Laura Smith
Despite the well-documented therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms, they remain illegal in North Carolina. Magic mushrooms, or hallucinogenic mushrooms, contain the psychedelic ingredient psilocybin, which is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the state. This means that possession of these mushrooms is considered a felony, with penalties ranging from six months to five years in prison. However, the stigma surrounding magic mushrooms is fading, and there is a growing acceptance of their use, especially in the form of gummies or chocolates. While classic dried psilocybin mushrooms are still available, their consumer-packaged counterparts are becoming increasingly popular in North Carolina.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of magic mushrooms in North Carolina | Illegal |
| Status of Amanita muscaria in North Carolina | Legal |
| Status of psilocybin in North Carolina | Illegal |
| Status of spores in North Carolina | Legal |
| Possession of magic mushrooms in North Carolina | Class I felony |
| Possession of drug paraphernalia in North Carolina | Class I misdemeanor |
| Trafficking of magic mushrooms in North Carolina | More severe felony than possession, up to 10 years in prison |
| Possession of magic mushrooms with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver in North Carolina | Class H felony |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in North Carolina
The active psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is specifically listed as a Schedule I substance under North Carolina law. This means that any substance containing psilocybin is strictly regulated and punished by North Carolina authorities.
It is important to note that magic mushroom spores are legal in North Carolina, as they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin, the compounds that make magic mushrooms illegal. However, once the spores are germinated, they become illegal again.
The legality of magic mushrooms in North Carolina has sparked some confusion, especially among residents who discover naturally growing magic mushrooms on their properties. According to North Carolina law, individuals can be charged with possession even if the mushrooms are not found on their person but in an area under their control. Therefore, residents who discover magic mushrooms growing on their property are advised to remove them to avoid potential legal consequences.
The illegal status of magic mushrooms in North Carolina has not deterred their popularity, especially in Raleigh, where they are increasingly consumed in natural or gummy form for mood elevation and visual effects. The stigma surrounding magic mushrooms is fading, and they are becoming more accepted within social circles. However, it is important to remember that despite their perceived benefits, magic mushrooms remain illegal in North Carolina, and their consumption and possession carry legal risks.
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Amanita muscaria is unrestricted in North Carolina
In North Carolina, magic mushrooms that contain psilocybin are illegal and classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. However, Amanita muscaria, a type of mushroom that contains muscimol and ibotenic acid, is not listed as a controlled substance in the state. As a result, Amanita muscaria is unrestricted in North Carolina, and individuals can buy, use, and possess products containing this mushroom without any age or quantity restrictions.
Amanita muscaria is a well-known mushroom that has been used in ceremonies worldwide for centuries. Its main active compounds are muscimol, a psychoactive component, and ibotenic acid, a neurotoxin. When consumed in purified and controlled doses, muscimol is considered safe and can induce a psychoactive experience. In contrast, ibotenic acid can cause adverse effects if not prepared properly.
Amanita muscaria products available in North Carolina include gummies, which are bite-sized chews infused with muscimol-containing mushroom extract. These gummies are marketed as providing a creative boost and a dreamlike state of consciousness rather than a "trip." While low doses of muscimol are considered safe, it is important to follow the recommended dosage on the product packaging to avoid any potential dangers associated with extremely high doses.
The legality of Amanita muscaria in North Carolina is surprising given the state's strict laws regarding psilocybin and other controlled substances. The state's classification of psilocybin as a Schedule I drug means that offences involving this compound are strictly punished. However, the absence of muscimol and ibotenic acid from the state's list of controlled substances means that Amanita muscaria products are unrestricted and widely accessible within North Carolina.
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Penalties for possession of magic mushrooms in North Carolina
In North Carolina, psilocybin, the active psychedelic ingredient in hallucinogenic or magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under NC Gen. Stat. § 90-89(3)(r). As such, the possession of magic mushrooms in North Carolina is considered a Class I felony, which carries penalties ranging from 6 months to 5 years in prison.
