Psychedelic Drug Laws in Hungary

By Phil Dubley Fact-Checked By Tripsitter Legal Team · Last Updated: January 14, 2024
Last Updated: January 14, 2024
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Magic mushrooms, along with other psychedelic substances, have shown to be beneficial for therapeutical purposes. However, many countries reject the legalization, and Hungary is one of them.

Below, we will explore the legal status of shrooms and other psychedelic substances such as DMT, MDMA, ketamine, and LSD. In addition, we will discuss their benefits and how they can aid in the treatment of various disorders.

Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws in Hungary

  • Almost every psychedelic substance is illegal in Hungary
  • The personal use of psychedelics is considered a criminal offense, and the punishment is prison
  • Cannabis in all of its forms is prohibited in Hungary, even for medical use

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Hungary?

No, magic mushrooms are not legal in Hungary.

Magic mushrooms are illegal in Hungary under Art. 282 of the Hungarian Penal Code. Furthermore, as part of the European Union, Hungary is also under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance.

The penalties for use are harsher than in other European countries —you can be imprisoned for up to two years. Possession is also considered a criminal offense, and you can be imprisoned for up to five years.

Although laws categorize psilocybin as a dangerous substance, recent studies are pushing countries to consider the legalization of psychedelics. Johns Hopkins Medicine even advocates for their reclassification.

Related: Where Are Magic Mushrooms Legal or Decriminalized?

Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores in Hungary

Magic mushroom spores are legal in most countries where psychedelics are prohibited, as they do not contain any psilocybin. However, Hungary’s laws are not clear on their stance toward spores.

Even if you can find vendors online, keep in mind that germinating these spores is illegal, and penalties can range from 2 to 20 years of imprisonment for magic mushroom cultivation.

Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Hungary?

Yes, magic mushrooms grow in all parts of the world, including Hungary.

Magic mushrooms grow naturally everywhere, and many species are native to Hungary. Below, you will find out more about the most common ones and where they grow.

We do not recommend foraging for psychedelic mushrooms, though, as you could mistakenly pick a harmful species.

Inocybe aeruginascens

These mushrooms are distributed across Europe and grow on sandy soil near the roots of deciduous trees such as oaks and willows. It is dangerous to search for these, as many toxic mushrooms look similar.

Pholiotina cyanopus

This is a saprotrophic species, and it contains psilocybin and another rare psychedelic substance known as aeruginascin. It grows on grassy areas, like lawns and fields, from August through November.

Panaeolus cinctulus

These mushrooms are easy to find in rich and fertile soil. You can find them on compost piles and fertilized lawns or gardens from Spring to Fall. They grow abundantly after heavy rain.

What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?

The main reason behind most countries’ prohibitions on magic mushrooms is to stop their recreational use. However, recent studies have brought to attention the benefits of psychedelic substances in therapy, showing there’s more to them than just fun.

In many North American and European countries, there’s an ongoing push for their legalization. Canada has already approved the use of MDMA and psilocybin for therapeutical purposes.

Besides aiding patients with different disorders, magic mushrooms can help healthy and happy people by increasing their creativity and problem-solving skills.

These are the disorders that magic mushrooms can help treat:

  • Depression: Even with just one session, patients treated with psilocybin show remarkable improvement in their symptoms. Psilocybin facilitates entering a calm headspace, which helps tremendously in therapy sessions.
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychedelics help patients achieve more mental flexibility, allowing for more profound introspective sessions. With the help of a therapist, old experiences become easier to process.
  • Existential Anxiety: When nearing the end of life, elderly and ill people can experience intense anxiety and see life as meaningless. Although psilocybin won’t make them live forever, it can help them accept their fate and go in peace.
  • Cluster Headaches: Almost all psychedelics can improve cluster headaches, but psilocybin is the most effective at preventing them and reducing their intensity.
  • Addiction: Strong anxiety and withdrawals are addiction’s most challenging side effects. Psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, and DMT, can help manage these symptoms and are especially useful when accompanied by therapy.

Is LSD Legal in Hungary?

No, LSD is not legal in Hungary.

Just by using LSD in Hungary, you are risking up to 2 years of jail. Consumption is classified as a criminal offense by the Penal Code.

The definition for a small quantity of LSD is 0.001 grams in this country. Any more than that can lead to 5 years of imprisonment.

Is DMT Legal in Hungary?

No, DMT is illegal in Hungary.

DMT is also considered a Schedule I substance by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The use and possession of this substance are punished by 2 to 5 years of jail.

Ayahuasca and its smokable form, changa, are both illegal in Hungary. Other sources of DMT are likely illegal under similar conventions, including the Bufo alvarius toad, yopo, DMT vape pens, and all other forms of N,N,DMT and 5-MeO-DMT.

Is MDMA Legal in Hungary?

No, MDMA is illegal in Hungary.

MDMA, most commonly known as ecstasy, has been proven beneficial for treating various disorders. Interestingly, Canada became one of the first countries to legalize MDMA-assisted therapy.

Still, in most countries, including Hungary, MDMA is illegal. Here, it is a Schedule I substance, and using it is considered a criminal offense.

Is Ketamine Legal in Hungary?

No, ketamine is not legal in Hungary.

Although ketamine is not listed in the international convention, the Hungarian laws classify it as a P2 substance. This recognizes a limited degree of therapeutical use.

Still, using ketamine for recreational purposes risks a minimum sentence of 2 years in jail.

Is Marijuana Legal in Hungary?

No, any form of cannabis is mostly illegal in Hungary.

Even if the recreational use of marijuana is illegal, a significant number of countries allow its medicinal use. Hungary, however, prohibits all distribution and use of cannabis and its derivates, delta 8, D9, and D10 THC.

Still, this is one of the only substances where the Penal code distinguishes between personal use and distribution.

According to the law, you can carry around 10 grams of marijuana without punishment. Any more than that will be considered drug trafficking and punished with 5 to 10 years of imprisonment.

What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?

Knowing the differences between legalization and decriminalization is essential for better understanding local and international laws and what they mean for the rest of the world.

Decriminalization is the first step towards the free and safe use of a substance. It reduces the penalties for personal use and possession. However, the distribution and production are still illegal.

When something becomes legalized, all penalties are effectively eliminated, and the government places regulations for its production and commercialization. This reduces illegal trafficking and allows users to access the substance safely.

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

Unfortunately, Hungary has strict laws regarding psychedelics and punishes the use of almost every substance. However, there is a possibility that the change of laws in other European countries will influence legislators to reduce penalties.

There is an increasing number of studies showing the beneficial uses of psychedelics. Additionally, other countries such as Canada and Portugal are obtaining excellent results for patients treated with psychedelics.