John Miller
Russia is known for its tough stance on drugs and psychotropic substances, and magic mushrooms are no exception. While Russians are some of the biggest enthusiasts of mushrooms in the world, with a rich culture of mushroom hunting or silent hunting, the country has strict laws surrounding the use and possession of psychedelic mushrooms. So, what is the legal status of mushrooms in Russia, and why has the government taken such a hard line on this issue?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of magic mushrooms in Russia | Illegal to grow, sell, cultivate, use or possess |
| Punishment for possession of magic mushrooms in Russia | 3-10 years in prison and/or a fine |
| Reason for ban | Considered a crime against human health and public morality |
| Popularity of mushroom hunting in Russia | Very popular |
| Availability of magic mushrooms in Russia | Native species are present in Russia, especially in temperate forests, farmlands, and local gardens |
| Reddit ban in Russia | Yes, due to a post about growing magic mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are illegal to grow, sell, possess or use in Russia
- Russians are some of the biggest mushroom enthusiasts in the world
- Magic mushrooms are native to Russia and can be found in forests and local gardens
- Russia has a history of being tough on drugs and psychotropic substances
- Reddit was banned in Russia after a post about growing magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are illegal to grow, sell, possess or use in Russia
Russia is known for its strict stance on drugs and psychotropic substances, and this includes magic mushrooms. In Russia, it is illegal to grow, sell, possess or use any species of magic mushrooms. The country has a zero-tolerance approach to these substances, and even the possession of psychedelic mushrooms can result in severe penalties, including prison sentences ranging from three to ten years.
The Russian government actively discourages the use of drugs and promotes social intolerance towards drug users. This attitude extends to magic mushrooms, which are considered a prohibited substance under the country's drug laws. While some countries have chosen to legalise or decriminalise psilocybin, the substance remains illegal in Russia.
The cultivation of magic mushrooms in Russia is a serious offence, with penalties including federal prison sentences of up to three years. The Russian government has taken a hard line on this issue, even going as far as banning Reddit in the country after a post about growing magic mushrooms was discovered. This demonstrates the government's commitment to preventing the spread of information related to drug use and production.
Psilocybin mushrooms, including the bluing species of Psilocybe, are prohibited in Russia due to their classification as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. However, magic mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes by various cultures throughout history, and some countries are re-evaluating their legal status.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in Russia, native species of these mushrooms can be found in the country, particularly in temperate forests, farmlands, and fertilised gardens. Russians who use magic mushrooms typically obtain them through these natural sources, as the legal consequences of growing, selling, or possessing them can be severe and include criminal charges for anyone aged 16 or older.
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Russians are some of the biggest mushroom enthusiasts in the world
Russia has a diverse landscape, with a wide range of edible mushrooms. Russians are some of the biggest mushroom enthusiasts in the world, with a particular fascination with the process of collecting mushrooms, or "silent hunting", as they call it. This enthusiasm for mushroom hunting likely stems from Russia's history, where, for many centuries, forest mushrooms were a crucial source of food. Even today, when there is no longer a need for sustenance from forests, millions of Russians continue to be passionate about mushroom hunting.
Russians typically collect mushrooms they are familiar with from their childhood. However, with the advent of social media and specialised apps, mushroom hunters can now access a wealth of information to help them recognise and distinguish different mushroom species. The mushroom hunting season in Russia usually begins at the end of May, but the most beloved mushrooms grow in September and October.
One of the most popular mushrooms in Russia is the chanterelle, which grows in deciduous and coniferous forests, often among grass. Chanterelles are favoured for their rarity, as they are less likely to be infested with worms compared to other mushroom species. Another popular variety is the white mushroom, considered the 'Tsar' of all mushrooms due to its beauty and plump shape. It is also edible and can even be consumed raw. However, it is important to cut it at the root to avoid damaging its mycelium.
Other mushrooms commonly found in Russia include the Syroyezhki mushroom, which comes in various types and colours, and the Gruzdi mushroom, which is known for its bitter taste that can be eliminated through cooking. King boletes are also popular, providing nutritional benefits such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The sheathed woodtuft is distinctive for its colour-changing cap, while the golden chanterelle is a gourmet favourite across Europe.
Despite their enthusiasm for mushrooms, it is important to note that Russia has strict laws regarding magic mushrooms. The cultivation, sale, and possession of psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in the country, with offenders facing potential prison sentences and fines. Additionally, the Russian government has been known to censor online content related to growing magic mushrooms, further emphasising their stance on the illegality of these fungi.
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Magic mushrooms are native to Russia and can be found in forests and local gardens
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are illegal in Russia. It is illegal to grow, sell, cultivate, use, or possess any species of magic mushrooms in the country. If caught with psychedelic mushrooms, one may face between three to ten years in prison, along with a fine. Russia is known for its strict laws and harsh penalties regarding drugs and psychotropic substances.
Despite their illegality, magic mushrooms are native to Russia and can be found in forests and local gardens. Temperate forests with ample leaf cover, farmlands, and local gardens fertilized with mulch or manure are common places to find these mushrooms. Some Russians gain access to magic mushrooms in this manner, despite the risks involved.
The consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms has a complex history in Russia, as evidenced by references to them in Russian literature and exploration narratives. Russian settlers in Siberia, for example, have consumed Amanita muscaria, a mushroom with psychoactive compounds, since at least the 19th century. The practice of detoxifying and consuming this particular mushroom has also been documented by explorers and naturalists such as Georg Heinrich von Langsdorff and Félix Archimède Pouchet.
In addition to its presence in literature and exploration narratives, the hallucinogenic properties of mushrooms may have influenced the concept of a deity, according to some scholars. The visions and subjective impact of mushroom consumption are thought to have contributed to the development of religious-magic systems and the idea of a Superior Being.
While magic mushrooms are native to Russia and can be found in certain environments, their possession, cultivation, and use are illegal and punishable by law. The Russian government's stance on drugs and psychotropic substances, including magic mushrooms, remains stringent and socially intolerant.
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Russia has a history of being tough on drugs and psychotropic substances
In addition to its strict drug laws, Russia also has a strong stance against the use and distribution of psychedelic substances, including magic mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are illegal throughout Russia. It is illegal to grow, sell, cultivate, use, or possess any species of magic mushrooms in the country. The penalties for violating these laws can be severe, with individuals caught with psychedelic mushrooms facing between three and ten years in prison, as well as potential fines depending on the number of mushrooms found in their possession.
Russia's tough stance on drugs and psychotropic substances extends beyond just the legal system. The Russian government actively promotes social intolerance and societal ill-treatment towards drug users, and the country has a history of blocking online content related to drug use and distribution. For example, in 2015, Russia banned Reddit entirely after the website refused to delete a post about how to grow magic mushrooms. The country's internet watchdog, Roskomnadzor, warned that if Reddit did not comply with the request to delete the offending post, the site would be blocked.
Russia's history of being tough on drugs and psychotropic substances has had a significant impact on the country's approach to drug policy. While some countries have moved towards decriminalization and harm reduction approaches to drug use, Russia has maintained a strict prohibitionist stance. This has led to criticism from public health experts and human rights advocates, who argue that Russia's drug policies contribute to stigma and hinder access to essential harm reduction services for people who use drugs.
Despite Russia's tough stance on drugs and psychotropic substances, the country has a long and complex history with mushrooms. Russians are known for their enthusiasm for mushroom hunting, or "silent hunting," which is seen as a beloved pastime for many. Russia's diverse landscapes offer an incredible range of edible mushrooms, and fungi are considered an integral part of the country's cultural identity and culinary traditions. However, due to the strict laws surrounding psychedelic mushrooms, those seeking these substances often have to resort to hunting for native species in forests and local gardens.
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Reddit was banned in Russia after a post about growing magic mushrooms
Russia has a reputation for being tough on drugs and psychotropic substances. The possession, use, distribution, or production of such substances is harshly penalized. Magic mushrooms, for example, are entirely illegal in Russia. It is illegal to grow, sell, cultivate, use or possess any species of magic mushrooms in the country. Psilocybin is also prohibited in any form. Getting caught with psychedelic mushrooms can result in a prison sentence of up to ten years, as well as a fine.
In 2015, Russia took action against the popular website Reddit, banning it across the country. The reason for this drastic measure was a single post on the site, which discussed how to grow magic mushrooms. The Russian government, through its media agency Roskomnadzor, acted to shut down this post due to its drug-related content. The specific thread was titled "Minimal and Reliable Methods for Growing Psilocybe".
Reddit thus joined a list of websites banned in Russia, including those of Jehovah's Witnesses and political opponents, as well as sites posting extreme pornography and extremism. According to Russian law, if the owner of a website does not remove illegal content, access to the entire site may be restricted. In this case, the whole of Reddit was banned countrywide for a short period, although the offending page was specifically targeted.
The user who made the original post, rsocfan, claimed responsibility for the site being blocked. They stated that they had tested how the Russian censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, would react to abuse on popular websites. Their post, written in Russian, provided a guide to growing Psilocybe mushrooms indoors. As a result, Russians seeking to access Reddit, particularly those interested in the cultivation of magic mushrooms, were impacted by their government's strict stance on drug-related content.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, magic mushrooms are illegal throughout Russia. It is illegal to grow, sell, cultivate, use or possess any species of magic mushrooms. Getting caught with psychedelic mushrooms may cost you between three to ten years in prison, and you may be fined depending on the number of magic mushrooms found in your possession.
Russians are some of the biggest enthusiasts of mushrooms in the world. Some edible mushrooms found in Russia include the Syroyezhki mushroom, the Gruzdi mushroom, the Chanterelle, the white mushroom, the King Bolete, the Sheathed Woodtuft, and the Golden Chanterelle.
Aside from magic mushrooms, other illegal mushrooms in Russia include those that contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is also illegal in Russia, with possession, use, distribution, or production resulting in harsh penalties.
