UK Drug Laws

PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW THE TERMS OF THIS LEGAL NOTICE BEFORE USING OUR WEBSITE

Cylocybe does not (and never will) provide any product or service intended for illegal use. If a customer jokingly (or seriously!) mentions plans to hurl a coco coir brick through a neighbour’s window, take aim at a three-legged haggis, or try to produce their very own Breaking Bad sequel starring psychedelic mushrooms, we’ll kindly but swiftly show them the door (well, maybe not for the haggis joke!). Cylocybe knows, respects, and strictly abides by UK law. Below are some relevant sections of the UK drug laws that we follow — and that we highly recommend you read, preferably before we need to link you to this page!

This notice explains key provisions of UK legislation concerning Class A substances, including psilocybin (the active compound in “magic mushrooms”). Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (“MDA 1971”), it is illegal to produce or supply such drugs. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including life imprisonment and unlimited fines.

In certain cases, knowingly providing materials or premises that contribute to producing Class A drugs may result in legal liability for individuals or businesses.

Please read the following sections carefully.

1. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – Supply & Production Offences

The MDA 1971 is the primary UK law controlling dangerous drugs. Under Section 4 of this Act, it is illegal to produce or supply a controlled drug (which includes all Class A drugs like psilocybin). Section 4(2) makes it an offence “to produce a controlled drug” or to “be concerned in the production” of such a drug (DRUGWISE.ORG.UK).

Likewise, Section 4(3) makes it an offence to “supply or offer to supply a controlled drug” to another person, or to “be concerned in the supplying” of such a drugs (DRUGWISE.ORG.UK). In other words, any business selling a Class A drug (supply) or helping someone else produce a Class A drug (being concerned in production) would be committing offences under these provisions.

2. Premises Used for Drug Production or Supply (Section 8)

Section 8 of the MDA 1971 targets occupiers or managers of premises who “knowingly permit or suffer” certain activities on their property (EN.M.WIKISOURCE.ORG). This includes producing or attempting to produce a controlled drug, as well as supplying or offering to supply it. If a business knowingly lets its premises be used to grow psilocybin mushrooms or to sell or distribute them, it can be prosecuted under Section 8.

3. Offences by Businesses or Companies (Section 21)

Section 21 ensures that a corporate entity—and its responsible officers—can be held liable if the company commits an offence under the MDA 1971. If a body corporate commits a drug offence with the consent or connivance of any director or similar officer, or due to their neglect, then “he as well as the body corporate
shall be guilty of that offence” (DRUGWISE.ORG.UK).

In practice, this means directors, managers, or other decision-makers who turn a blind eye to Class A drug offences within their business can be personally prosecuted alongside the company.

4. Class A Status of Psilocybin (“Magic Mushrooms”)

Psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms,” is classified by UK law as a Class A controlled drug, the most serious category. In fact, psilocybin (as an ester of psilocin) has been “controlled as a Class A drug under the 1971 Act” since the law was introduced (RESEARCHBRIEFINGS.FILES.PARLIAMENT.UK).

This means that mushrooms containing psilocybin are treated exactly like other Class A substances (e.g., heroin, LSD). As a result, the MDA 1971’s restrictions on production, supply, and premises (Sections 4 and 8) fully apply. Selling ‘magic mushrooms’ or ‘magic mushroom grow kits’ is viewed by law as supplying or producing a Class A drug.

5. Penalties for Class A Drug Offences

Class A drug offences carry the harshest penalties in the UK. Under trafficking offences (which include production, supply, and possession with intent to supply), the maximum penalty on indictment in Crown Court can be life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both (GOV.UK).

Courts consider factors such as quantity and the offender’s role, but the mere fact that a substance is Class A significantly increases the seriousness. Even lesser involvement can incur long prison terms, and unlimited fines may also be imposed. The law is designed to deter any business activity connected to Class A drugs.

6. Sources and References

Below are key references for more in-depth reading:

Last updated on 7th January, 2025