Laura Smith
The legality of mushrooms in Peru is unclear. While some psychedelic substances are illegal in Peru, such as LSD and MDMA, the country has a long history of psychedelic usage and is fairly progressive with its drug laws. Ayahuasca, for example, is legal in Peru and is used in ancient rituals and ceremonies in the region. There is ambiguity in the law regarding the possession and distribution of spores used for growing psychedelic mushrooms, and the law does not mention anything about the B category, where psilocybin is at. As the law is not clear, it is recommended to proceed with caution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of mushrooms in Peru | Unclear |
| Legality of ayahuasca in Peru | Legal |
| Legality of psilocybin in Peru | Unclear |
| Legality of selling mushrooms in Peru | Unclear |
| Legality of growing mushrooms in Peru | Unclear |
| Legality of possessing mushrooms in Peru | Unclear |
| Legality of consuming mushrooms in Peru | Unclear |
| History of mushroom usage in Peru | Evidence of ancient usage in ceramics and by indigenous tribes |
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What You'll Learn
The legal status of magic mushrooms in Peru is unclear
In Peru, ayahuasca and San Pedro are not considered drugs and are openly sold and consumed. Ayahuasca, a psychedelic substance, was designated as part of Indigenous heritage in 2008 and is used in ancient rituals in the region. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is not specifically mentioned in Peruvian law. Article 55 of Law 22095 prohibits the planting and cultivation of Schedule I “A” substances but does not mention the “B” category, where psilocybin falls.
There is also no explicit mention of the growth or possession of magic mushrooms in Peru's penal code, although there is vague text about a "personal dose" that is considered exempt by the law. This suggests that personal consumption of magic mushrooms may be allowed, but the actual amount permitted is left to the discretion of a judge.
Peru has a long history of psychedelic usage, and magic mushrooms grow in abundance in certain areas of the country, such as the cloud-covered hills above Tarapoto in the pueblo of Lamas. Multiple species of psychedelic mushrooms, including Psilocybe cubensis, are known to grow in Peru.
While the legal status of magic mushrooms in Peru remains uncertain, it is recommended to exercise caution when dealing with these substances in the country.
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Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms grow in the wild in Peru
Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, golden halo, golden teacher, cube, or gold cap, is a species of psilocybin mushroom that grows in the wild in Peru. It is one of the most well-known psilocybin mushrooms due to its wide distribution and ease of cultivation. The species was first described in 1906 in Cuba and was later identified in Vietnam and the United States. It is believed that P. cubensis was introduced to Peru after the European conquest, possibly through livestock that reached the Andes via the Caribbean. However, it is also possible that the species was already present in Peru through the movement of populations, Andean livestock, or trade.
Psilocybe cubensis grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions their dung provides for the growth of the fungus. The cow typically consumes grass or grains covered with the spores of P. cubensis, and the fungus begins to germinate within the dung. The species is relatively easy to cultivate indoors as well. Growers can germinate spores on agar plates before transferring the healthy mycelium to grain jars. Once the grain is colonized, it is inoculated into a bulk substrate, often a mix of coir, vermiculite, and gypsum. With proper humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange, the substrate will produce fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis within a month.
The legality of Psilocybe cubensis in Peru is somewhat unclear. While the country has a long history of psychedelic usage, with Indigenous tribes in the Amazon using ayahuasca for centuries and psychedelics playing a role in shamanism, the laws regarding the possession and distribution of spores for growing psychedelic mushrooms are not specific. Article 55 of Law 22095 prohibits the planting and cultivation of Schedule I "A" substances but does not mention the "B" category, where psilocybin falls. As a result, spores are widely available and often legally sold, but cultivating them may be illegal.
Psilocybe cubensis is known for its hallucinogenic effects, which are caused by the natural chemical compounds psilocybin and psilocin. The potency of the mushrooms can vary depending on the growing conditions, with studies showing that mushrooms grown in the dark have higher levels of psilocybin and psilocin compared to those grown in bright, indirect light. The effects of consuming Psilocybe cubensis can include visual distortions, such as walls that seem to breathe, vivid colour enhancement, and the animation of organic shapes. It is important to properly identify wild mushrooms before consuming them, as some may be poisonous.
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Ayahuasca, a psychedelic, is legal in Peru
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic substance, is legal in Peru. The country has a long history of psychedelic usage, with indigenous tribes in the Peruvian Amazon using ayahuasca for centuries. In 2008, Peru officially recognized the traditional use of ayahuasca by indigenous peoples as part of their national cultural heritage. Ayahuasca is also considered a sacred plant medicine in the region, often used in ancient rituals.
The legality of ayahuasca in Peru is an exception to the laws governing psychedelic substances in many countries. While the majority of nations classify DMT, one of the active ingredients in ayahuasca, as a Schedule I drug, natural materials containing DMT, including ayahuasca, are not regulated under the 1971 Psychotropic Convention. This has allowed ayahuasca to remain legal in Peru, even as other psychedelic substances are restricted or prohibited.
