This is a question we get a lot, so here is a straight answer based on the legislation itself rather than forum posts. It is general information, not legal advice. If your circumstances are complicated, speak to a solicitor.
What the law controls
Psilocin and psilocybin, the active compounds in so-called magic mushrooms, are Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Act applies across the UK. Since 18 July 2005, section 21 of the Drugs Act 2005 has also made any “fungus (of any kind) which contains psilocin or an ester of psilocin” a controlled drug in its own right. There is no exception for fresh or unprepared mushrooms in that wording.
Read the primary text on legislation.gov.uk: Drugs Act 2005, section 21.
What about spores?
The wording that controls fungi refers to a fungus that contains psilocin or its esters. Spores are not named in that provision. The law is therefore aimed at the fungus and the compounds, rather than at the spores as a separate item. But that does not make everything involving spores lawful. Whether a particular act is an offence depends on what is being done and why, and it is for a court to decide in any individual case.
Growing is the problem
Cultivating mushrooms that contain psilocybin is treated as production of a Class A drug. Production and supply carry a maximum of life imprisonment and an unlimited fine; possession carries up to 7 years, an unlimited fine or both. See the official GOV.UK drug penalties page. Buying spores with the aim of growing psilocybin mushrooms means taking steps towards an offence, and the fact that the spores were bought legally is not a defence to what happens next.
What spore syringes are legitimately used for
Microscopy is the use we sell for. Spores can be examined under a microscope, measured, stained, photographed and compared, which is standard practice in mycology education and taxonomy. That is what our spore syringes are for. Our microscopy guides cover making a spore slide and choosing magnification.
If you want to grow mushrooms at home, there are many legal species. Oyster, Lion’s Mane and reishi are popular and rewarding; see growing oyster mushrooms with a kit and our gourmet and medicinal cultures.
Research and licences
The 2005 amendments also placed such fungi in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, which means the Home Office can license production, supply and possession, normally for research. If you work in a research setting, that licensing route is the correct one.
The bottom line
- Psilocybin and psilocin, and fungi that contain them, are Class A in the UK.
- Growing such mushrooms is an offence, whatever the size of the grow.
- Spores are not named in the controlling provision, but that is not permission to cultivate.
- Microscopy and study are the purposes our spore syringes are sold for.
- For your own situation, take legal advice.
Our spore syringes are sold for microscopy and research only. Growing mushrooms that contain psilocybin is illegal in the UK. This guide is general information, not legal advice. You must be 18 or over to buy from this shop.
