Psilocybin Laws in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. voters passed Initiative 81 in November 2020, making entheogenic plants and fungi — including psilocybin mushrooms — the lowest law enforcement priority in the District. DC cannot enact full legalization without Congressional approval, but Initiative 81 has meaningfully reduced enforcement.
Current Legal Status
Decriminalized — Lowest Enforcement Priority
Personal possession, cultivation, and gifting (non-commercial) of psilocybin and other entheogenic plants are the lowest enforcement priority in DC under Initiative 81. Sale and distribution remain illegal. Because DC is a federal district, Congressional action would be required for full legalization — creating a unique political dynamic not faced by states.
Key Legislation
Initiative 81 (November 2020) — the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act — passed with 76% of the vote, directing MPD to make entheogenic plant enforcement the lowest priority. DC Council has explored but not yet passed companion legislation to formalize the policy.
Decriminalization
Initiative 81 (2020) makes psilocybin and other entheogenic plants the lowest law enforcement priority in DC. This is a policy directive — it does not legalize possession but dramatically reduces enforcement risk for personal use and cultivation.
Clinical Trials
George Washington University, Georgetown University Medical Center, and NIH (located in nearby Bethesda, MD) conduct psychedelic research. Multiple trials enrolling in the DC metro area.
Advocacy Organizations
Decriminalize Nature DC, DC Psychedelic Society, MAPS.
Related Resources
Directory in Washington D.C.
- Forest Floor DC — Source-Backed Shop / Company
- TW Shroom Dispensary & Delivery DC — Source-Backed Shop / Company
View all Washington D.C. directory listings →
People in Washington D.C.
- Melissa Lavasani — Founder, Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC) & Lead Organizer, Decriminalize Nature DC
- Daniel Conner — Co-organizer, Decriminalize Nature DC
- James Giordano, Ph.D., M.Phil. — Professor of Neurology and Biochemistry, Georgetown University; National Security Neuroethicist
Societies & Organizations in Washington D.C.
- Decriminalize Nature DC — Decriminalization Org
- Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC) — National Policy Coalition
See how Washington D.C. compares to neighboring states and find therapy options for residents: