News Update: Magic Mushrooms in Maine

Magic mushrooms in Maine became a topic of discussion. Research showed that shrooms could be a source of tons of benefits. This is despite the fact that people still view it as dangerous. With these benefits, legislation now knows why these were used for thousands of years. Even so, certain events led to the way people look at them today.

During the 1970s, the Controlled Substances Act was a law passed to support the “drug war.” The law implied that the biggest threat to humankind is using these drugs. This is so as they could destroy the users’ lives. Due to this, all states based their laws and sentences on the act, including Maine.

The Maine Criminal Code On Psilocybin

Usually, all areas of the US pattern their drug laws after the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This means that they also classify specific drugs into Schedule I, II, III, and IV, ending up in the same groups. But, Maine’s substance laws differ from the rest of the country.

When it comes to drugs, Pine Tree State follows the Maine Criminal Code. The code classifies drugs into Schedule W, X, Y, and Z, which works the same way. Schedule W is an example. This includes harmful drugs such as cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, and methamphetamine. Being the most dangerous of them all, they are illegal.

Hallucinogens it is classified as Schedule X drugs. These are the second-most dangerous drugs out of the four classes. One of the hallucinogens includes psilocybin, a substance commonly found in magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are illegal as they are deemed hazardous substances. These also carry sentences when found in possession.

For example, possession of a Schedule X drug alone is a Class D crime, and this has a minimum sentence of a $400 fine. However, the maximum penalty is a $2,000 fine and 364 days in jail. This will then depend on the judge. The decision of the judge will give on what sentence the person deserves.

Psilocybin Spores In Maine

In most parts of the US, including Maine, spores of shrooms are legal. This is surprising as fully-grown shrooms are not. This is because magic mushrooms do not contain psilocybin as spores. Instead, the spores only have the potential to develop psilocybin.

The law states that psilocybin is an illegal substance. But a spore does not contain any of this substance; hence it is legal. Thus, this seems like a loophole for people to grow and use the magic mushroom spores in the future. However, there are some limitations according to Maine’s laws.

In simple terms, magic mushroom spores are legal to buy and sell but must not get to the germination stage. Germination is when seeds and spores start to sprout and grow because of the water they absorb. When this happens, they may begin to develop psilocybin in their bodies. This makes growing the spores illegal.

But, in most areas of the United States, it is legal to buy and sell magic mushroom spores. This is only for “research or educational purposes.” That means one should buy spores for them to study and identify them. This implies that only scientists and licensed researchers may buy them. Also, it is open to any person of legal age.

In short, if you buy magic mushroom spores, make sure that they stay spores.

Magic Mushrooms For Psilocybin Therapy

Some states are changing their view on psilocybin. This is despite the legal implications of possessing and cultivating shrooms. Areas such as Oakland and Denver decided to decriminalize these offenses. Also, the State of Oregon agreed to legalize the substance fully. Thanks to the research backing it up.

Depression

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the substance helps patients with major depression. The study on psilocybin showed tremendous benefits. In psychotherapy, they offered two doses of psilocybin. It showed that it had rapid reductions in depressive symptoms. In addition to this, half of the patients were in remission after four weeks. This therapeutic discovery was the start of the research on psilocybin.

More studies have taken place since. They discovered that psilocybin is not only limited to depression.

Addiction

Psilocybin is commonly thought of as a drug by people. Being a drug, people also feel that these are highly addictive substances they must avoid. But the same institution that started psilocybin research found other benefits. It was found to work with people with alcoholism, smoking, and cocaine addictions.

Dr Matthew Johnson headlined the research. It showed that 80% and 60% who quit smoking changed their behavior. These patients were actively abstaining from nicotine for 16 months later. He then argued that psilocybin could reduce cravings and withdrawals. This is done with the help of the psychology of addiction.

 

Cancer-related Anxiety

Cancer is one of the most severe illnesses to exist, and it causes the deaths of many people around the world. People can only imagine the amount of stress that a cancer diagnosis causes.

The David Geffen School of Medicine found another benefit for psilocybin at UCLA. This can be used for people diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. The research showed that it could reduce their anxiety using psilocybin.

The Push To Legalize Psilocybin

As stated before, psilocybin remains illegal in the Lumber State. However, this may soon change, judging by the actions of the other states. Oregon legalized the substance for recreational and medicinal use. Right now, Oregon has become the only state to do so. Measure 109 was the bill responsible for the change in the law.

Other areas, such as Oakland and Denver, decriminalized it. Between the two, Denver leads with the movement. Iowa lawmaker Jeff Shipley proposed two bills involving psilocybin. The first removes psilocybin from controlled substances. The second bill pushes for its medical use.

Maine Legislation

In Maine, Sen. Donna Bailey is pushing for The Maine Psilocybin Services Act. This allows people to buy psilocybin products legally. This is, of course, for those who are of legal age. Also, a “psilocybin service facilitator” must be present when consuming shrooms.

This bill will help Mainers buy psilocybin products. This will also let them grow their shrooms without breaking the law. The government will take from it a tax of 15% of the retail sale price. Besides this, they ensure a long-term availability plan. This will make Psilocybin-based products available to all Mainers.

The Department of Health and Human Services will be taking part. They will be arranging specific rules around magic mushrooms and psilocybin products. Furthermore, a Psilocybin Advisory Board consisting of experts will be formed. They are responsible for advice and recommendations regarding psilocybin.

Similar to Oregon, a petition by Bailey was made. Thanks to the research showing psilocybin’s possible uses. This can both be beneficial for recreational and medical uses. The entire bill was based on the current laws of Oregon regarding Psilocybin.

Conclusion

As of today, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule X substance, meaning it is illegal. Consequently, this would make magic mushrooms that contain psilocybin illegal. However, officials may soon legalize magic mushrooms in Maine based on recent events.

Maine legislators are starting to look at psilocybin differently. They are beginning to see that these are not the addictive drugs most people know them as. Instead, they hold potential. These substances could be used for their benefit. Research, on the other hand, can unlock its potential. But, of course, Mainers will have to wait until they are legalized before they consume them.