Are Psychedelics Legal in Poland?
Poland boasts some pretty high-tech drug-monitoring tools and an elaborate system of follow-up and evaluation for drug addicts and prevention.
In recent years, Poland has become one of the most affected countries by the distribution of new psychoactive substances, often sold as “legal highs.” As such, it has served as an involuntary testing ground for harsh drug responses and their effects on society.
Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws in Poland
- Virtually all psychedelics are illegal in Poland — though there are a few exceptions
- Poland rigorously controls most substances
- The country has a progressive yet slow-to-change stance on psychedelics
- There is a positive trend and many initiatives in place pushing towards decriminalization
- There isn’t any pending legislation surrounding psychedelic substances in Poland
Poland: Drug & Penalties Chart
| Class | Substance | Psychedelics | Penalties for Possession |
| I-N | Opium, oxycodone, hemp extracts, kava kava, Rivea corymbosa (ololiuqui), Mitragyna speciosa, mitragynine, cocaine, HU-210, forms of JWH, heroin, fentanyl, AM-694, and others, MPPP | Trichocereus pachanoi (Peruvian torch cactus), Tabernanthe iboga, Salvia divinorum, Psychotria viridis (chacruna), Banisteriopsis caapi (ayahuasca) | Possession: Up to 3 years in prison Small amount (lesser gravity): up to 1 year Large amount, trafficking: 1-10 years |
| II-N | Codeine, propiram, dextropropoxyphene, ethylmorphine, pholcodeine | See above | |
| III-N | Preparations containing (not more than 100 mg or 2.5%): acetyldihydrocodeine, dihydrocodeine, etylmorfine, norcodeine, nicodycodeine, nicocodeine | See above | |
| IV-N | Heroin, ketobemidone, woven hemp, hemp resin, 3-Methylfentanyl | See above | |
| I-P | 3-FMA, pentylone, tetrahydrocannabinols and some isomers and stereochemical variants, RH-34 | DET, NBOMe (N-methoxybenzyl), DMT, DOB, LSD, MDMA, MMDA, mescaline, psilocin, psilocybin, TMA-2, PCPy, proscaline, TCP | See above |
| II-P | Amphetamine, Ritalin, mecloqualone, BZP, secobarbital, delta 9 THC and its stereochemical variants | 2-CP, PCP, ketamine, GHB, salvinorin A, MXE | See above |
| III-P | Some barbiturates, glutethimide, flunitrazepam | See above | |
| IV-P | Alpha-PHP, alprazolam, barbital, benzodiazepines, MDPV | See above |
Sources:
- Act of Law of 29 July 2005 on Counteracting Drug Addiction
- Penalties for drug law offenses at a glance- Europe
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Poland?
No, magic mushrooms are illegal in Poland.
According to Polish law, psilocin and psilocybin are controlled substances — however, specific magic mushroom species (such as Psilocybe cubensis) aren’t specifically outlawed. This has allowed a marketplace selling mushroom spores and grow kits to flourish.
Currently, only a few countries allow the cultivation, sale, and possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. However, there’s been a trend with various countries or municipalities decriminalizing the use of natural psychedelics, including magic mushrooms. This is not the case with Poland yet.
This may soon change, as some organizations and movements push to reclassify mushrooms due to the clear evidence of the medicinal value shrooms hold.
Further Reading: Where Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?
Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores in Poland
Many stores sell magic mushroom spores and grow kits in Poland, both physical and online, as these are perfectly legal according to the country’s law.
However, keep in mind that the cultivation of magic mushrooms is still considered prohibited.
Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Poland?
Magic mushrooms grow in most places, except in frigid climates such as Antarctica’s. Poland is no exception to their presence, and plenty of magic mushroom species natively grow there.
However, consider that dozens of toxic mushrooms look similar to magic mushrooms, so great caution is recommended if you want to look for them actively.
Here are some of the most commonly found species in Poland:
- Psilocybe Semilanceata
- Psilocybe Cubensis
- Psilocybe Cyanescens
What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?
There are currently many initiatives and organizations worldwide pushing for the legalization of magic mushrooms, especially in North America and Europe. Studies have shown significant results when using them as a therapy method for several psychiatric conditions.
Still, thanks to the shrooms’ legal status in most countries, research heavily relies on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific facts of the species.
