Emily Johnson
The legality of possessing, consuming, and selling psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, varies across the world. In the United States, for example, it is illegal under federal law and in most states to possess, sell, or grow psilocybin mushrooms. However, some states like Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses, and a few cities have deprioritized arrests for personal possession. In Florida, possession of over 10 grams of psilocybin mushrooms can trigger drug trafficking penalties, with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The price of shrooms can vary widely depending on factors such as the species of mushroom, the amount purchased, and the local laws regarding their sale and possession.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal Status of Psilocybin Mushrooms | Illegal in most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, some US states and cities have decriminalized or deprioritized enforcement of laws prohibiting psilocybin mushrooms. |
| Regulation | Varies across countries and jurisdictions. Classified as a Schedule I drug in the US, placing it in the same category as crystal methamphetamine and heroin. |
| Penalties for Possession | In the US, possession of psilocybin mushrooms is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. Subsequent convictions carry higher penalties, with a maximum sentence of three years. |
| Penalties for Cultivation | Cultivation is considered drug manufacture and is often severely penalized. In the US, it carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. |
| Penalties for Trafficking | In Florida, possession of over 10 grams of psilocybin mushrooms can trigger drug trafficking penalties, including a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. |
| Dosage | A typical recreational dosage is about 3.5 grams, but first-time users are advised to start with a smaller dose. |
| Cost | The cost per gram varies based on factors such as availability, location, and mushroom species. Generally, the more psychedelic mushrooms purchased, the lower the cost per gram. |
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What You'll Learn
Possession of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most places
Possession of psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", is illegal in most places. Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act in the United States, which means it is illegal to possess, sell, or grow. The possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms is prohibited under almost all circumstances and often carries severe legal penalties. Federal law makes simple possession of psilocybin a misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. Subsequent convictions carry even harsher penalties, with a maximum sentence of three years for repeat offenders.
While the mushrooms themselves are illegal, there is ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushroom spores, which do not contain the drugs. In some jurisdictions, spores are legal to sell and possess, while in others, they are banned as they are used in drug manufacture. This ambiguity has led to an active underground economy involved in the sale of spores and cultivation materials.
Despite the illegality of psilocybin mushrooms, there are some exceptions and movements towards decriminalization. In the United States, some cities, such as Denver and Oakland, California, have deprioritized enforcement of drug laws prohibiting psilocybin mushrooms, although these are policy changes rather than changes to drug laws. Additionally, a few US states, such as Colorado, Oregon, and New Mexico, have legalized certain uses or ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
Outside of the United States, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies. In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. In Australia, psilocybin has been approved for use in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. However, it is important to note that the sale and possession of psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal in most places, and the laws and penalties can vary depending on the location.
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Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most places
The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most places. Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it is deemed to have no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse and addiction. While the mushrooms themselves are not classified as Schedule I drugs, the spores used to cultivate them become illegal when they germinate and start to contain psilocybin.
In the United States, psilocybin is federally illegal, and possession is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. However, state laws vary, and some states have decriminalised or legalised psilocybin. For example, in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms, allowing adults 21 and older to cultivate and use small amounts for personal use. Oregon has also legalised psilocybin, and a few cities, like Denver and Oakland, California, have deprioritised the enforcement of laws prohibiting psilocybin.
Outside of the US, the legal status of psilocybin varies. In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes since January 2023. Psilocybin is also legal for medicinal use in Australia, and in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Denmark. However, it is illegal in many other countries, including the UK, Japan, Germany, Russia, India, and South Africa.
The legal landscape surrounding psilocybin is evolving as research into its therapeutic benefits expands. While it remains illegal in most places, some jurisdictions are amending laws or enacting policy changes to decriminalise or legalise its use, especially for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
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Selling psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most places
The sale and possession of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most places. 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 controlled conditions. However, due to pressure from the Mexican government, the convention does not specifically include psilocybin mushrooms. As a result, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, with many countries having different levels of regulation or prohibition.
