Concerns expressed by Chelmsford West MP Simon Burns over the potential misuse of hallucinogenic mushrooms legally sold over the counter to adults in a Moulsham Street shop have been echoed by the Home Office.
Mr Burns wrote to the Home Office after an Essex Chronicle journalist purchased a packet of fresh magic mushrooms from Calli-orphic which are said to have a similar effect as LSD.
In a written reply, Under Secretary of State Caroline Flint said she shared his concerns for the potential misuse of the magic mushrooms which can be picked in the UK during the Autumn.
She wrote: "It is not satisfactory for there to remain some element of doubt about the legal status of some mushrooms and the way they are cultivated. My officials are working to get further legal advice on that specific point."
Magic mushrooms are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, however, they contain a hallucinagen which is classified as Class A and Schedule 1 contolled drugs.
It is legal to purchase the magic mushrooms if they are in a natural 'just picked' state, but they become a Class A drug if they are 'prepared' such as being frozen, dried or packed.
Published Wednesday January 7, 2004
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