Besides being excellent potentiators for creativity and problem-solving, magic mushrooms help treat depression and addiction, two common conditions. The treatment involves potent psychoactive doses that create introspective realizations that help end bad habits or negative thoughts.
Magic mushrooms may also help in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cluster headaches, and existential anxiety.
Although there is no scientific explanation for how they combat headaches, psilocybin allows a shift in how individuals process their life experiences. This shift, in turn, helps traumatized and anxious patients cope with reality.
Is LSD legal in Poland?
No, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is currently illegal in Poland.
Polish law considers LSD a Group 1 substance, categorizing it as a psychotropic with no medical use and a high potential for addiction and abuse. However, like the Polish Psychedelic Society, some initiatives are fighting to reclassify LSD as a Group 4 substance, albeit unsuccessfully.
LSD is the subject of exaggerated reports by mainstream news worldwide, damaging the image of the substance negatively. Regardless, while these negative associations have been commonplace in the last decade, the perspective on LSD is slowly but surely changing for the better.
Is DMT Legal in Poland?
No, DMT is prohibited in Poland.
Article 62 of The Act on Countering Drug Addiction categorizes DMT as a Group 1 psychotropic substance. Depending on the amount in possession, Polish citizens getting caught with Group 1 substances are punished by imprisonment for 3 up to 10 years.
Regarding alternatives, such as ayahuasca, the items used to prepare it are still considered illegal substances, making it forbidden overall.
Is MDMA Legal in Poland?
No, MDMA is considered illegal under Polish Law.
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is categorized as a Group 1 substance making it a highly controlled and illegal psychotropic. Even though many countries and US states are moving to legalize the medicinal use of MDMA in therapy, it will not be legal for public use in Poland anytime soon.
Like DMT and LSD, getting caught with MDMA incurs a penalty of up to a decade in prison, or only a fine if the amounts you’re caught with are minuscule.
Is Ketamine Legal in Poland?
No, ketamine is not legal in Poland.
Ketamine is a controlled substance classified as a psychotropic with significant abuse potential and little use in medicine. Therefore, according to the Polish Act on Countering Drug Addiction, the substance is categorized as a Group 2 substance, imposing penalties of no more than 3 years in prison.
Nevertheless, some countries and the US states are legalizing ketamine as a therapeutic substance against treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Is Marijuana Legal in Poland?
No, marijuana is primarily illegal in Poland, though with some exceptions.
Possession of most drugs for recreational use, including cannabis, is illegal in Poland. Since 2017, only medical use of marijuana has been legalized, but there are signs that cannabis use is becoming increasingly popular. This surge in popularity may tip the balance in cannabis’ favor soon.
In regards to hemp, it is entirely legal under a government-issued license for production, manufacturing, and distribution. Therefore, anyone in Poland can buy hemp-derived products without a prescription, although they contain less than 0.2% of THC in their formula.
Furthermore, according to the Polish Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction, all THC isomers are strictly illegal and regarded as Group 1 substances. This includes delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10 THC.
What’s The Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?
These two concepts may seem similar to many, but they are entirely different.
There are many reasons why a government may choose to decriminalize a drug rather than legalize it or keep it prohibited. In the context of psychedelic drugs, evidence suggests that decriminalization can reduce the incidence of drug addiction.
Studies have shown that by treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal, affected people have a better chance of getting the help they need. Plus, removing drug use as a cause for arrest makes it more likely that the individual will return to a happy, productive lifestyle.
As for legalization, more people will have access to the substance without the risk of going to jail or getting fined. Also, the industry becomes more regulated, reducing the concentration of contaminated or illegally adulterated products.
Key Takeaways: What’s The Future of Psychedelics in Poland?
Polish drug policies are some of the most restrictive in Europe, with Article 62 of the Act on Drug Addiction prohibiting the possession of any psychotropics.
As a result, drug-addicted people are exceptionally exposed to bureaucracy and the stigma associated with drug use, which doesn’t help their rehabilitation one bit.
Fortunately, there are signs that the Polish people are starting to view the substances as more than just recreational drugs. As a result, there is an increasingly high demand for dialogue between the judicial system and addiction therapists, who argue psychedelics are effective therapy methods.
All in all, the future of this rigorously legislated country looks to be progressively moving towards decriminalization of some substances, especially for medicinal use. Moreover, focusing on scientific support and societal education may someday push Poland to a less restrictive future.
