What You Need to Know About Denmark, Psychedelics, & the Law

Denmark holds the title of having the “World’s Happiest People,” but imagine how much happier they could be….🤔🍄

By Phil Dubley Fact-Checked By Tripsitter Legal Team · Last Updated: January 11, 2024
Last Updated: January 11, 2024
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Denmark’s drug policy is restrictive, as possessing any controlled substance may cost you up to two years in prison.

This article will summarize all the relevant drug laws in Denmark. Plus, we will tell you about the therapeutic benefits of shrooms and which species grow wild here.

Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws in Denmark

  • Possessing any psychedelic in Denmark carries a two-year jail sentence.
  • Authorities may replace this penalty with fines.
  • Magic mushroom spores are illegal in Denmark.
  • Only medicinal marijuana is allowed in Denmark.

Denmark Drug & Penalty Chart

SubstancePenalty for Possession for Personal UsePossession of Larger Amounts
Illicit drugs (Prescription heroin is available)Up to 2 years in prison or a fine; based on substance and amountHeroin or cocaine: 25 g
Methamphetamine: 50 g
Up to 10 years in prison; 16 years if the amount is considerable
Cannabis (Legal for medical use)Small amounts (up to 9.9 g or 0.35 oz) fined10 kg: up to 10 years in prison; 16 years if the amount is considerable

Sources:

No, magic mushrooms are illegal in Denmark. However, they were recently approved for the treatment of addiction.

The Danish Penal Code says that possessing any psilocybin-containing mushroom carries up to two years in prison. Alternatively, the judge can replace this sentence with a hefty fine.

However, the Executive Order for Narcotics allows psychedelic mushrooms as a treatment for drug abuse. Still, finding additional information on this is quite hard, so we can’t correctly vouch for it. In any case, recognizing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is a significant step forward.

Denmark’s psychedelic drug laws are strict when it comes to mushroom spores. Authorities consider even spores as a controlled substance equal to psilocybin.

If you wonder about Freetown Christiania, Danish laws are now enforced here, so we advise caution if you look for shroom vendors here.

Legalization Status

Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores in Denmark

Sadly, mushroom spores are illegal in Denmark, as the Executive Order on Narcotics bans all spores of psilocybe semilanceata and Psilocybe cubensis. Furthermore, it also prohibits all species which contain psilocybin and their spores.

If you were wondering, cultivating them is also illegal, and although you can find grow kits online, we don’t recommend buying them, as they could get you in trouble.

Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Denmark?

Yes, there are several species of magic mushroom native or naturalized in Denmark.

Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are present worldwide, including in Denmark. Although the famous Psilocybe cubensis is uncommon here, there are a few magic mushrooms native to Denmark. Plus, there are probably dozens of unidentified species waiting to be discovered.

These are three of the most common magic mushroom species in Denmark:

  1. Psilocybe semilanceata
  2. Psilocybe cyanescens
  3. Panaeolus cinctulus

No, LSD is illegal in Denmark.

Danish laws consider LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) a List A substance, which means that it doesn’t have any therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, this idea is currently dated, as research has shown its potential for treating depression and anxiety.

Possessing any amount of acid in Denmark may cost you up to two years in prison, though you may receive fines instead of a jail sentence. LSD analogs, like 1P-LSD, LSZ, ALD-52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, or PRO-LAD, are not described within these lists. We recommend caution, as they are within a legal gray area.

No, DMT is also illegal in Denmark.

DMT, also known as the Spirit Molecule, is one of the most potent psychedelics on Earth. It’s famous for being the main ingredient in both ayahuasca and changa.

Like LSD and psilocybin, all kinds of DMT are prohibited in Denmark. Penalties also remain the same — up to two years in prison or a hefty fine to compensate for a jail sentence. Extracting it is also illegal and carries the same punishments.

No, MDMA is illegal in Denmark.

Danish laws also prohibit possessing MDMA, and should the police find any amount of ecstasy on you, a penalty of up to two years in prison could be your fate. Still, the judge may opt to penalize you with a hefty fine instead of a jail sentence, as in previous cases.

Many countries have started to discuss legalizing MDMA thanks to its therapeutic benefits. For example, research shows that ecstasy may effectively treat depression and PTSD. However, keep in mind that this legalization would probably be only for medicinal use and not recreation.

Aarhaus, Denmark.

Ketamine is only legal in Denmark for medicinal use.

Like psilocybin, ketamine classifies as a List B substance and is acknowledged for its therapeutic uses. It’s a prevalent analgesic in medicine and a potent sedative common in veterinary.

Possessing ketamine without authorization by a health professional carries up to two years in prison. But, like with other substances, the judge may opt instead for an expensive fine to avoid jail time.

Marijuana is only legal in Denmark for medicinal use.

Unlike most European countries, Danish laws about cannabis remain the same as other substances. Possessing any amount can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years or a significant fine instead.

Cannabis is only legal in Denmark for medicinal uses, yet, the Danish Medicines Agency website doesn’t give much information about the topic. Even so, if you need therapeutic marijuana, you only need a prescription from an authorized doctor.

The Danish Penal Code places cannabinoids delta 8 and delta 10 in the same list as delta 9, the main compound in marijuana, and as such, they carry the same penalties.

Although Freetown Christiania used to be famous for its open marijuana trades, Danish law is now prevalent here, so we advise caution if you seek to buy any THC here.

What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?

Legalization and decriminalization are two different concepts, yet many people don’t fully understand the difference due to confusing information online. So in this section, we’ve created a list that summarizes the most important aspects of each one.

The changes that come along with legalization include: 

  • Altogether abolishing all penalties for drug possession
  • Allowing and regulating the sale of a previously illegal substance
  • Providing more high-quality, pure products
  • Rendering the black market obsolete
  • Cutting down on addiction rates by enabling treatment rather than punishment for people suffering from substance abuse disorders

Decriminalization is more of a middle ground:

  • Significantly reduces possession penalties (but doesn’t eliminate them entirely)
  • Selling and producing the substance is still illegal
  • Drug-related violence drops greatly
  • Help becomes easily accessible for addicts

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

Unlike most other European countries, Danish laws are harsh regarding psychedelic substances. Unfortunately, authorities have not yet expressed a will to change current regulations, so we must wait until more countries legalize it.

Nevertheless, Copenhagen has been pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana. Although the Danish government has denied the permit, it gives us hope that legalization discussions may soon occur.