HC Deb 05 May 1982 vol 23 c64W
Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has had about the hallucinatory effects of psilocybe mushroom; and whether he is considering any action to prevent their distribution.

Mr. Mayhew

We have answered one previous question and three letters from hon. Members on the availability of these mushrooms, but none of these related specifically to hallucinatory effects. The drug psilocin obtained from these mushrooms, which grow wild in many areas of the United Kingdom is already controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considered the question of possible further controls in 1976 and again in 1979, but on both occasions decided that this would be impracticable and unnecessary.

We are giving further consideration to the question.