Scientists working for Japan’s ministry of health are studying “magic
mushrooms” with a view to banning them. Despite having very tough anti-drugs
laws, Japan allows the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms. A loophole in Japanese
law means that the mushrooms can be eaten so long as the user has no knowledge
of their hallucinogenic properties and does not attempt to isolate the active
compounds. Laws on selling packed vegetables even require that the mushrooms
have a “best before” date on their packaging.
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