Liberty cap?

[lauriek]

Found a small area of these in a nearby lawn - is this a liberty cap? The cap is around 1cm diameter...

[Fungus Ken]

Yes, Psilocybe semilanceata, and now that you've identified it you need to dispose of it quickly or you will be breaking the law because it contains psilocybin.

We put some on display at a Mushroom Day last weekend with a big sign saying "unidentified" just in case someone in authority came by and tried to shop us.

Ken

[lauriek]

I'll go chuck it now! I only picked the one (and only for identification purposes, honest guvner!!)

[NickCantle]

Thanks for putting the photo up. I was curious to see it. As Ken said, you'd better get rid! It's classified as a Class A drug when dried, so don't leave it lying around

[agrumpycow]

Originally Posted by Fungus Ken

Yes, Psilocybe semilanceata, and now that you've identified it you need to dispose of it quickly or you will be breaking the law because it contains psilocybin.

Ken

I haven't heard of Psilocybe semilanceata before. Why does it need to be disposed of and what it psilocybin?
Edit- just seen Nick's post which explains!

[NickCantle]

You'll know it as 'The magic mushroom'

[Fungus Ken]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Thanks for putting the photo up. I was curious to see it. As Ken said, you'd better get rid! It's classified as a Class A drug when dried, so don't leave it lying around

Worse than that, it's a Class A drug even when fresh since the latest changes in the law. You can't be prosecuted if it's growing in your lawn, but as soon as you pick it, knowing what it is, you can - theoretically at least - be banged up for possessing drugs.

Ken

[lauriek]

What if you eat it direct from the ground? Just chomp em up like a cow?

ETA I've chucked it now!!

[NickCantle]

It's not even worth thinking about mate. Cheers for the update on the laws Ken. It seems they really are cracking down on this. It's become a popular drug over the past few years. When I say to my friends " I like picking and photographing mushrooms", the usual response is. "What? Magic Mushrooms?"

Alot of people I used to know have started taking Amanita Muscaria too, for hallucinogenic purposes. It's ridiculous...

[lauriek]

Don't worry I was just wondering how the law would stand if you did that, not going to try them!!

Didn't the Vikings used to take Fly Agaric?

Sounds dangerous to me, I'll stick to the shaggy ink-caps thanks!!

[NickCantle]

Wise move mate. Yes, the Vikings and the Sami of north Scandinavia used it in rituals. Steer clear

[solus]

Coincidentally, this is in the BBC World News today about The Netherlands banning this species from sale!
BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Netherlands bans magic mushrooms

[lauriek]

This article BBC NEWS | UK | Magic mushrooms ban becomes law suggests that the law change did not affect amanita muscaria - which seems strange, I'm sure it's more dangerous than psylocybe... I guess that's why more people are trying it now, typical stupid government!

[NickCantle]

I don't think Amanita Muscaria is exactly considered choice for people. More people are weary of it due to the portrayal of it through fairy tales etc.

[Boddie]

We are going to get a glut of similar emails from new members who are trying to identify Magic mushrooms.

Happens every year.

Please report such posts and dont provide ID's

[NickCantle]

What shall we look out for Boddie mate? New members asking 'Is this a magic mushroom?'...? Noted, thanks.

Nick

[Boddie]

Its usually a members' first post. They usually try to confirm by the latin name, so as to appear plausible, but they are after positive ID's for no other reason as to pick more and get mullered

[NickCantle]

Cheers Boddie. I'll keep a keen eye open. I'll take full responsibility for this one as I did ask lauriek to photograph one for me out of curiosity. Not for the same reason as 'the others' will as i'm sure you'll appreciate

Nick

[APC]

Fly agarics aren't covered by the new legislation in any way as they do not contain psilocybin, but instead muscimol and isobutenic acid. They are entirely different kettles of fish to the standard psilocybin and the fact that these chemicals just happen to occur in mushrooms means that loads of people who have no idea what they are doing will be chowing down on them. I predict a rise in hospital admissions from uninformed people thinking because they are legal that they must be safe. But that's the way the law works :/

[Johann1979]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Its usually a members' first post. They usually try to confirm by the latin name, so as to appear plausible, but they are after positive ID's for no other reason as to pick more and get mullered

I understand that this is not a forum related to drugs and therefore it would be inappropriate for people to perhaps discuss their experiences on psilocybe mushrooms. But why do you, Boddie, seem to have a moral obligation to discourage the identification of such mushrooms on this form?

No amount of legislation on drugs will prevent people from taking them. Take America and Eastern countries as an example. These countries have some of the most severe anti-drug legislation in the world with some states in the US even having mandatory jail sentences for possessing small amounts, yet America also has the world's biggest methamphetamine problem.

By turning your back on the problem, I can assure you it will not be going away. I believe that positive identification of such mushrooms can potentially save lives. Why does it concern you what the person does with the mushroom once they have identified it anyway?

You might as well share the knowledge you have to make the experience that people will have regardless of whether you agree with it or not, safer for them.

[kiwi]

its a drug just like fly agaric, street names for them are:Liberties ,magics,mushies,shrooms,Amani,and agaric

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Johann1979

I understand that this is not a forum related to drugs and therefore it would be inappropriate for people to perhaps discuss their experiences on psilocybe mushrooms. But why do you, Boddie, seem to have a moral obligation to discourage the identification of such mushrooms on this form?

No amount of legislation on drugs will prevent people from taking them. Take America and Eastern countries as an example. These countries have some of the most severe anti-drug legislation in the world with some states in the US even having mandatory jail sentences for possessing small amounts, yet America also has the world's biggest methamphetamine problem.

By turning your back on the problem, I can assure you it will not be going away. I believe that positive identification of such mushrooms can potentially save lives. Why does it concern you what the person does with the mushroom once they have identified it anyway?

You might as well share the knowledge you have to make the experience that people will have regardless of whether you agree with it or not, safer for them.

The fact is that each year we receive posts from new members wanting to know where they can find them, what they look like and what to do with them. That is the only reason for them joining!

And yes, we do have a moral obligation to discourage the identification of such mushrooms on this form.

Regarding your other comments I fail to see the relevance other than to start a debate.

Given that members have supplied adequate information already I shall now close this thread.

John