Psychedelic Drug Laws in Iceland

Magic mushrooms and other psychedelics have recently been proven beneficial for therapeutic use. Still, they are illegal in most countries, including Iceland.

This article will delve into this country’s legality of magic mushrooms and other psychedelics —such as DMT, LSD, ketamine, and MDMA. In addition, we will cover some of the magic mushroom species that grow naturally here and where to find them.

Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws in Iceland

• Psychedelics are illegal in Iceland
• The penalties for possessing a controlled substance can be harsh, depending on the amount
• Marijuana is illegal, both for medicinal and recreational use

Iceland: Drug & Penalty Chart

Class	Substance	Psychedelics	Penalties
Narcotics	Cannabis, heroin, khat, methamphetamines, cocaine	LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, psilocin, PCP, ibogaine, mescaline	Heavy fines, and up to six years in prison
Cannabis	—	—	Medical: Strictly regulated Personal use: fines up to 500,000 ISK

Sources:

• Addictive Drugs and Narcotics Act (Law no. 65/1974)
• Drug Policies in the Nordic Countries: The Case of Iceland – Department of Criminology
• Health minister proposes drug decriminalization | RÚV

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Iceland?

No, magic mushrooms are illegal in Iceland.

Even though Iceland bans all psychedelics, the country’s sanctions are not as harsh as in other places. According to the Addictive Drugs and Narcotics Act, the punishment is the same for all listed substances.

The penalties for possessing, selling, or manufacturing any narcotic drug can be as high as six years of imprisonment, depending on the quantity.

Nevertheless, many countries are considering reclassifying psychedelics, especially magic mushrooms. Recent studies show that psilocybin — its principal component — can treat various mental disorders.

Related: Where Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?

Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores in Iceland

Technically, magic mushroom spores are legal since the law does not refer to them, and they do not contain psilocybin or any illicit substance. Therefore, you can probably find many sellers on the Internet selling spores in Iceland. 

Growing psychedelic shrooms remains illegal and punishable by up to 6 years in prison. Once spores germinate, they generate psilocybin, which remains highly unlawful here.

Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Iceland?

Yes, magic mushrooms grow naturally almost everywhere, including in Iceland.

First of all, it is worth mentioning that we do not recommend hunting magic mushrooms, as they can be easily confused with other poisonous species. Still, in Iceland, you can find three species growing in the wild.

Related: List of Psychedelic Mushroom Species.

Psilocybe semilanceata

You can find this species almost everywhere in the world, making it one of the most famous. They grow in wooded areas, and are easy to identify, as they are bell-shaped, their caps are thin, and their stems are small.

Panaeolus fimicola

This species appears in spring, and you can find it until autumn. Although it grows mainly on manure, there are sightings on land rich in detritus.

Panaeolus cinctulus

It also grows almost everywhere in the world, usually solitary in compost heaps, lawns, well-fertilized gardens, and, on rare occasions, in horse manure.

What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?

An increasing number of physicians support the therapeutic use of magic mushrooms. For this reason, many countries — mainly in North America and Europe — are considering legalizing them. 

A great example is Canada, which in addition to approving the medicinal use of magic mushrooms, also allowed the use of other psychedelics such as MDMA. 

Here are the most important therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms:

1. Depression: Psilocybin does not cure depression, but it does treat it, as it helps the patient enter a mindful state and more easily discover the root of their condition.
2. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psilocybin has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, characteristic symptoms of PTSD.
3. Existential Anxiety: Many terminally ill or elderly patients suffer from existential anxiety knowing that death is near. A recent study shows that psilocybin can help them accept their fate [1]. 
4. Cluster Headaches: According to a 2015 study, psilocybin is the best psychedelic for preventing or reducing the severity of cluster headaches [2]. However, more research is still needed to confirm this. 
5. Addiction: As we have mentioned, psilocybin can help control anxiety and depression, characteristic symptoms of addiction, and reduce cravings.

Last but not least, psilocybin can not only help treat these illnesses but can also improve problem-solving and creativity.

Is LSD Legal in Iceland?

No, LSD is illegal in Iceland. 

LSD is a powerful hallucinogenic drug. Unfortunately, Icelandic law also punishes its use. 

If the police catch you with this psychedelic, you can spend up to 6 years in jail, depending on the amount.

Is DMT Legal in Iceland?

No, DMT is illegal in Iceland.

DMT is famous for being the main ingredient of mixtures such as ayahuasca and its smokable form changa.

This potent psychedelic is also on Iceland’s list of controlled substances, so you can spend up to six years in jail for possessing it.

Is MDMA Legal in Iceland?

No, MDMA is illegal in Iceland.

MDMA, also known as ecstasy, has proven to be an excellent tool for treating various conditions, such as depression and anxiety. For this reason, countries like Portugal decriminalized the substance, and others like Canada legalized MDMA-assisted therapy.

Unfortunately, Iceland still seems far from taking this kind of measure, as it considers MDMA a dangerous substance. If the police catch you with it, you can spend up to 6 years in prison.

Is Ketamine Legal in Iceland?

No, ketamine is also illegal in Iceland.

Although ketamine is not on Iceland’s list of controlled substances, its unauthorized use is prohibited, and you will likely get in trouble for possessing it.

Besides being an excellent anesthetic, ketamine can also help treat various disorders, which is why many countries are considering legalizing it.

Is Marijuana Legal in Iceland?

No, marijuana is also illegal in Iceland.

Unfortunately, marijuana is illegal for both recreational and medicinal use in Iceland. Of course, this includes all its derivatives —delta 8, D9, and D10 THC, CBD, etc.

If the police catch you with it, you can spend up to six years in prison, depending on the exact amount.

What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?

To avoid legal problems when traveling to another country, you must know the differences between decriminalization and legalization. 

When a state or country decriminalizes a substance, the penalties for possessing small amounts are reduced. Although it may not seem like a big deal, this measure prevents many users from going to jail and being considered criminals.

On the other hand, when a substance is legalized, penalties are eliminated, and its sale is regulated. This is the most effective measure to reduce drug trafficking violence and prevent deaths from adulterated products.

Key Takeaways: What’s the Future of Psychedelics in Iceland?

Unfortunately, Iceland has very harsh penalties for psychedelic users, and it looks like it will stay that way for the time being. However, we believe that in the not too near future, the laws will change.

For starters, there is growing evidence of the many benefits of psychedelics for psychotherapy. In addition, countries like Canada are getting excellent results after legalizing their medical use.

References

1. Grob, C. S., Bossis, A. P., & Griffiths, R. R. (2022). Use of the classic hallucinogen psilocybin for treatment of existential distress associated with cancer. Psychological aspects of cancer, 69-89.