Is Amanita Muscaria Legal? An Up-to-Date Guide

Perhaps you want to see what all the fuss is about regarding Amanita muscaria mushrooms. Also known as the fly agaric, this aesthetically-pleasing mushroom is the subject of much misinformation.

For instance, it is often assumed that amanita is a “magic” mushroom that causes psychedelic effects. Thus, most people believe that fly agaric is outlawed in most places. As this article will outline, amanita is available in many places as it is different from shrooms.

What Is Amanita?

Amanita muscaria is the mushroom often depicted in art and literature. A member of the Basidiomycete group of fungi, it has a distinctive red or orange cap dotted with white spots.

 
If you go online, you may find plenty of articles claiming that amanita is toxic, poisonous, and even deadly. Certainly, it is potentially neurotoxic, and research indicates that consumption can cause serious side effects. For instance, it may result in dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

However, an increasing number of users suggest that it has beneficial effects. These might include painkilling properties, anxiety reduction, and the ability to sleep better. The level of ibotenic acid and muscimol, two of the main chemicals in amanita, seemingly dictate the effects.

While ibotenic acid is potentially neurotoxic, muscimol may have neuroprotective effects. Thus, some consider amanita, with a high percentage of muscimol, desirable. Decarboxylation can convert ibotenic acid to muscimol, potentially improving the mushroom's positive effects.

The other crucial thing to remember about Amanita muscaria is that it’s free of psilocybin. Thus, it doesn’t cause the same psychedelic effects as magic mushrooms, such as Penis Envy. Since psilocybin is banned in many countries, the lack of it in amanita means the mushroom is legally available in more places than you realize.

What is Amanita’s Legal Status in the United States?

Amanita is not on the list of Controlled Substances, nor is it classified as a Drug of Concern. Ultimately, buying, possessing, selling, and transporting amanita in almost every American state is legal. Therefore, when you see amanita gummies made in the U.S. that are on sale in your home state, you can buy them.

There is one important exception, however. At present, Louisiana remains the only state that has explicitly outlawed amanita. Growing, possessing, or selling amanita is prohibited by Louisiana State Act 159. The bill classifies the fly agaric mushroom as a “hallucinogenic plant,” along with dozens of others.

Of course, the lack of regulation in the market means you must tread carefully when buying this mushroom. It is wise to play it safe and shop with a well-respected brand. For instance, VidaCaps Best Amanita Muscaria Gummies contain 500mg of amanita extract per gummy. The brand is highly regarded and the subject of excellent online reviews.

What About Amanita’s Legality Overseas?

Finding detailed information on the mushroom’s legality abroad is significantly more challenging. Amanita is technically legal in Canada, although it is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Health Canada classified it as a natural health product in 2022. However, the government has yet to provide regulatory approval for amanita products.

Various loopholes indicate that Sweden, Ireland, and Mexico residents can purchase amanita legally. In Ireland, for instance, the mushroom isn’t covered under the Misuse of Drugs Acts in 2006, which banned the sale of mushrooms containing psilocybin. Therefore, since Amanita muscaria doesn’t contain psilocybin, it is technically legal to buy and sell. 
Nations that seem to ban amanita outright include Romania, Australia, and the Netherlands.

Final Thoughts on the Legality of Amanita Muscaria

It is important to note that the laws surrounding amanita are subject to change. Therefore, you need to check the rules in your country before considering a purchase.

If you live in the United States, you should find it easy to buy amanita with numerous brands legally shipping products such as gummies to 49 states. However, the mushroom remains illegal in Louisiana.

Regarding the rest of the world, it is difficult to get a detailed insight into the current rules. In many locations, the fact that amanita doesn’t contain psilocybin seems to act as a legal loophole. However, at least in some of these locations, there are attempts to close the loophole and outlaw the mushroom.