Honey with Psilocybe mushrooms: a revival of a very old preparation on the drug market?
M J Bogusz, R D Maier, A T Schäfer, M Erkens
International journal of legal medicine January 1, 1998 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1007/s004140050135 via PubMed
Summary
Microscopic and chemical analyses of confiscated honey samples labeled as containing Psilocybe cubensis revealed the presence of mushroom tissue and spores typical of this genus in all samples. While psilocine was detected, psilocybine was not found. The analysis faced challenges due to matrix problems, and despite the legal status of these substances in the Netherlands, such honey is available for purchase in Dutch coffee shops without restrictions.
Study at a glance
| Population | confiscated honey samples from the Dutch-German border |
|---|---|
| Key finding | All samples contained mushroom tissue and spores of Psilocybe cubensis, with psilocine detected but not psilocybine. |
Abstract
In 1996 samples of suspicious honey preparations were confiscated at the Dutch-German border. The labels on the 50 ml jars indicated that the honey contained Stropharia cubensis (better known as Psilocybe cubensis). The jars were filled with honey with a ca. 1 cm layer of fine particles on the top. The particles were collected and subjected to microscopic and chemical analysis. By microscopy mushroom tissue (plectenchym) and spores typical for the genus Psilocybe were identified in all samples. The HPLC analysis with atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry and diode array detection revealed psilocine but psilocybine was not found. The quantitative analysis was very difficult due to the matrix problems. A search showed that the honey with Psilocybe can be purchased in Dutch coffee shops without any limitations although psilocine and psilocybine belong to listed substances according to Dutch law.