controlled substance, ongoing research and legislative efforts are paving the way for potential changes. The growing interest in psilocybin's therapeutic applications, especially in mental health treatment, highlights its significance in medical research and potential future healthcare practices.

FAQs

Are mushrooms legal in Washington?

• As of 2024, psilocybin remains illegal in Washington but recent legislation has classified psilocybin-related offenses as misdemeanors instead of a felony. The cities of Seattle and Port Townsend have made it a “low enforcement priority” and psilocybin is decriminalized in Jefferson County. Clinical trials are beginning at the University of Washington and will provide psilocybin-assisted therapy to a select number of veterans and first responders. 

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What are the current regulations regarding psilocybin in Washington?

• Washington is in the process of developing a regulatory framework for psilocybin. Recent bills, such as SB 5693 and SB 5263, have set up funding for research into psilocybin use and regulation and established a pilot project for veterans and first responders. 

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How long is a mushroom trip? 

• A psilocybin mushroom trip typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours. The effects usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, with the peak experience occurring around 2 to 3 hours in. The intensity and duration of the trip can vary based on dosage, individual tolerance, and the user's environment.

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Where are magic mushrooms legal? 

• In the United States, magic mushrooms are legal for therapeutic use in Oregon and Colorado. In these states, psilocybin is regulated for supervised sessions. Get matched to a professionally-guided and scientifically-grounded psilocybin experience here. 

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