A Comprehensive Guide to US, State, and International Laws
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 classifies drugs into five schedules based on their medical use and potential for abuse.
Defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Includes:
Despite state legalization, federal law enforcement maintains authority but has generally adopted a hands-off approach to state-legal cannabis operations under the Cole Memorandum (2013), though its status has varied between administrations.
21 states + DC have legalized recreational cannabis:
16 states have medical cannabis programs:
4 states have no comprehensive cannabis laws:
Note: Some states have limited CBD-only laws
Most classical psychedelics remain Schedule I substances under federal law, though research restrictions have eased in recent years.
| State | Substance | Legal Status | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Psilocybin | Legal for therapy | 2020 |
| Colorado | Psilocybin, DMT, Ibogaine, Mescaline | Decriminalized | 2022 |
| California | Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, DMT, Mescaline, Ibogaine | Decriminalized (some cities) | 2019+ |
| Washington, DC | Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, Ibogaine | Decriminalized | 2020 |
| Massachusetts | Psilocybin | Decriminalized (some cities) | 2021+ |
| Michigan | Psilocybin | Decriminalized (some cities) | 2021+ |
| Washington | Psilocybin | Medical research | 2022 |
Fully legalized cannabis in 2018. Psilocybin exemptions for end-of-life care and therapy.
All drugs decriminalized for personal use since 2001. Focus on treatment rather than punishment.
Cannabis available in licensed coffeeshops. Psilocybin truffles legally available.
Pioneering medical cannabis program. Leading psychedelic research.
Cannabis decriminalized for personal use. Religious use protected. Emerging psychedelic retreat industry.
Ayahuasca use protected for religious purposes. Growing medical cannabis program.
| Bill | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MORE Act | Would decriminalize cannabis at federal level and address past convictions | Passed House multiple times, pending Senate action |
| CAOA | Comprehensive cannabis legalization and regulation bill | Introduced in Senate, committee review |
| Right to Try | Expands access to investigational drugs including psychedelics | Already passed, implementation ongoing |
| State Reform Act | Protects state-legal cannabis programs from federal interference | Introduced, committee review |