Netherlands set to ban hallucinogenic 'magic' mushrooms

London, Nov 29 : The Dutch Government has decided to enforce a ban on the sale and cultivation of all kinds of hallucinogenic "magic" mushrooms in the country.

The government came up with the decision in April, after a French adolescent jumped off the city bridge in 2007 after consuming the deadly hallucinogenic mushroom.

The intake of mushroom leads to hallucinations, unpredictable and risky behaviour, as the magic mushrooms contains an active ingredient called psilocybin.

The effects of psilocybin last up to about 6 hours and can include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and drowsiness.

It has been revealed that the psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis also may occur.

"The use of magic mushrooms has hallucinogenic effects, It is proved this can lead to unpredictable and risky behaviour," The Scotsman quoted the Dutch Health Ministry, as saying.

A challenge to the ban was rejected by a court in The Hague on Friday, however from 1 December, the production or sale of fresh magic mushrooms could lead to a maximum jail sentence of four years.

"We are targeting the growers and shops who are selling the mushrooms," a spokesman for the Dutch Justice Ministry said.

The hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used since ages, as they were used for centuries in Africa and in Central and South America, particularly in religious rituals, and became a popular recreational drug in the 1960s psychedelic movement.

ANI