More than 100 species of fungi from 18 genera across Europe were analyzed for the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin and related tryptamine derivatives using high performance liquid and thin-layer chromatography. Psilocybin, psilocin, and/or baeocystin were detected in 3 Psilocybe, 1 Panaeolus, 5 Inocybes, and one Pluteus species. Psilocybe semilanceata and Panaeolus subbalteatus were identified as the only psilocybin-containing fungi available in Middle and Northern Europe in sufficient quantities to permit abuse.
Since the 1980s, many new psilocybin- and ibotenic acid-containing mushroom species have been discovered worldwide, including species in the genera Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Inocybe, Gymnopilus, and Pluteus, while Amanita regalis was newly identified as a potent source of ibotenic acid. Recreational use of these psychoactive mushrooms spread from the USA to Europe but remains a marginal phenomenon. In Europe, Psilocybe semilanceata is almost exclusively used; in the USA, Psilocybe cubensis is common. Local use of Ps. stuntzii and Panaeolus subbalteatus has also emerged. Misuse in South America or Asia is virtually unknown despite easy availability, and trade in "magic mushrooms" in Thailand and Indonesia primarily serves European and American tourists. Young people and drug-using subcultures in Australia and New Zealand have also become aware of local psychoactive fungi.