UK law at a glance
Psilocybin, DMT (and so ayahuasca) and mescaline are Class A drugs in the UK. Iboga and ibogaine fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act.
| Psilocybin and “magic” mushrooms (fresh or dried) | Class A (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) |
|---|---|
| DMT, including ayahuasca brews that contain it | Class A |
| Mescaline (found in peyote and San Pedro cacti) | Class A |
| Iboga / ibogaine | Not a Class A, B or C drug, but a psychoactive substance under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016: producing, supplying, offering to supply, importing or exporting it are crimes |
| Cannabis | Class B (only legal on a specialist prescription) |
| Salvia divinorum | Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 |
What the penalties mean
- Class A: up to 7 years in prison for possession, and up to life for supply or production, an unlimited fine, or both.
- Psychoactive Substances Act: up to 7 years for supply or production. Possession is not an offence under this Act, except in prison.
- Ceremonies held in the UK are not exempt. Laws abroad differ and can be harsher.
This is a general summary, not legal advice, and laws can change. Check GOV.UK for the current position.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: drugs penalties (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: controlled drugs list (opens in a new tab)
- legislation.gov.uk: Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (opens in a new tab)
- FRANK: honest information about drugs (0300 123 6600) (opens in a new tab)
Credit: Summarised from GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk (checked 23 October 2026).
More in Plant medicine (education only)
Plant medicines: a respectful, safety-first introductionWhat people mean by “plant medicine”, where these traditions come from, and why HHUK offers education only.Ayahuasca: culture, law and risksA brew from the Amazon with deep Indigenous roots. In the UK, brews containing DMT are Class A.Psilocybin mushrooms: culture, law and risksSacred to Mesoamerican peoples such as the Mazatec. Class A in the UK, fresh or dried.