Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, and there are over 200 species of them. They are mushrooms that contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin. In recent times, there has been an increase in societal acceptance of psilocybin mushrooms, and loosening of regulations, which has led to the opening of psychedelic mushroom stores in certain parts of the world. These stores may sell actual hallucinogenic mushrooms or mushroom edible products such as chocolate bars, gummies, or drinks that contain hallucinogenic mushroom constituents. In addition to these stores, there are also online sellers and an active underground economy involved in the sale of spores and cultivation materials. The sale of magic mushrooms remains illegal in many places, but the laws are ambiguous and vary by jurisdiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mushrooms | Psychedelic, Magic, Psilocybin, Amanita Muscaria, Hallucinogenic, Poisonous, Oyster, Wine Cap, Shiitake |
| Mushroom products | Chocolate bars, Gummies, Drinks, Powder |
| Mushroom sellers | Psychedelic mushroom stores, Magic mushroom stores, Online stores, Cafes, North Spore, Four Star Mushrooms |
| Mushroom growing locations | Indoors (countertop, jars, bags, monotub, martha tent), Outdoors (containers, garden beds, logs, stumps, totems) |
| Mushroom growing requirements | Indirect sunlight, Humidity, Temperature (60-75 F), Watering 2-3 times a day, Well-ventilated areas |
| Mushroom consumption | Cook thoroughly, Start with small amounts to check for allergies |
| Legal status of mushrooms | Varies by country and jurisdiction, Unregulated grey market in some places, Decriminalized in some US states |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushroom dispensaries
The legality of magic mushroom dispensaries operates in a grey area, depending on the specific jurisdiction and the ingredients of the products being sold. In some places, such as Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal, while in others, they may fall into a legal loophole that allows for their sale and consumption. For example, in the United States, magic mushroom dispensaries can be found in states like California and Colorado, where there is a push for regulated healing centres.
It is important to note that the mushroom edible market is largely unregulated, and consumers should exercise caution when purchasing and consuming such products. Labels on mushroom edibles often provide vague ingredient lists, making it challenging to determine their exact contents and dosages. Cases of poisonings linked to certain mushroom edible products have been reported, underscoring the potential risks associated with their consumption.
When considering the use of magic mushrooms, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and legal implications. While some jurisdictions are exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and, in some cases, negative experiences known as "bad trips" or "flashbacks". It is always advisable to approach the use of hallucinogenic substances with caution and to stay informed about the latest research and legal developments related to their use.
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Growing your own mushrooms
There are several methods for growing mushrooms at home, and it is important to choose the right one for the type of mushroom you want to grow. Oyster mushrooms, for example, are a great choice for first-time growers as they grow fast and can easily thrive in substrates made of things like coffee grounds and straw. They are also less common in stores because of their delicate, hard-to-ship nature. Other good mushrooms for beginners include shiitake and wine cap mushrooms.
If you're growing mushrooms indoors, you can use a kit, or grow them in jars, bags, monotubs, or martha tents. If growing outdoors, you can use containers, garden beds, logs, stumps, and totems. If you're using a kit, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If you're growing mushrooms on logs, you'll need to inoculate the logs with mushroom spawn and place them in a shady, moist area near your home. You can also grow mushrooms using inoculated sawdust in a plastic bag, which can be purchased as a kit or made yourself.
It's important to be patient when growing mushrooms, as it can take some time for them to establish. Once they're growing, you'll need to harvest them regularly to keep up with production. Make sure to cook your mushrooms thoroughly before consuming them, and start with a small amount to check for allergies if it's a new species.
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Legality of selling mushrooms
The legality of selling mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom and the jurisdiction in which they are being sold. In general, psychedelic or "magic" mushrooms that contain hallucinogens such as psilocybin and psilocin are regulated or prohibited in many countries. However, there is some ambiguity in the legal status of these mushrooms, and the enforcement of laws can vary.
In the United States, the federal law classifies psilocybin mushrooms as a Schedule I controlled substance, making their use, sale, and possession illegal. However, there have been efforts to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin mushrooms in certain states, such as Oregon, Colorado, and California. For example, Oregon voters passed a ballot measure in 2020 to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised use. Colorado followed suit in 2022, and there are ongoing efforts in California to decriminalize and legalize the use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms.
In Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). However, there are ongoing discussions and efforts to regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in certain provinces, such as Alberta.
