ARE MAGIC MUSHROOMS LEGAL IN THE UK?
“Psychedelics are illegal not because a loving government is concerne. that you may jump out of a third story window. Psychedelics are illegal because they dissolve opinion structures and. laid down models of behaviour and information processing. They open you up to the possibility that everything you know is wrong.” magic mushroom legal in UK
The world of drug legalization is a confusing and ever-changing one. What was illegal yesterday may be legal today, and what was legal today may be illegal tomorrow. Each individual drug has its own laws, and there is no consensus. on how strict each country should be with these laws. Magic mushrooms are no different. The UK is far from revolutionary in their drug policy, and are often seen to be quite behind the rest. But, are magic mushrooms legal in the UK? And if not, is there a future where they might be? We’re gonna be delving into the hallucinogenic. world and discussing what magic mushrooms are. As always, strap yourselves in. Let’s go.
WHAT IS A DRUG?
Before we delve into the legality of magic mushrooms in the UK, let’s first comprehend what a drug actually is. and why there’s so much controversy around them. Trusted wikipedia says that a drug is… “a medicine or other substance which has. a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body”. Some believe that all drugs – even when used – are being used for some sort of subtle medicinal reason. If a substance alters your mind, or how you feel, then you’re doing that for a reason. But, others may argue against that, saying that that would be. like saying that going on a roller coaster is medication; because. that also can make you feel euphoric like many recreational drugs. Nonetheless, then use of magic mushrooms seen. – especially by the government – as a recreational drug. But, there are 4 main types of recreational drugs. Where do magic mushrooms sit?
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRUGS
Uppers
Uppers are one of the most common types of recreational drugs. They would be considere the ‘party drug’. Also make the user feel stimulated, euphoric, active and conversational. It give you energy that you didn’t think you had. Some well-known uppers include: cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA and meth. Due to the increased heart rate that stimulants can cause. there are some horror stories with overdosing.
Downers
Downers are the opposite of uppers, although people do also find euphoria in these too. The main difference is a feeling of relaxation, lack of anxiety and mellowness. Common downers – or depressants as they’re also called. – include: alcohol, heroin, ketamine and benzos. Opium would also be include as a downer drug; these can be in the form of painkillers and be addictive.
Hallucinogens
Then there are hallucinogens. Whilst uppers and downers can cause mild hallucinations, that is not what they’re known for. But, hallucinogens – also known as psychedelics – can alter a person’s reality. This includes what they feel and what they see. These types of drugs can also dissociate users from their reality. as well as give people ‘religious or spiritual experiences’. Common hallucinogens include: LSD/ acid, mescaline, DMT and magic mushrooms.
Want to know what the UK would look like if cannabis was legalize?
WHAT ARE MAGIC MUSHROOMS?
So, what the heck are these natural growing magic mushrooms and why are they any different. from the types of mushrooms that you might put in a pasta sauce? According to VeryWellMind:
“Magic mushrooms are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin. a naturally-occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. Psilocybin is considere one of the most well-known psychedelics, according to the Substance. Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations”
Magic mushrooms thought to be use as early as 200 CE for religious and tribal ceremonies. There are statues and drawings of mushrooms during that time. and signs of the psilocybe genus existing.
Magic mushrooms can also be referre to as shrooms, mushies or philosopher’s stones. Whatever you want to call them, the truth is that they can sometimes. look a lot like common mushrooms, but psilocybin is what gives them the magic. This chemical is believe to affect the serotonin levels. in the body and brain, which leads to altered states of perception. Magic mushrooms can be both eaten and drunk. But you consume magic mushrooms, people can have varying effects; good and bad.
EFFECTS OF MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Magic mushrooms take about 30-60 minutes to kick in. Once the ‘trip’ starts, it can last up to 6-8 hours. This will depend on the amount taken and the person’s body mass.
Positive Experiences
Those who have positives experiences with magic mushrooms will claim to experience:
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Euphoria
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Peace
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Spiritual awakening
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Beautiful hallucinations
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Understanding of others
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Colours
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Acceptance of life
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Positive realisations
Negative Experiences
Those who have negative experiences with magic mushrooms will claim to experience:
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Dizziness
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Nausea
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Paranoia
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Confusion
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Scary or unpleasant hallucinations
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Fear
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Lack of coordination
DRUG LAW UK
Now you understand more about what magic mushrooms are, the question still remains: are they legal in the UK? Well, the UK has its own system and way of categorising illegal drugs. It’s called the class system. The system goes from Class A-C (A – being the most illegal and highly prosecutable). Any drug that is included in this list is considered illegal in the UK.
Class C
Class C drugs include: anabolic steroids, GHB and some tranquilisers.
Sentence: up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Class B
Class B drugs include: speed, ketamine, mephedrone and cannabis.
Sentence: up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Class A
Class A drugs include: heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and magic mushrooms.
Sentence: up to 7 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
ARE MAGIC MUSHROOMS LEGAL?
Well, as you can see in the Class A section, the answer is no. Magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK. Since the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, magic mushrooms have been illegal. But before 2005, magic mushrooms were only illegal if they were prepare or created. But, according to Talk To Frank, in 2005:
“The 2005 Drugs Act amended the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to clarify that both fresh and prepared. (e.g. dried or stewed) magic mushrooms containing psilocin or psilocybin. (such as the liberty cap) are Class A drugs. This means it’s illegal to have this type of magic mushroom for yourself, to give away or to sell.” magic mushroom legal in UK
ARE THERE LOOPHOLES?
