‘Magic mushrooms’ refer to mushrooms that grow naturally and have hallucinogenic (sometimes called psychedelic) properties. Different species have been consumed in various cultures over the centuries, with use in ritual ceremonies in Mexico being particularly well known. In the UK at present the species most commonly used is Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as the liberty cap mushroom. This grows in many areas, particularly in dark places and after heavy rainfall, with fruition occurring from September to November. It is creamy-yellow or brown in colour, very small (5–15 mm across) with a thin fragile stalk. In the USA a closely related type is used.

The active chemical psilocybin is categorised in class A in the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, so in theory there can be severe penalties for offences. However, possession of the mushrooms in their natural state is not illegal; charges can be brought only if they have been prepared in some way for consumption (see below).

Usage

Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms (to which the rest of this chapter refers) can be eaten raw, cooked or brewed into a liquid. They may also be dried, sometimes for keeping for later use, and the dried form can be put into cigarettes, a pipe or home-made capsules. There have apparently been rare instances of injecting the liquid form.

Because the mushrooms are small, about 10–100 are typically used at a time. Nearly all usage is personal or within small groups, and there is no significant illicit market. They are commonly used experimentally by young people: the 2006 British Crime Survey revealed that just under 1 in 10 people aged between 16 and 24 years admitted to having tried magic mushrooms (Home Office, 2006).