Psilocybin mushrooms – AKA magic mushrooms – may be illegal in the UK (for now), but did you know that magic mushroom spores and grow kits are completely legal?
That’s right. Magic mushroom spores can be easily bought online for “research purposes”, but you’ll be breaking the law if those spores happen to germinate and grow.
Many online shops that sell spores also sell grow kits separately – all you need to do is inoculate the growing substrate with spores and pretty much wait (there’s slightly more to it than this, but not much).
What are magic mushroom spores?
Spores are tiny reproductive cells of nonflowering plants, such as bacteria, algae and fungi (mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom).
Put simply, mushroom spores are the single-celled seed that are dispensed by mushrooms, allowing them to reproduce. They are approximately only 1/2500-inch long and are released from the underside of the mushroom cap, in the gills, teeth or pores of the mushroom.
Why are magic mushroom spores legal in the UK?
Microscopic magic mushroom spores contain no psilocybin (or psilocyin), so they are not outlawed under the Drugs Act 2005 which made “fungi containing psilocybin” a Class A drug.
Therefore, while you can legally buy and possess magic mushroom spores, you can’t allow them to grow. You will then be in possession of a Class A drug – the most restrictive category, home to cocaine, heroin and MDMA and methamphetamine.
Being caught with psilocybin mushrooms (or truffles) can result in a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and a fine. For supply, one could theoretically receive a life sentence and an unlimited fine. In practice, however, maximum penalties are rarely used.
Where to buy magic mushroom spores in the UK
If you’re a passionate mycology enthusiast seeking top-quality magic musrooms spores for, erm, research, then look no further than Mycotown.
Mycotown is a UK-based store with a wide range of spores, including an array of sought-after varieties like Golden Teachers and Amazonians – ideal for experiences mycologists or those just beginning their mycology journey.
These liquid cultures provide a convenient and efficient way to cultivate and study specific strains.
Mycotown also offer a range of supplies, including micropore tape and Parafilm, to help you create the ideal environment for successful experiments and cultivation.
Effects of magic mushrooms
Generally, when consuming magic mushrooms, people report effects including euphoria, an alteration of perception, hallucinations and a distorted sense of time. At higher doses, it’s not uncommon for users to have meaningful spiritual experiences.
In fact, a recent study found that a large percentage ranked their experience with psilocybin as one of the most spiritually significant experiences of their life.
Benefits of psilocybin
Psilocybin has recently been gaining the attention of scientists and researchers thanks to its potential to treat a range of mental health issues.
One remarkable study from late last year found psilocybin, when used alongside psychotherapy, produces long-term antidepressant effects that are up to four-times more effective than commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressants. It may do this by promoting the formation of new brain cells.
Psilocybin is also being researched as a treatment for cluster headaches and even weight loss.
Where to buy the best magic mushroom grow kit in the UK
1. 5th Kingdom
5thKingdom is your one-stop shop for grow kits! They offer a couple of simple and reliable grow kits that make cultivating mushrooms a doddle.
Their kits come with everything you need to get started, apart from spores of course, which you get here.
2. Martian Mushrooms – Use code ‘HIGHANDPOLITE’ for a 10% discount!
The guys at Martian Mushrooms know their stuff and have created a very easy-to-use range of grow kits. Our favourite grow kit is this one. It offers a fast and easy to learn way to grow mushrooms at home.
With these two purchases, you have all you need to produce a healthy supply of shrooms. Read through their free guides to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.
3. Spore Buddies – Use code ‘cannado10%‘ for 10% off!
Spore Buddies have the easiest to use grow kit in the UK – this unassuming inject and forget bag that can produce a harvest up to 200g and costs just £14.99! It’s the worlds only mushroom grow bag that is auto-fruiting and stays fully sealed from start to finish.
The owner of Spore Buddies tells me there’s almost no chance of contamination and it’s perfect for beginners and people with busy lives. “No fanning and no spraying to make it fruit, just add light,” he says. They also sell spores.
4. Cylocybe
If you’re looking for a trustworthy company with reliable grow kits, check out Cyclocybe. Their Mycobox grow kit has everything you need to grow a good amount of mushrooms, and they too sell a range of spores separately.
Lion’s Mane
If you’re looking for a legal mushroom supplement with brain boosting effects, then why not try this potent Lion’s Mane tincture from Mushies.
Lion’s Mane has been shown to promote neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells) as well as having powerful brain protective properties. Many people like to use Lion’s Mane alongside psilocybin microdoses for its synergistic effects.
VIKING SPORE UK
*****BUYER BEWARE*****
This guy talks a great talk, sent a very nice box which was on time and well packaged, but he sold me two syringes of fake spores with a contaminated grow bag.
I left him a review, which he answered, then baited me with an email asking about the growth. When I answered, he replied the following:
Viking Spores
15:07 (1 hour ago)
to me
Thanks for your reply Andy,
As you may or may not be aware, growing magic mushrooms is completely illegal (Manufacture of Class A has a maximum sentence of life imprisonment) and is definitely not something we condone or support.
Unfortunately, due to the admittance of such, I will have to end our communication here.
That, is his loophole. He’ll sell you what you want, but when you realise that two months down the line he’s a fake, he’ll pull the “illegal” loophole.
Steer a massive way around this vile creature.
Andy.
Cheers for the warning. Co has been suspiciously difficult to get hold of. I was annoyed at first but maybe I’ve been saved. 🙂
Joe
He ripped me off as well!
He uses some kind of con trick to get you to buy saying he will guarantee his spores and 100% replace the kit if it is bad.But what he does is get you into a circle of BS like insurance companies use.
Buyer beware he is a rip off merchant!
Do not buy from Viking spores!
Woeful site woeful scam artist!
Just confirming this comment is about Viking not the above companies? Cheers!
Use martian mushrooms. I have used them twice and had a great view both times.
Just purchased from him and very disappointed.
Thanke for the tip i am 65 not in the best mind set and iv been told by a few friends to try them i do so need a lift in life in sprit
Guys over at Sporebuddies are my go to. Quality ingredients and the results show.
I hope you found what you were looking for, Ed
You would think that with all the scam warnings about Viking Spores, the link would be removed from this article. Not too cool to have to read the comments to find out it’s a bogus website.
Updated. Thanks for the comment.
Avoid going to ukmushroomstore it is a good looking scam. Send your money and receive nothing. Please publicise as they are still scamming and website is obviously conning us as I type this!
I’ve never had a visit from the police to my house before but I bet if I started growing these they be round soon enough.
As far as I can tell Martian Mushrooms no longer supply psilocybin spore. Is this my mistake or has anyone else noticed this?
Cyclocybe no longer do growkits only spores