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Poland bans trade in fly agaric mushrooms

19.11.2024 20:00
Poland's public health watchdog has announced that a special expert panel has recommended adding two compounds found in fly agaric mushrooms to the list of prohibited substances.
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Fly agaric mushrooms are known for their psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties.
Fly agaric mushrooms are known for their psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties.Image: Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

"A recent surge in online trade has fueled the popularity of the fly agaric," Chief Public Health Officer Paweł Grzesiowski told broadcaster Polish Radio on Monday.

"While the mushroom has been used in folk medicine for centuries, some have seized on this trend as a commercial opportunity," he added.

Grzesiowski told Polish Radio that the trade in these poisonous mushrooms exploits a legal loophole.

Since the country already prohibits the sale of psychoactive substances found in the mushroom, it is logical to also prohibit plants containing these compounds, he said.

Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek has the story.

Click on the audio player above to listen.