Honey with Psilocybe mushrooms: a revival of a very old preparation on the drug market?

In 1996, honey jars labeled as containing Stropharia cubensis (Psilocybe cubensis) were confiscated at the Dutch-German border. Microscopic analysis of a surface layer of particles revealed mushroom tissue and spores typical of Psilocybe. Chemical analysis using HPLC with mass spectrometry and diode array detection identified psilocine but not psilocybine. Quantification was difficult due to matrix interference. The honey with Psilocybe could be purchased in Dutch coffee shops without restrictions, even though psilocine and psilocybine are listed substances under Dutch law.

Study at a glance

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.