In other parts of the world, the legality of selling mushrooms varies. For example, magic mushrooms were sold legally in the Netherlands in the 2000s, but they became illegal in 2008. Similarly, magic mushrooms were sold in the United Kingdom in the 2000s due to a legal loophole, but this loophole was closed in 2005. In contrast, Brazil, Indonesia, Jamaica, and Thailand are among the countries where magic mushroom products have been sold in stores and cafes.
It is important to note that the sale of psychedelic mushrooms often operates in a legal grey area, and it is the responsibility of the seller to understand the laws and regulations in their specific jurisdiction. The information provided here may not be exhaustive, and it is advisable to refer to the specific laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction for detailed and up-to-date information.
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Mushroom edible products
The sale of magic mushrooms and related products is illegal in many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands. However, there is a growing trend of psychedelic mushroom stores, also known as magic mushroom dispensaries, that have gained popularity in certain parts of the world. These stores sell hallucinogenic mushroom products, including edible mushroom products. Notable brands in this market include PolkaDot and Tre House.
The legality of these stores and products exists in a grey area, with some jurisdictions considering them illegal controlled substances and others allowing their sale and consumption. This has led to a situation where some stores have been shut down by authorities, while others operate freely. The mushroom edible market is largely unregulated, and it is often unclear what specific ingredients or doses are present in these products.
Some of the edible mushroom products available in this market include:
- Chocolate bars: Chocolate bars infused with hallucinogenic mushroom constituents like psilocybin or muscimol. These chocolates are designed to provide consumers with a psychedelic experience.
- Gummies: Similar to the chocolate bars, these gummies contain hallucinogenic compounds extracted from mushrooms or synthetic analogues, offering a convenient and discreet way to consume these substances.
- Drinks: Beverages infused with hallucinogenic mushroom extracts or synthetic equivalents, providing an alternative consumption method for those who may not prefer solid edibles.
In addition to these processed edible products, some companies like Four Star Mushrooms focus on sustainable agriculture and offer freshly harvested mushrooms for culinary use. They aim to cultivate a new paradigm for food systems by producing delicious and nutritious food in harmony with nature, fostering biodiversity, and enriching the earth.
Growing mushrooms at home is also an option, with companies like North Spore offering mushroom-growing supplies and kits for beginners. They recommend starting with oyster mushrooms, Wine Cap, or shiitake, which can be grown indoors or outdoors. Mushrooms require indirect sunlight, high humidity, and temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that proper precautions should be taken during handling, especially for individuals with respiratory allergies or compromised immune systems.
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Mushroom growing supplies
There are several companies that sell mushroom growing supplies, tools, and equipment. North Spore and Myco Supply are two notable examples.
North Spore
North Spore sells mushroom growing supplies and provides guides for beginners. For those new to growing mushrooms, North Spore recommends starting with a Spray & Grow kit or a beginner Fruiting Block kit. These kits do not require any special equipment. Mushrooms can be grown on countertops, in jars, in bags, in monotubs, or in martha tents indoors. Outdoors, mushrooms can be grown in containers, garden beds, and on logs, stumps, and totems. Mushrooms prefer indirect sunlight, lots of humidity, and temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need ambient light to grow, so if they are in a dark space, they will need to be supplemented with artificial grow lights. If you are not using a humidity-controlled environment, you will need to water your mushrooms generously 2-3 times a day.
Myco Supply
Myco Supply sells mushroom cultivation supplies and mycology equipment. They offer mushroom incubation and sterilization supplies, laboratory instruments, and inoculation tools. They also provide lab equipment for mycology, including glove boxes, agar, mushroom culture media, autoclave sterilization supplies, magnetic stirrers, and disposable petri dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are sold in retail outlets, cafes, and online stores in certain parts of the world. In the US, magic mushroom stores exist in states like California, Colorado, and Oregon. In Canada, they are found in British Columbia and Ontario, and Alberta. Stores and cafes selling magic mushrooms also exist in Brazil, Indonesia, Jamaica, and Thailand.
Yes, there are over 200 species of magic mushrooms. Some common types include psilocybin mushrooms, Amanita muscaria mushrooms, and psychedelic mushrooms.
Yes, you can grow your own mushrooms at home. There are many edible mushrooms that can be grown indoors or outdoors with the right equipment and conditions. Mushrooms require indirect sunlight, humidity, and temperatures between 60-75 F.