It is important to note that while ayahuasca is legal in Peru, other psychedelic substances may be illegal or have ambiguous legal statuses. For example, the legality of magic mushrooms in Peru is unclear, although they are openly advertised and multiple species grow in the country. The law does not specifically address the possession and distribution of spores used for growing psychedelic mushrooms, creating a grey area. LSD and MDMA are criminalized under Peruvian law, with penalties for possession and sale.
The legalization of ayahuasca in Peru has made the country a popular destination for ayahuasca tourism. However, there are concerns about the safety and quality of ayahuasca lodges, with reports of negative health effects, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and even death. The U.S. Embassy in Peru has issued warnings for U.S. citizens to avoid ingesting ayahuasca due to these potential risks.
Despite the legalization of ayahuasca in Peru, the country's drug laws remain conservative regarding the use, production, and sale of other psychedelic substances. The situation regarding the legality of psychedelics in Peru is complex and ever-evolving, with ongoing debates and research on the therapeutic benefits of these substances.
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There is evidence of ancient Peruvians using magic mushrooms
The legality of magic mushrooms in Peru is unclear. However, there is evidence of ancient Peruvians using magic mushrooms.
Ancient Peruvians extensively used mushrooms for medicinal, religious, and culinary purposes. Evidence of this can be found in the form of ceramics, textiles, and sculptures that represent mushrooms either realistically or symbolically.
Moche art, for example, provides a window into the minds and rituals of its people. There are three different forms of mushroom representations in Moche society: unmistakable, large realistic representations of mushrooms; subtle, hidden representations that are easily missed; and abstract symbolic or iconographic representations.
In ancient Chucuito, mushrooms were considered with sufficient reverence to be carved into stones and images. Although the exact use of the mushrooms is unknown, they were likely associated with fertility and/or feline transformation-related rituals.
The Wari (or Huari) Culture, which dominated most of present-day Peru, is believed to have made major technological advancements. They occupied Pacacamac, a major religious site and Andean mecca.
Evidence of mushroom use in Peru can be traced through a continuous timeline of cultures from 3000-2200 years ago to at least 1532, and geographically from the north to the south of the country through the Cupisnique, Pucará, Paracas, Moche, Wari, Chimú, and Inca cultures.
It is important to note that the use of psychoactive substances was common in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies, and mushroom stones dating back to 3000 BC have been found in ritual contexts in Mesoamerica.
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Peruvian laws are vague about the possession and distribution of mushroom spores
While the use of psychedelics like ayahuasca, san pedro, and magic mushrooms is common in Peru, the laws surrounding the possession and distribution of mushroom spores are vague.
Article 55 of Law 22095 prohibits the planting and cultivation of Schedule I “A” substances but does not mention the “B” category, where psilocybin falls. This lack of clarity in the law has led to varying interpretations and potential loopholes. Some people argue that the possession and distribution of mushroom spores should be allowed since spores typically contain low levels of psilocybin.
In Peru, the use of ayahuasca is legal and considered a part of Indigenous heritage. The country has a long history of psychedelic usage, with Indigenous tribes in the Peruvian Amazon using ayahuasca for centuries and psychedelics playing a role in Peruvian shamanism. This cultural context may contribute to the ambiguity surrounding the legal status of other psychedelics like magic mushrooms.
While there is evidence of ancient Peruvians using magic mushrooms, particularly in ceramics, the laws regarding their possession, distribution, and consumption remain unclear. Some sources suggest that personal consumption of small amounts of magic mushrooms may be tolerated, but the actual amount considered legal for personal use is often left to the discretion of a judge.
It is important to note that the legal landscape surrounding psychedelics is evolving, with ongoing research into their therapeutic benefits. While some countries have fully legalized or decriminalized magic mushrooms, others are still conservative regarding their use, production, and sale. As a result, individuals in Peru are advised to exercise caution when dealing with magic mushrooms and their spores, as the legal consequences can be severe.
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Frequently asked questions
The legality of magic mushrooms in Peru is unclear. While there is no specific mention of mushrooms or psilocybin in the Peruvian penal code, there is ambiguity around the term "personal dose", which is considered exempt by law. It is recommended to proceed with caution and stick to small amounts for personal use.
Yes, multiple species of psychedelic mushrooms grow in Peru, including Psilocybe brasiliensis, Psilocybe cubensis, and Panaeolus cyanescens. People have been visiting the cloud-covered hills above Tarapoto and the farms in Lamas, San Martin, for at least 25 years to collect these mushrooms.
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic substance used in ancient rituals by Indigenous tribes in the Peruvian Amazon, is legal in Peru. In 2008, it was designated as part of Indigenous heritage.
