Magic mushrooms and the law
There was once a time when picking and taking fresh magic mushrooms was perfectly legal. This time has now come to an end. Read on for the rules on shrooms.
The law
The sale of fresh magic mushrooms used to be legal due to a loophole in the law. That was until the Drugs Bill 2005 closed this loophole.
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin and under the Misuse of Drugs Act these hallucinogenic chemicals are class A drugs like heroin, crack and cocaine. The bill classes fresh magic mushrooms as a 'preparation' of psilocin or psilocybin, and therefore possession of magic mushrooms (fresh and prepared) is now illegal.
Possession of magic mushrooms (fresh and prepared) is now illegal.
Fly Agaric mushrooms are also hallucinogenic but they contain no psilocybin or psilocin and so are not illegal. However they are difficult to take safely and there's much debate over whether Fly Agaric mushrooms are deadly or not.
Magic mushrooms are a class A drug
Class A drugs carry the most serious charges. Maximum penalties you can face are:
- Seven years imprisonment plus an unlimited fine for possession;
- Life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine for supplying or dealing;
- Life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine for possession with intent to supply.
Drug convictions will also affect your chances of future employment, as many employers would not consider your application, and you may find it hard to get into such countries as America and Australia.
Updated: 15/10/2008
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