It is important to note that the possession charge does not necessarily require that the mushrooms be found on the person; it is sufficient for the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused had control over the area where the mushrooms were found. This means that individuals can be charged with possession even if the mushrooms are found in an area under their control, such as their property.
The manufacturing of hallucinogenic mushrooms in North Carolina is also considered a Class I felony. Possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver is a more serious offence, classified as a Class H felony. The punishment for possession of drug paraphernalia related to hallucinogenic mushrooms is a Class I misdemeanour.
While magic mushroom spores are legal in North Carolina due to the absence of psilocybin or psilocin, they become illegal once germinated. This legality extends to the purchase of spore syringes for scientific purposes.
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Magic mushrooms grow naturally in North Carolina
Despite their illegal status, magic mushrooms can be found growing all over North Carolina. The humid, subtropical climate of the state provides the perfect environmental conditions for several species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. These mushrooms thrive in forested regions, near cattle farms, and in gardens and parks, especially in areas that use manure or wood chips as mulch or fertilizer. They are most abundant during the spring and fall seasons.
While it is illegal to possess or use magic mushrooms in North Carolina, there are various species of these psychoactive fungi that grow wild in the state. Some of the most common species found in North Carolina include Panaeolus mushrooms, commonly known as Mottlegills due to the spots that develop on their gills as the spores mature. Within this genus, the Banded Mottlegill (P. cinctulus) is a low-potency variety, while The Blue Meanie (P. cyanescens) is one of the most potent psilocybin-containing mushrooms known.
In addition to Panaeolus mushrooms, North Carolina is home to several active species of the large genus Gymnopilus, including G. aeruginosus and G. luteofolius. This genus is said to produce a qualitatively different high compared to Psilocybe or Panaeolus mushrooms, suggesting the presence of additional compounds beyond psilocybin. Speaking of Psilocybe, this well-known "magic" genus includes Psilocybe cubensis, which grows wild in North Carolina and is commonly cultivated. The state is also home to two other Psilocybes, both commonly known as blue-foot: P. caerulipes and P. ovoideocystidiata.
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Magic mushrooms are sold in Raleigh, NC
Magic mushrooms are illegal in North Carolina, where the active psychedelic ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, psilocybin, is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. Possessing magic mushrooms is considered a Class I felony, which can result in prison sentences ranging from six months to five years. Trafficking is considered an even more severe felony, with sentences of up to ten years in prison.
Despite the illegality of psilocybin in North Carolina, the sale of magic mushrooms is reportedly thriving in Raleigh. According to one source, the city is experiencing a surge in mushroom-themed products, with magic mushrooms being sold in various forms, including chocolates, gummies, and drinks. These products are often professionally packaged and branded with enticing terms like "focus", "clarity", or "elevate".
However, it is important to note that the mushrooms sold in Raleigh may not always contain psilocybin. A holistic psychedelic therapist suggests that many of the products labelled as "magic mushrooms" contain other substances, such as legal 4-AcO-DMT, Amanita muscaria, or proprietary blends. These products may be skirting the law by branding themselves as hallucinogenic or psychedelic without actually containing regulated substances.
In addition to the physical stores selling magic mushrooms in Raleigh, there are also online retailers, such as TRĒ House, that offer mushroom-based products. However, some online retailers have encountered issues with shipping to North Carolina due to state regulations. As a result, consumers have turned to local dispensaries to obtain these products.
While the sale and consumption of magic mushrooms are prevalent in Raleigh, it is important to remember that the possession and distribution of psilocybin-containing mushrooms are illegal in North Carolina and can result in significant legal consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, magic mushrooms are illegal in North Carolina. The possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms in North Carolina is considered a Class I felony, which can result in prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms are unrestricted in North Carolina. The state does not include muscimol and ibotenic acid, the main active compounds in Amanita muscaria, in its list of controlled substances.
You could be charged with possession, which is a felony, even if the mushrooms are not found on your person but in an area under your control.
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms, which has led to a swell of support for the legalisation of psilocybin. However, it is unlikely that magic mushrooms will be legalised or decriminalised in North Carolina in the next 12 months.