In some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other jurisdictions, such as California, Georgia, and Idaho in the United States, and Germany, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores are illegal. The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is considered drug manufacturing and is penalized in most jurisdictions. However, some countries and one US state, New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not constitute "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
The possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms are prohibited in most places, often carrying severe legal penalties. Despite this, there is ambiguity and selective enforcement in some places, leading to an underground economy for the sale of spores and cultivation materials. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, with places like Denver, Oakland, and Oregon passing initiatives to reduce law enforcement priority for psilocybin-related offenses or allow their use for mental health treatment under supervision.
While the sale of psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in most places, there are exceptions where local laws have been amended or interpreted differently. For example, in Los Angeles, some dispensaries have been openly selling psilocybin mushrooms, even though they are still illegal statewide in California. Similarly, in Canada, the province of Alberta has announced that it will regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, becoming one of the first places to do so. These developments highlight the evolving legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushrooms, with a growing recognition of their potential therapeutic benefits.
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The typical dosage of psilocybin is 3.5 grams
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies across the world. While the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention. As a result, there is ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, with some jurisdictions classifying them as illegal and others allowing their possession and use for medicinal purposes.
Regarding dosage, a typical dosage of psilocybin sold on the recreational black market is about 3.5 grams, or an eighth of an ounce. This amount is enough to fill the bottom of a small sandwich bag. However, it is important to note that first-time users should consider starting with a smaller dose. While the 3.5-gram dosage is common, even smaller amounts can have positive effects. For example, a 20-milligram dose has been associated with the highest increases in well-being.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically last between four and eight hours, and the experience can vary. Some people may have a "good trip," while others may encounter challenging experiences known as "bad trips." These difficult emotions can include paranoia, grief, or fear. It is important to have a "trip sitter," someone who remains sober and can provide support during the experience. Additionally, it is recommended to consume food an hour or two before taking psilocybin mushrooms, as appetite tends to be suppressed during the trip.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in various cultures, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Zapotec. Traditional uses include evoking altered states of consciousness for healing rituals and religious ceremonies. In modern times, there is growing interest in using psilocybin as a therapeutic approach, particularly for treating mood and substance use disorders, end-of-life distress, and treatment-resistant depression.
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The price of psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on location
The price of psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on several factors, with location being a significant influencer. The average price per gram ranges from $5 to $12, but this can be much higher depending on the factors outlined below.
Local laws and policies play a crucial role in pricing. For example, psilocybin mushrooms are more expensive on the East Coast of the United States compared to the West Coast, with the East Coast having stricter regulations. Regions with lenient policies, such as Washington, California, Colorado, and Denver, tend to have lower prices. Additionally, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in a particular country or state can significantly impact their cost. Decriminalized or regulated areas, such as the District of Columbia, tend to have lower prices due to reduced distribution risks for growers and sellers.
The availability and demand for psilocybin mushrooms in a specific location also influence their price. In places like Canada and parts of Europe, where psilocybin mushrooms grow naturally and are readily available, prices tend to be lower. Conversely, regions with limited access or higher demand, such as areas where psilocybin mushrooms are harder to obtain or grow, often see higher prices.
The type of mushroom species and strain available in a particular location can also impact pricing. Psilocybe cubensis, a popular and sought-after species, may drive up costs when in high demand. Additionally, certain strains with higher potency or desirability, such as Penis Envy, can be significantly more expensive than others, with prices up to twice as much per gram.
The method of consumption, such as dried mushrooms or edibles, also influences pricing. Edibles are generally more expensive due to the added production costs involved in creating capsules, teas, or other consumable forms.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are illegal to possess, grow, or sell under federal law and in most US states. However, there is no specific amount or weight mentioned in the law that makes it illegal. The penalties for possession and sale vary depending on the number of prior convictions, with higher penalties for larger amounts that indicate trafficking. For example, in Florida, possession of over 10 grams of psilocybin mushrooms can trigger drug trafficking penalties.
Yes, the laws around psilocybin mushrooms vary worldwide, and some places have decriminalized or legalized their use. 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. Colorado and Oregon have also legalized certain uses, and some cities like Denver and Oakland have deprioritized enforcement of laws prohibiting mushrooms.
Under federal law, simple possession of psilocybin mushrooms is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. Subsequent convictions carry higher minimum sentences for both fines and incarceration. Growing and cultivating psilocybin mushrooms can result in a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
