People in Washington ask this question a lot, and honestly, it makes sense. The laws around psilocybin mushrooms feel messy because they’re different depending on where you are in the state. The simple version? They’re illegal under state and federal law, but some places treat personal use very differently. So mushrooms are not fully legal, but they aren’t enforced the same way everywhere either.
Statewide Rules
Across Washington state, psilocybin and psilocin are still classified as Schedule I controlled substances. That means it’s illegal to grow, possess, sell or distribute magic mushrooms. Even small amounts technically count as possession of a controlled substance. The same classification exists at the federal level too.
Local Decriminalization Efforts
Here’s where things shift. Some Washington cities and counties have passed local policies that move psilocybin enforcement to the bottom of the priority list. That means people caught with small, personal amounts are far less likely to face charges. It doesn’t legalize mushrooms, but it lowers the risk in certain places.
When a city decriminalizes something, it simply means police and prosecutors focus on other issues first. The law itself doesn’t change, just how it’s enforced.
Efforts Toward Psilocybin Therapy
Washington lawmakers have introduced proposals to explore regulated psilocybin therapy. These ideas usually involve licensed service centers, trained facilitators and controlled environments. None of these systems are active yet, but they show that the state is moving toward a more open discussion.
For now, psilocybin therapy is not legally available. Any real system still requires more approval and development.
What This Means for People in the State
Statewide: psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal.
Locally: some cities treat possession as a low enforcement priority.
Therapy: not legalized yet, but being explored.
It’s a patchwork situation. People in decriminalized areas face less risk, but the law still hasn’t changed on paper. If you’re outside those zones, the state rules apply.
Summary
Psilocybin mushrooms are not legal in Washington state, but some cities have chosen to decriminalize personal possession. This reduces enforcement but doesn’t change the law itself. The state is also exploring the idea of regulated psilocybin therapy, though nothing is fully approved yet. So while mushrooms aren’t legal, they are treated differently depending on where you live.
Sources
Washington State Revised Code – Psilocybin and Psilocin Scheduling
KUOW – Washington Cities Decriminalizing Psychedelic Mushrooms
Inoculate the World – Washington Psilocybin Therapy Bill and Policy Developments