Emma Wilson
The legality of mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in so-called \magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means they are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. However, this classification is disputed, and psilocybin mushrooms have been used medicinally and religiously in many cultures throughout history. While the sale, possession, and production of psilocybin mushrooms are generally prohibited, some jurisdictions have decriminalised their use, such as Oregon, Colorado, and the District of Columbia in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. |
| Legal status in the US | Psilocybin and psilocybin mushrooms are Schedule I controlled substances under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. |
| Legality of spores | In some jurisdictions, spores are legal to sell and possess as they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. |
| Legality of cultivation | Cultivation is considered drug manufacture in most jurisdictions and is often penalized. However, some countries and US states (including New Mexico) have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance. |
| Legality by country | The legal status varies worldwide. For example, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms. |
| Therapeutic use | There is ongoing research on the potential of psilocybin to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and substance use disorders. |
| Decriminalization efforts | Some US cities and states, such as Denver, Colorado, Oregon, and the District of Columbia, have decriminalized or deprioritized enforcement of psilocybin possession and use. |
| Toxicity | Mushrooms like Amanita muscaria can be toxic and lead to adverse effects when consumed. |
| Undisclosed ingredients | Mushroom edibles may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful or illegal ingredients, including prescription medications. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, but some jurisdictions allow their use
- The United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances lists psilocybin and psilocin as Schedule I drugs
- The possession, sale, and production of magic mushrooms are illegal in many countries
- There is little evidence that magic mushrooms are physically or psychologically addictive
- Some jurisdictions have prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores
Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, but some jurisdictions allow their use
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are illegal in most places. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin. The treaty mandates that the use of the drug be restricted to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions. While the mushrooms containing the drug were not explicitly included in the convention, most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the treaty's terms. For example, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996 all regulate or prohibit psilocybin mushrooms.
However, some jurisdictions allow their use. 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. In October 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes. In 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. Australia has also approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
In the United States, the federal government banned psilocybin in 1968, and it remains illegal at the federal level. However, each state can supersede federal law, and an increasing number of US cities have decriminalized psilocybin. While this doesn't make mushrooms legal, it deprioritizes enforcement, making arrests unlikely. For example, in California, cities like Oakland, San Francisco, and Berkeley have decriminalized the possession, sale, purchase, and cultivation of magic mushrooms. Similarly, in Michigan, cities like Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Ypsilanti have done the same.
Outside of the US, the Netherlands allows the use of magic mushroom truffles, but not regular magic mushrooms. Brazil's legal status is ambiguous, and some African countries have varying enforcement of laws regarding psilocybin mushrooms. In Japan, magic mushrooms are illegal under strict anti-drug policies, and Australia classifies psychedelics as controlled substances, although it has approved psilocybin for prescription use.
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The United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances lists psilocybin and psilocin as Schedule I drugs
The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a "high potential for abuse" and "no recognised medical uses". Psilocybin mushrooms, on the other hand, have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history and have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
The 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances was developed to promote cooperation among member nations to address issues related to the illicit trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances. It also provides additional funding for the International Narcotics Board to carry out its responsibilities effectively. The convention establishes an international control system for psychotropic substances and responds to the diversification and expansion of the spectrum of drugs of abuse. Controls are introduced over synthetic drugs based on their potential for abuse and therapeutic value.
While the convention requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included due to pressure from the Mexican government. Most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms of the convention, such as the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996. However, some jurisdictions have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance, and the possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances.
In recent years, there have been some changes in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, in 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Similarly, the Canadian province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, and in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms. These changes reflect a shift in the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushrooms and their potential therapeutic benefits.
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The possession, sale, and production of magic mushrooms are illegal in many countries
The legal status of magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, varies across the world. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are considered psychoactive substances and are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. While the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention. As a result, the legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms differs from country to country.
In many countries, the possession, sale, and production of magic mushrooms are illegal. For example, in the United States, psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which defines them as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical use. However, some US states, such as Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico, have taken steps towards decriminalisation and legalisation for supervised non-medical use or therapeutic purposes. Similarly, in Canada, magic mushrooms are regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and activities such as sale, possession, and production are illegal unless authorised by Health Canada. Despite this, the Canadian province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy.
The legal status of magic mushrooms is evolving, with ongoing research exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating various mental health disorders. In some jurisdictions, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is considered drug manufacture and is penalised, while others, like New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as manufacturing a controlled substance. Additionally, some countries and jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding psilocybin mushroom spores, with varying levels of prohibition or permission for sale and possession.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can lead to short-term mental and physical effects, including hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence, regular use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. The safety and efficacy of products containing psilocybin have not been fully assessed or authorised for sale in many places. Therefore, individuals should be cautious when considering the use of magic mushrooms, given the potential risks and legal implications associated with their possession, sale, and production in many countries.
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There is little evidence that magic mushrooms are physically or psychologically addictive
The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical use. However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention, due to pressure from the Mexican government.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms. Eating mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to a range of effects, from euphoria to hallucinations. Some people use it as a recreational drug to attain pleasurable feelings. However, there is little evidence that magic mushrooms are physically or psychologically addictive.
While some people may become dependent on magic mushrooms, research suggests that psilocybin does not exhibit the same addictive properties as commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. Studies show that people who use mushrooms regularly do not follow typical addiction patterns. There is also no significant physiological dependence associated with the drug, and withdrawal is not likely.
However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms can have adverse effects on mental health. Some people may experience bad trips, including feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. In rare cases, classic hallucinogens such as psilocybin may trigger or worsen certain mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, manic episodes, or depression. Additionally, repeated use of magic mushrooms can lead to significant tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs such as LSD.
While magic mushrooms may not be physically or psychologically addictive in the traditional sense, some individuals may develop problematic or compulsive patterns of use, which can negatively impact their lives and require treatment.
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Some jurisdictions have prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores
The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This convention requires its members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict the use of the drug to medical and scientific research under strictly controlled conditions. However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention, due largely to pressure from the Mexican government.
Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms, for example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. In some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other jurisdictions, they are banned because they are used in drug manufacture.
A few jurisdictions have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, including the US states of California, Georgia, and Idaho. Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is considered drug manufacture in most jurisdictions and often carries severe penalties. However, some countries and one US state (New Mexico) have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
The legal status of psilocybin mushroom spores is complex and can vary depending on the jurisdiction. While the spores themselves may be legal in some places, their possession with the intent to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms may be illegal. Additionally, the sale or possession of psilocybin spores does not guarantee legal protection, as they may be considered illegal drug paraphernalia in some jurisdictions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all mushrooms are illegal. Only mushrooms with psilocybin and psilocin, also known as "magic mushrooms", are illegal. These are classified as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. However, the legality of these mushrooms varies worldwide, and some jurisdictions have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of these mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogens that can distort an individual's sense of reality and mix up their senses. They can also cause heightened emotions and senses, and individuals may experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. The effects of these mushrooms typically last for four to six hours.
Yes, there are risks associated with consuming magic mushrooms. There have been reports of serious harm, such as septic shock and multi-system organ failure, from intravenous injection of mushrooms. Additionally, magic mushrooms are often sold illegally and may contain other dangerous or undisclosed substances.
