Florida Moves to Criminalize Psychedelic Mushroom Spores
Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed this week that he plans to sign a bill that would criminalize the possession, sale, and transport of psychedelic mushroom spores in Florida. The legislation, which passed both chambers of the state legislature, is poised to make the non-psychoactive spores illegal under state law for the first time.
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Although psilocybin mushrooms are already banned federally and in Florida, their spores have remained a legal gray area because they do not contain the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin until they mature.
That loophole may soon close.
| Key Takeaways from the Bill | Details |
|---|---|
| What is being criminalized | Sale, transport, and possession of psilocybin spores |
| Status of psilocybin spores prior to this bill | Legal in Florida because spores contain no psilocybin |
| New penalties | Spores added to Schedule I list of controlled substances |
| Exceptions | None for scientific or religious use |
| Broader implications | Could set precedent for stricter psychedelic laws |
A Shift Away from Reform
The move signals a sharp turn away from the national trend toward loosening restrictions on psychedelics. In recent years, cities and states across the country have taken steps to decriminalize or even legalize psilocybin under medical supervision. Oregon and Colorado have created regulated therapeutic programs. Dozens of cities have deprioritized enforcement.
Florida is taking the opposite approach. State lawmakers introduced the bill in response to what they described as an uptick in online mushroom spore sales. Advocates for the ban argue that spores serve no legitimate purpose and are sold primarily to circumvent existing drug laws. Critics, however, warn that the legislation criminalizes materials that are widely used in scientific research and spiritual practice.
Political Messaging and Legal Context
DeSantis, speaking at a press conference, framed his support for the bill as a continuation of his tough-on-drugs agenda. “We are not going to allow hallucinogenic drugs to take root in Florida,” he said. The governor made no mention of growing national interest in psychedelic therapy for depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Federal law already treats psilocybin as a Schedule I substance, but spore legality varies by state. The Florida bill mimics laws in California, Georgia, and Idaho, where spores are also banned.
Uncertain Future for Psychedelic Research
The bill does not include carve-outs for academic research or religious use. Experts say this may have unintended consequences, particularly for universities that study psychedelics under federally approved guidelines. With the bill now awaiting DeSantis’s signature, researchers and reform advocates are watching closely.
