Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogen psilocin, were banned in the UK in 2005 under the Drugs Act 2005. Classified as a Class A drug, the sale and supply of magic mushrooms are illegal, and possession can lead to a prison sentence. However, there is a growing movement advocating for a change in legislation, citing promising clinical research into the therapeutic effects of psilocybin for mental health disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Magic mushrooms legality in the UK | Illegal |
| Type of mushroom | Liberty caps, Fly agaric, Psilocybe semilanceata, Amanita muscaria |
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, Psychedelic |
| Drug classification | Class A |
| Punishment for possession | Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both |
| Punishment for supply | Life in prison, an unlimited fine, or both |
| Legal status of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide | Varies, banned in some places, legal for medicinal purposes in others |
| Examples of legal status worldwide | Oregon, US: Legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings |
| Canada: Legal for medicinal purposes in Alberta | |
| Colorado, US: Decriminalized | |
| Australia: Approved for prescription medications for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are Class A drugs in the UK
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that grow wild in many parts of the world, including the UK. The main type used recreationally is the liberty cap *Psilocybe semilanceata*, but the fly agaric *Amanita muscaria* is also sometimes used. Liberty caps contain the naturally occurring hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound psilocybin, while the fly agaric's psychoactive ingredients are the neurotoxins ibotenic acid and muscimol.
In the UK, magic mushrooms are classified as Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This classification means that magic mushrooms are considered to have "no currently accepted medical use" and are potentially harmful. Possession of magic mushrooms can result in up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying someone else, even friends, can result in life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. It is important to note that the act of picking magic mushrooms is not illegal, but once they are picked, possession occurs, which is illegal.
The classification of magic mushrooms as Class A drugs has been controversial. Some experts argue that the classification is "absurd" and based on politics rather than evidence of harm. There is ongoing research into the potential medical uses of magic mushrooms, particularly in the field of mental health treatment. In other parts of the world, such as Oregon in the United States and the Canadian province of Alberta, the use of psilocybin in magic mushrooms has been legalised or decriminalised for therapeutic purposes.
While magic mushrooms are not addictive, they can become tolerant of the effects quite quickly, leading to increased consumption to achieve the same effect. It is important to note that some types of magic mushrooms are stronger than others, and they can have harmful interactions with other substances. If one experiences any negative side effects after consuming magic mushrooms, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.
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Possession of magic mushrooms is illegal in the UK
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are hallucinogenic when ingested. They are often sold raw or dried, with the most common types in the UK being liberty caps and fly agaric. Liberty caps look like small, tan-coloured mushrooms, while fly agarics resemble red and white spotted toadstools.
In the UK, magic mushrooms are illegal. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies them as a Class A drug, making it illegal to possess, give away, or sell them. The 2005 amendment to this Act clarified that this classification applies to both fresh and prepared magic mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin, such as the liberty cap. The maximum sentence for possession is seven years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying someone else can result in life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK, their legal status varies worldwide. In some jurisdictions, they are banned due to their use in drug manufacture. However, in Oregon, they have been legalised for mental health treatment in supervised settings since February 2021. Additionally, a bill pending in California aims to legalise the possession, obtaining, giving away, or transportation of specified quantities of psilocybin. In November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, allowing the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms.
The legal status of magic mushrooms is evolving as their potential therapeutic benefits become known. Leading experts in the UK have advocated for rescheduling magic mushrooms, similar to medicinal cannabis, to allow their use in treating depression and PTSD. While recreational use would remain illegal, the potential medicinal value of magic mushrooms is prompting a re-evaluation of their legal status.
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Magic mushrooms are illegal to sell in the UK
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are hallucinogenic when ingested. They are often sold raw or dried, and the most common types in the UK are liberty caps and fly agaric. Liberty caps look like small, tan-coloured mushrooms, while fly agarics resembles red and white spotted toadstools.
In the UK, magic mushrooms are illegal to sell, possess, or give away. They are classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which was amended in 2005 to clarify that both fresh and prepared (dried, stewed, etc.) magic mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin are illegal. The maximum sentence for possession is seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. The maximum sentence for supplying someone else, even friends, is life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
However, there is some ambiguity in the law. For example, the act of picking magic mushrooms is not illegal, but by picking them, one becomes in possession of them, which is illegal. Additionally, magic mushroom spores and grow kits are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK, there are some countries and jurisdictions where they are regulated or decriminalised for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. For example, in Oregon, they have been legalised for mental health treatment in supervised settings since 2021. In 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy, and in the same year, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms.
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Magic mushrooms are illegal to import into the UK
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are illegal in the UK. They are classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making it illegal to possess, sell, or give away these mushrooms. The maximum sentence for possession is seven years in prison and an unlimited fine.
The law specifically prohibits fresh and prepared magic mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin, such as the liberty cap. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which defines them as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical use. However, there has been ambiguity about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in the UK due to their natural occurrence and the difficulty in proving possession during 'mushroom grazing'.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK, some other countries have different regulations. For example, in some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. In contrast, other jurisdictions ban them as they are used in drug manufacture. In the US, some states like California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
The legal status of magic mushrooms is a subject of ongoing debate, with some advocating for their therapeutic potential in mental health treatment. In Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative in 2020 to legalise magic mushrooms for supervised mental health treatment. Similarly, Canada, Australia, and some US states have approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for conditions like PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
In the UK, there is interest in exploring the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapies, particularly for veterans suffering from mental health issues. However, the scheduling of psilocybin as a Class A drug creates bureaucratic challenges and restricts research opportunities in this area.
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Magic mushrooms are used medicinally in other countries
In the UK, magic mushrooms are illegal to possess, give away, or sell. They are classified as a Class A drug, and possession can result in up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying someone with magic mushrooms can result in life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
However, magic mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in various cultures throughout history. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has a wide range of potential effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. While it is classified as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, indicating a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses, there is a growing body of research that suggests otherwise.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Researchers are investigating its possible benefits in treating various psychiatric conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol use disorder, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, in Oregon, voters passed an initiative in 2020 that legalised the use of magic mushrooms for mental health treatment in supervised settings. Similarly, in 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. Australia has also approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. These developments reflect a shift in perspective and a recognition of the potential therapeutic value of magic mushrooms when used in controlled and supervised settings.
It is important to note that while magic mushrooms have been reported to have medicinal benefits, they also carry risks. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and adverse side effects such as disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia can occur. Additionally, there is a risk of poisoning from consuming the wrong types of mushrooms. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and under the guidance of medical professionals in jurisdictions where their use is legal for therapeutic purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK. They are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act because psilocybin, the active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, is a powerful hallucinogen. Possession of these mushrooms is a crime and can result in up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are mushrooms with hallucinogenic effects when eaten. The most common types in the UK are liberty caps and fly agaric.
The legal status of magic mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, but they are not regulated by UN treaties. Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms.
The act of picking magic mushrooms is not a controlled activity, but once they are picked, possession becomes illegal. In 2019, the Home Office stated that possession and sale of unprepared psilocybin mushrooms are not illegal. However, regulations were introduced in 2005 that made it illegal to possess fresh or prepared mushrooms.
