Psychedelics remain largely illegal worldwide but have been decriminalized or legalized in certain places, often with restrictions or for specific uses such as ceremonial or therapeutic purposes.
Where Psychedelics Are Legal or Decriminalized
- United States : Psychedelics are federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. However, Native American ceremonial use of peyote is federally protected. Several cities (about two dozen) including Washington, DC, have decriminalized personal use of psilocybin. Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin-assisted therapy and decriminalize personal possession, though changes are ongoing. California passed a bill to decriminalize personal use but it was blocked by the executive branch
- Canada : Most psychedelics are illegal, but 5-MeO-DMT is legal for personal use and possession. Peyote is legal, though mescaline (extracted from peyote) is controlled. Health Canada allows limited access to psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA for serious medical conditions through a Special Access Program. Some provinces like British Columbia and Alberta have taken steps to decriminalize or regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy
- Latin America :
- Peru : Ayahuasca is legal and recognized as Indigenous heritage.
- Mexico : Psychedelics are generally illegal, but spiritual or ceremonial use of psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT is exempt from prosecution. Peyote is legal only for Indigenous ceremonies. Ibogaine is unregulated.
- Costa Rica and Panama : Personal use is not prosecuted; ibogaine is unregulated in Panama
- Africa : Parts of Central Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo) and South Africa have legal or decriminalized status for some psychedelics
- Europe : Countries like the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have varying degrees of legality or decriminalization, often allowing use in therapeutic or controlled settings
- Other Countries :
- British Virgin Islands : Psilocybin legal to possess and use but not to sell.
- Israel, Australia, Bahamas : Some legal or decriminalized uses.
- New Zealand : Ibogaine can be legally prescribed.
- Nepal : Psilocybin is not explicitly illegal and considered legal by some reports
Summary
Region/Country| Psychedelic Legal Status
---|---
United States| Federally illegal; Native American peyote use protected; local
decriminalization; Oregon legalized therapy
Canada| Mostly illegal; 5-MeO-DMT legal; peyote legal; limited medical access
Peru| Ayahuasca legal, Indigenous heritage recognized
Mexico| Illegal generally; ceremonial use exempt; peyote legal for Indigenous
use
Central Africa & South Africa| Some psychedelics legal or decriminalized
Europe| Varies; Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland have legal or
decriminalized uses
British Virgin Islands| Psilocybin legal to possess/use, not sell
New Zealand| Ibogaine legal for prescription
Costa Rica & Panama| Personal use not prosecuted; ibogaine unregulated
Israel, Australia, Bahamas| Some legal or decriminalized uses
Psychedelics remain controlled substances internationally under the UN 1971 Convention, but many countries are expanding legal or decriminalized access primarily for therapeutic or ceremonial uses
. This evolving landscape reflects growing research into psychedelics’ potential benefits alongside cautious regulatory approaches.
