MAGIC MUSHROOMS: from sacred entheogen to Class A drug
Entertainment and Sports Law Journal June 27, 2016 DOI: 10.16997/eslj.100 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMagic mushrooms were reclassified as a Class A drug in the UK on July 18, 2005, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The paper traces their historical use from ancient Saharan tribes through the 1960s psychedelic revolution to a recent boom in internet sales. It examines the legal change from non-controlled fungi to Class A status, analyzing the desirability of this development within a comparative international context and considering potential unwanted side-effects.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Magic telescope Boom Context archaeology History Art |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | The paper analyzes the UK's reclassification of magic mushrooms as a Class A drug, considering its desirability and potential side-effects within a historical and international context. |
Abstract
On July 18th, section 21 of the Drugs Act 2005 came into force: as a result, magic mushrooms are now classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Following a brief look at magic mushrooms and their effects, this paper charts their usage throughout history, from Saharan tribes in ancient times, through the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s, to the boom in (recently halted) internet sales of them in the United Kingdom. This serves as background to detailed consideration of magic mushrooms' recent change in legal status in this country, from non-controlled fungi to Class A drug. The desirability (or otherwise) of this development is analysed, situated within a comparative and international context, with reference to potential unwanted side-effects.