Psilocybin
a FACT SHEET by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association

Psilocybin is a chemical compound produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms, many of which belong to the genus Psilocybe, found growing around the world. Various indigenous cultures have consumed psilocybin-containing mushrooms for medical purposes and as part of spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. In 1970, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and categorized psilocybin and other psychedelic substances as Schedule I controlled substances, which effectively stopped the research into the therapeutic effects of psilocybin for several decades. Today, psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level and it is also classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Despite the continued challenges of researching Schedule I controlled substances, the 21st century has brought forth a renewed interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.

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