Magic mushrooms grow in forests and in fields, and that is an unstoppable fact. Many people will find magic mushrooms either or even whilst out and about. Whilst it is illegal to pick these and to own them, it’s difficult to regulate this. So, picking a few for yourself and for your friends are very unlikely to be notice by officials. In too, another question people ask is, what if they grow on my property? Some people have found magic mushrooms growing in their garden. Again, it’s illegal to use them or to pick them, but the chances of being sentence are low.
WHAT ABOUT MUSHROOM SPORES?
Mushroom spores are like a seed; they are what the mushroom grows from. Magic mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin, which is the illegal part of the drug. This is because this substance does not become present until the mushroom fruits. So, the owning of magic mushroom spores are actually legal, but what they become is. It’s all very confusing and highlights the difficulty with UK drug laws.
WHEN WILL MAGIC MUSHROOMS BE LEGAL IN THE UK?
As you can see, magic mushrooms in their proper, effective form are illegal. There is no avoiding that. But, like all natural drugs, it’s hard for authorities to regulate. the use of them if they’re done and with a small group of people. Of course if someone tries to build a drug empire by selling them, then the sentencing could be severe. But, magic mushrooms have been use in Western medicine to treat depression. and in Eastern medicine to treat even asthma and gout. It could only be a matter of time before magic mushrooms begin to be use more often. Recreational use of magic mushrooms is a harder law to see passed in the UK. If recreational cannabis isn’t legal, then it’s unlikely that magic mushrooms will be. But who knows? You can always head over the water to Amsterdam and enjoy their completely. legal truffles (which is a type of magic mushroom). The Netherlands always do it better, don’t they? magic mushroom legal in UK
MAGIC MUSHROOMS IN THE UK
We all know the old adage, mushroom season comes but once a year, right?
For decades magic mushrooms have served as a point of contention, seeing as they . grow in many parts of the world, with the UK as no exception. So, what is the current legal status of magic mushrooms? What does research say about their potential therapeutic use? And, is there a future where see them legalised?
Mushrooms and the Law
The introduction of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 made the possession. cultivation and sale of magical mushrooms illegal in the UK. Moreover, psilocybin (the active psychotropic in magic mushrooms). is currently a Class A substance, meaning that possession carries a most prison. sentence of 7 years and an unlimited fine. yet, if caught cultivating or supplying the greatest sentence is life imprisonment.
up until 2005 the law only specified that mushrooms that had been prepare. or created were illegal, meaning that so long as mushrooms were fresh. no offence had been committe. Unfortunately, the Drugs Act 2005 amended the existing legislation. so that mushrooms were completely outlawed, regardless of their preparation, or lack of.
Many articles still make reference to various ‘loopholes’ in the law that the. mushroom connoisseur may wish to exploit. one of the most common is the myth that ‘mushroom grazing’ is a legal way of taking the substance. Unfortunately, whilst many police officers might find it humorous to stumble. upon an individual eating mushrooms off the floor. this still amounts to possession of a Class A drug and a criminal offence.
Mushrooms and Research
Although the recreational use of magic mushrooms is prohibite by law. researchers wishing to explore the drug may do so. Of course, this doesn’t mean that acquiring psilocybin for research purposes is easy. As it is currently classed as a schedule 1 drug, meaning it is illegal and has been deeme. to have no medical value, researchers must jump through some hoops to conduct their research. including acquiring a Home Office Licence and extensive security arrangements. Not only does this cost thousands of pounds but it can also take months to organise. magic mushroom legal in UK
And unfortunately, the difficulties surrounding the psychedelic research process make. the area unappealing to investors and researchers alike. Scientists are already warning that the UK’s attitude towards psilocybin. is making research difficult to conduct. so holding back the possibility of a true ‘psychedelic renaissance’. magic mushroom legal in UK
But, despite this tough line that the UK has taken against mushrooms. (and most other drugs for that matter), the research that does exist is. making the therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms more visible. Evidence suggests that psilocybin can prompt new neuronal connections and. increase brain plasticity, meaning it shows promise. in being able to treat some conditions.
One of the most recent studies on the therapeutic application of psilocybin found. that following a single 25mg dose accompanied by therapy. 30% of patients suffering with treatment-resistant depression. were in remission at 3 weeks post-trial. The study, carried out by pharmaceutical company COMPASS Pathways. also reported that at 12 weeks double the amount of patients who received. a 25mg dose had a sustained response, compared to those who had received a 1mg dose.
This study alone suggests that psilocybin has a true pharmacological. application that has the potential to treat patients who have run out of options. COMPASS have already announced that their phase 3. programme will begin before the end of the year. this takes us one step closer to a future where psilocybin can be use to treat patients who need it.
Mushrooms and Legalisation
So, will we see mushrooms legalised anytime soon?
Well, there can be no doubt that the conversation is hot on the lips of some policymakers. and important discussions are beginning to arise. In March 2022, Conservative drug reformers began putting pressure on ministers. to reschedule psilocybin so that researchers could explore its potential as a medicine. The bid was supporte by the Conservative Drug Policy. Reform Group, whose members included Conservative MP Crispin Blunt.
But, despite then PM Boris Johnson agreeing. to reschedule psilocybin, there has still been no such move to date. magic mushroom legal in UK
There has since been a revived focus on the topic of psilocybin within Parliament. Last week, Labour MP Charlotte Nichols again asked the government to name. psilocybin Schedule Two status for the sake of research into. new mental health treatment paradigms.