Mushrooms containing “psilocybin” and “psilocyn” have been used therapeutically and religiously by Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. More recently, scientific studies have validated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these compounds.

Despite this, psilocybin and psilocyn are inappropriately classified as Schedule I substances in Iowa. This means that the government is claiming that these natural compounds have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Both of these claims have been proven false by rigorous scientific research.

Iowans from all walks of life are urging lawmakers to remove psilocybin and psilocyn from the Iowa criminal code. No Iowan should be treated as a criminal or go to jail for possessing or using a natural mushroom.

At the federal level, the FDA has designated psilocybin as a “Breakthrough Therapy." At the state level, both Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa Legislature have voiced a willingness to reconsider the legal status of psilocybin and psilocyn.

It's crucial for Iowans to make their voices heard on this issue. Please sign the petition to urge the Iowa Legislature to remove psilocybin and psilocyn from the state's list of controlled substances.

(This petition was written by Chad Timblin and Shannon Myers.)

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UPDATE: On February 8, 2023, House File 240 was introduced to remove psilocybin and psilocyn from the list of substances classified as Schedule I controlled substances under Iowa’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

On February 28, 2023, the subcommittee for House File 240 unanimously recommended passage. Despite this, the bill did not move forward in the Iowa legislature because it did not make it through a House committee in time to survive the first funnel deadline.

The good news is, this time around was WAY different than last time (House File 459 in 2021). There was more than 10x civilian support, more support in the subcommittee, and support from both Republicans and Democrats. Decriminalizing psilocybin is truly a bipartisan issue.

This is a marathon, and we’re going to continue to collect petition signatures, build support, spread education, and advocate for the decriminalization of psilocybin.

We deeply appreciate everyone who is an advocate for this in Iowa. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Shannon and Chad from Decrim Iowa