Netherlands Criminalizes Psilocybe

The Dutch government is in the process of banning the sale of "magic mushrooms." Magic mushrooms contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin, which induce giggling fits, intensification of colors, and (rarely) hallucinations. The Netherlands is world-renowned for its liberal policies pertaining to drug sale and use, as well as prostitution - the latter of which has recently seen legal tightening, as well.

This ban comes after a series of highly-publicized events involving the hallucinogens. One 17-year old girl jumped from a building, while another jumped from a balcony and broke both legs. A Dutch reporter under the influence of the mushrooms drove erratically through a campsite, nearly missing several campers. All of these were tourists.

Many Dutch business owners have complained that their losses will be in the millions, and noted that all of these incidents occurred when the mushrooms were used in conjunction with other drugs.

Psilocybe was only allowed to be sold "fresh" and not dried, as the latter contains more concentrated forms of the hallucinogenic chemicals. Psilocybe were historically used by many religious practitioners throughout the world. This practice has carried over to modern day in some religions, including Native American Animism/Shamanism.