Psilocybin law in Louisiana
Illegal Checked 26 October 2026
Psilocybin is illegal in Louisiana: it is a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance under La. R.S. 40:964, and the only state program is a 2026 research initiative (Act 956) for clinical studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Psilocybin is a controlled substance with no lawful route for retreats or personal use. Some of these states fund research or trials. A summary of published sources, not legal advice.
Source status: Research only. Psilocybin remains a Schedule I drug under US federal law.
Scheduling
Psilocybin and psilocyn are listed in Schedule I, Hallucinogenic substances, La. R.S. 40:964 Schedule I(C)(66) and (67) [La. R.S. 40:964, Composition of schedules, Louisiana State Legislature, read 26 October 2026]
What the law says
- SB 43 (2026) became Act 956 without the Governor's signature on 23 June 2026, effective 1 August 2026. It creates the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Initiative in the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Behavioral Health. [SB 43 (2026 Regular Session), Provides relative to psychedelic-assisted therapy, Louisiana State Legislature, 2026-06-23, read 26 October 2026]
- The initiative's purpose is to identify academic health centers conducting clinical studies and clinical trial-enabling studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including ibogaine and psilocybin; it does not legalize use outside research. [SB 43 (2026 Regular Session), Provides relative to psychedelic-assisted therapy, Louisiana State Legislature, 2026-06-23, read 26 October 2026] [Bill to create psychedelic therapy program in Louisiana passes unanimously, heads to governor, WAFB, 2026-05-07, read 26 October 2026]
- The Senate adopted SR 186 in June 2025, creating the Task Force on Alternative Therapies for Veterans. [SR 186 (2025 Regular Session), Creates the Task Force on Alternative Therapies for Veterans, Louisiana State Legislature, 2025-06-12, read 26 October 2026]
Penalties
- Possessing a Schedule I substance other than marijuana with an aggregate weight under two grams carries up to two years, with or without hard labor, and a fine up to $5,000; two grams or more but under 28 grams carries one to ten years and a fine up to $5,000 (La. R.S. 40:966(C)(1)). [La. R.S. 40:966, Penalty for distribution or possession ... Schedule I, Louisiana State Legislature, read 26 October 2026]
Bills
SB 43 2026
Provides relative to psychedelic-assisted therapy
Creates the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Initiative to support clinical studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including psilocybin and ibogaine, for substance use and mental health conditions.
Status: Became law without the Governor's signature, Act 956, effective 1 August 2026, 23 June 2026
SR 186 2025
Creates the Task Force on Alternative Therapies for Veterans
Senate resolution creating a task force to study alternative therapies, including psychedelic therapies, for Louisiana veterans.
Status: Adopted by the Senate 11 June 2025; sent to Secretary of State, 12 June 2025
Dated changes
- 23 June 2026: Creates the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Initiative to support clinical studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including psilocybin and ibogaine, for substance use and mental health conditions. Status: Became law without the Governor's signature, Act 956, effective 1 August 2026. Source
- 12 June 2025: Senate resolution creating a task force to study alternative therapies, including psychedelic therapies, for Louisiana veterans. Status: Adopted by the Senate 11 June 2025; sent to Secretary of State. Source
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