Thiruvananthapuram: The Excise Department has decided to pursue legal action against the use of magic mushrooms, classifying them as narcotic substances, despite a High Court ruling stating that they cannot be considered as drugs or mixtures that can be used to make narcotics. The Excise Department has received legal advice to continue with the proceedings, and an appeal against the High Court's ruling will also be filed.
The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a substance known for its narcotic effects. The High Court observed that the department had not taken into account the exact percentage of narcotic substances in the mushrooms while filing cases. However, the legal advice received by the Excise Department suggests that action can be taken regardless of the amount of psilocybin present. Narcotics-related charges are considered serious criminal offenses, and bail is often denied when narcotics are found in commercial quantities. Currently, determining the commercial quantity remains a challenge.
In all cases involving magic mushrooms, the Excise Department is filing charges without allowing bail. The amount of narcotics in the mushrooms can only be confirmed after laboratory testing, making it impractical to determine the exact narcotic content at the time of arrest.
Charges will be framed based on the laboratory report that confirms the presence of narcotics. The department's stance is that the seriousness of the case will be decided after this confirmation. If other substances are added to the mushrooms, the total narcotic content in the mixture will be taken into account when framing charges. Despite being classified as a natural fungus, magic mushrooms can be treated as narcotics if they contain psilocybin.
In light of the High Court's ruling, individuals caught with small amounts of magic mushrooms may have a greater chance of being granted bail.
Magic Mushrooms: A brief overview
Magic mushrooms, a variety of mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties, have been used for centuries for their psychoactive effects. These mushrooms can cause serious health problems, leading to symptoms like lethargy, lack of focus, and excessive anxiety. They can also induce personality changes and alter perception. Though they are sometimes used in controlled medical settings, experts have differing opinions on their safety and efficacy.
Published: 11 Feb 2025, 11:21 am IST
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