Magic Mushroom Laws In Indonesia: Are They Legal?

are silcybin mushrooms illegal in indonesia

Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms, are illegal in many countries. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit the substance. While the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention, most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms. In Indonesia, the use of magic mushrooms is also generally prohibited, with harsh penalties for possession and use. However, there are reports of their availability and consumption in certain areas, particularly in the Gili Islands and Bali, where drug laws are reportedly more relaxed.

Characteristics Values
Legality of psilocybin mushrooms in Indonesia Illegal
Legality of psilocybin mushrooms in Bali Legal
Legality of psilocybin mushrooms in Gili Trawangan Illegal
Indonesia's stance on illicit substances Very strict

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Magic mushrooms are illegal in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Magic mushrooms are illegal in Indonesia, and by extension, Gili Trawangan. Gili Trawangan, often referred to as Gili T by locals and regulars, is a tiny island that is part of the three islands that make up the Gilis, located off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

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, which requires its members to prohibit psilocybin. However, due to pressure from the Mexican government, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention.

In some jurisdictions, psilocybe spores are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other jurisdictions, they are banned because they are used in drug manufacture. The sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores are specifically prohibited in certain US states, such as California, Georgia, and Idaho.

While magic mushrooms are illegal in Indonesia and punishable by death, they are legal in nearby Bali, which can be reached by a 1.5-hour fast boat ride from Gili Trawangan. This legality in Bali may be surprising, as drug possession is a crime punishable by death in Indonesia. In Bali, magic mushrooms are consumed in various forms, including shakes, and are known for their hallucinogenic effects.

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Indonesia has strict laws against illicit substances

> "Any substance or medicine derived from plants or non-plants, either synthetic or semi-synthetic, which may cause degradation or change of consciousness, sensation loss, reduction through elimination of pain, and may cause dependence."

Indonesia categorises drugs into three groups:

  • Therapeutically useless drugs that are highly addictive, including opium, heroin, cocaine, hashish, marijuana, MDMA, methamphetamine, etc.
  • Therapeutically useful drugs but highly addictive, including hydromorphone, oxycodone, pethidine, and morphine.
  • Therapeutically useful but not as addictive as Groups 1 and 2, including dihydrocodeine, codeine, and buprenorphine.

Indonesia's strict drug laws also apply to travellers passing through the country. Bringing narcotics or cannabis derivatives into the country can result in heavy fines and prison time. Even carrying prescription drugs without a valid prescription can lead to penalties. Since 2016, there has been an increasing number of foreigners arrested at Indonesian airports for possessing small quantities of cannabis derivatives.

While magic mushrooms are not specifically mentioned in the sources, they likely fall under the category of illicit substances in Indonesia due to their psychoactive nature and the fact that they contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as having a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. However, there are reports that magic mushrooms are legal in Bali, despite drug possession being punishable by death in the region.

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Psilocybin mushrooms are listed as Schedule I drugs by the UN

Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", are listed as Schedule I drugs by the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means that psilocybin and psilocin, the psychoactive compounds found in these mushrooms, are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. However, this classification has been controversial as psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of medicinal and religious use in various cultures and may have a lower potential for abuse compared to other Schedule I drugs.

The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its member states to prohibit the use of psilocybin and restrict its application to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions. While the convention did not specifically include the mushrooms containing psilocybin, most countries have amended their national drug laws to comply with the treaty. Examples include the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and similar legislation in Canada, Australia, and Japan. These laws often carry severe legal penalties for the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms.

The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different jurisdictions within countries. For instance, in the United States, the cultivation and sale of psilocybin mushrooms are generally considered drug manufacture and are heavily penalized. However, some states like New Mexico and Colorado have decriminalized the cultivation and personal use of these mushrooms. Similarly, in Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy.

In Indonesia, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is ambiguous. While Indonesian law strictly prohibits the use, possession, and distribution of illegal drugs, including magic mushrooms, there are reports suggesting that these mushrooms are easily accessible and widely consumed in certain areas like Bali and the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands, in particular, are described as a "safe haven" for magic mushroom use due to a perceived lack of strict law enforcement. However, it is important to note that Indonesian police do work to prevent the distribution of magic mushrooms, and severe penalties, including the death penalty, may apply for drug-related offenses. Therefore, despite the availability and cultural acceptance of magic mushrooms in certain regions of Indonesia, their consumption and possession remain illegal and can result in serious consequences.

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Magic mushrooms are openly advertised and sold in the Gili Islands

The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, varies worldwide. While they are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires members to prohibit their use except for medical and scientific research, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention. This has created a grey area in Indonesian law, where the sale and consumption of magic mushrooms are openly advertised and practiced in certain regions, such as Gili Trawangan.

While the consumption of magic mushrooms may be tolerated or even encouraged in some parts of Indonesia, it is important to remember that the country has extremely strict laws against illicit substances, including mushrooms. Possession or intoxication of illegal substances can result in lengthy imprisonment or even death. Therefore, anyone considering consuming magic mushrooms in the Gili Islands should be aware of the risks and potential consequences.

It is worth noting that, while magic mushrooms may be readily available in Gili Trawangan, the island offers a range of other attractions and activities for visitors. From scuba diving and snorkelling to horseback riding on the beach, yoga classes, and turtle conservation efforts, there is much more to the island than its reputation for drug culture. Additionally, the island boasts incredible vegan and vegetarian restaurants, PADI-certified diving schools, resorts, and quaint French-themed bakeries.

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Magic mushrooms are legal in Bali, despite Indonesia's strict drug laws, where drug possession can be punishable by death. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is listed as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit it.

However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, with some countries having different levels of regulation or prohibition. In Bali, magic mushrooms are widely available and consumed, often in the form of shakes, and are considered acceptable indulgences by locals and the government.

The availability and legality of magic mushrooms in Bali present a stark contrast to the country's harsh penalties for drug possession and trafficking. While the sale and consumption of magic mushrooms are prevalent in Bali, it is important to note that drug laws and their enforcement can be inconsistent and complex. There have been reports of corruption, with some suggesting that police and dealers work together, leading to a grey legal area surrounding magic mushrooms.

It is worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms can be intense and unpredictable, and they should be approached with caution. As with any mind-altering substance, there are inherent risks associated with consumption, and individuals must make informed decisions about their usage. Additionally, it is crucial to be vigilant and aware of one's surroundings when travelling to new places, as tourists can often be targets of crime and fraud.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in Indonesia. Indonesian police work to prevent their distribution and target drug use and possession across the country.

It seems that the laws regarding psilocybin mushrooms in Bali are ambiguous. Some sources claim that they are illegal, while others state that they are tolerated by the locals and the government. However, it is important to note that drug possession can be punishable by death in Bali.

Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal on the Gili Islands, but there is a reported lack of police presence, and some sources claim that people use them openly without getting arrested.

Yes, there are significant risks associated with consuming psilocybin mushrooms in Indonesia. The Australian Government has issued warnings about the health risks of consuming magic mushrooms, and several Australians have become sick or injured after taking them in Indonesia. Additionally, Indonesian police enforce harsh penalties for drug-related offenses, including arrest and jail time.

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