Mushrooms are hallucinogens. Individuals that consume them may experience significant changes in their sensory experiences. They may see things that don’t exist (hallucinations) and see things that actually do exist, differently then they appear. Sometimes these experiences are pleasant ones. Other times they are not. A person may become frightened or feel like they are dying. They might also become nauseous and vomit.

Mushrooms are illegal to possess with the intent to use or distribute. Individuals caught with mushrooms may face harsh penalties. This is largely because it has been classified by the United States government as a Schedule 1 drug. Schedule 1 drugs are considered amongst the most abusive and addicting. They also have no medicinal uses in the United States. Other drugs classified as such include heroin, marijuana, crack cocaine and LSD. Individuals caught with these drugs face the toughest penalties.

Many people are surprised to learn that mushrooms are considered a Schedule 1 or Class A drug. Some argue that mushrooms are mostly harmless and that they have little potential for abuse, especially when compared with a drug such as cocaine which is a Schedule 2 drug. However, it has been classified as such and individuals that choose to use or sell mushrooms run the risk of facing tougher penalties.

Individuals who consume or sell mushrooms are at risk of facing jail time or other penalties. Because they are Schedule One drugs, people caught with them may face longer jail times then those persons caught with Schedule 2 or 3 drugs. At one time, individuals were able to possess fresh ‘magic’ mushrooms.  This was considered somewhat of a loop hole in the laws which govern drug use and distribution. That has since changed. Today, fresh mushrooms which contain psilocybin and psilocin are considered illegal and individuals in possession of them can be punished.

In summary, even though mushrooms are largely considered safe and have a low potential for addiction, they are treated as dangerous drugs by the United States government and other countries around the world. As a Schedule 1 drug, they have been lumped with other drugs which are not considered to have any medicinal purpose, a high potential for abuse and addiction. Whether or not this classification is justified, does not matter. Individuals caught with them will have to face the law as written.