Is Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms Legal in New York? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms are illegal in New York as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession and use prohibited
Penalty
Class A misdemeanor (less than 25mg)
Last Updated
2026-04-10

Law changed in 2025: Several bills to legalize or decriminalize psilocybin for therapeutic or adult use were introduced in the 2025 legislative session, but none have passed. The legal status of psilocybin remains unchanged.

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Quick Answer

Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in New York under the state's Controlled Substances Act (NY Penal Law § 220.00). Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, prohibiting possession, sale, and cultivation. However, multiple bills to legalize or decriminalize it are active in the 2025-2026 legislative session.

What the Law Says

Possession of small amounts of psilocybin is a Class A misdemeanor in New York. Legislation is being considered to legalize and regulate its use for certain health conditions.

New York Penal Law § 220.00
Category Details
Possession Illegal; possession is a criminal offense subject to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on quantity.
Distribution Illegal; sale and distribution are felony offenses.
Penalties Penalties range from fines to imprisonment depending on amount and intent.
Age Restriction None (illegal for all ages).
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

In the 2025-2026 legislative session, several bills (such as A628, A2142, and S495) were introduced to legalize adult possession, establish medical psilocybin programs, or create therapy grants. In April 2026, lawmakers advanced legislation to expand a psilocybin pilot program, though full legalization has not yet passed.

Enforcement Reality

Possession of less than 25 milligrams of psilocybin is a class A misdemeanor in New York. While there are legislative efforts to legalize or decriminalize, it remains an illegal substance and is prosecuted.

Charge Level
Class A misdemeanor (less than 25mg)
Enforcement Likelihood
Moderate
Common Triggers
Public consumption or sale.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to believe that the various bills being considered by the legislature have already changed the law. As of early 2026, psilocybin is still a controlled substance, and possession is a crime.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across New York. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms are illegal in New York. Possession or use can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.

New York vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, possessing psilocybin mushrooms is fully legal in 2 states, restricted in 2, and illegal in 36. New York falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to possess Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms in New York?
No — Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms are illegal in New York as of 2026. Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in New York under the state's Controlled Substances Act (NY Penal Law § 220.00). Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, prohibiting possession, sale, and cultivation. However, multiple bills to legalize or decriminalize it are active in the 2025-2026 legislative session.
What are the penalties for possessing psilocybin mushrooms in New York?
Penalties range from fines to imprisonment depending on amount and intent.
How strictly does New York enforce its psilocybin / magic mushrooms laws?
Possession of less than 25 milligrams of psilocybin is a class A misdemeanor in New York. While there are legislative efforts to legalize or decriminalize, it remains an illegal substance and is prosecuted.
What typically triggers enforcement in New York?
Public consumption or sale.
What is the age restriction for possessing psilocybin mushrooms in New York?
None (illegal for all ages).
Does the law on possessing psilocybin mushrooms change at the New York border?
Yes. Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms are legal with restrictions in neighboring Vermont. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-10 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Possession of small amounts of psilocybin is a Class A misdemeanor in New York. Legislation is being considered to legalize and regulate its use for certain health conditions.
Verified: 2026-04-10 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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