An Up-to-Date Look At Slovenia’s Psychedelic Drug Laws

Despite the favorable public opinion on cannabis, Slovenia’s attempts to legalize it for medical purposes have flopped. The country received CBD very well and has decriminalized possession of small amounts of psychedelics for personal use. However, there’s no official discussion in Slovenia about the beneficial use of psychedelics for mental health.

This article explores the legality of psychedelics like LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and DMT in this country. It also includes a list of several commonly found magic mushroom species that can be found here. 

Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws In Slovenia

• Psychedelics are illegal in Slovenia.
• Public use of small amounts of drugs is punished by a misdemeanor and a fine of €42-209.
• Production and distribution of illicit drugs are punishable by prison from one to ten years. If minors are involved, the penalty goes up to 15 years of prison.
• Marijuana is illegal for recreational use. Some cannabinoids and cannabinoid products are legal for medical purposes.
• A few magic mushroomspecies grow wild in Slovenia, including Gymnopilus junonius, Psilocybe cinctulus, and Psilocybe serbica.

Psychedelic	Legal Status	Punishment
Magic Mushrooms	Prohibited	Possession of small amounts for personal use is decriminalized and sanctioned by a fine of €42-209.
LSD	Prohibited	Possession of small amounts for personal use is decriminalized and sanctioned by a fine of €42-209.
DMT	Prohibited	Possession of small amounts for personal use is decriminalized and sanctioned by a fine of €42-209.
MDMA	Prohibited	Possession of small amounts for personal use is decriminalized and sanctioned by a fine of €42-209.
Ketamine	Prohibited	Possession of small amounts for personal use is decriminalized and sanctioned by a fine of €42-209.
Marijuana	Prohibited	Possession of small amounts for personal use is decriminalized and sanctioned by a fine of €42-209.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal In Slovenia?

No, magic mushrooms are illegal in Slovenia.

Both psilocybin and psilocin, the most common naturally occurring psychedelic compounds in magic mushrooms, are Schedule I Substances under the Slovenian Decree on the Classification of Illicit Drugs.

Minor offenses like possession of small amounts of magic mushrooms for one-time, personal use are sanctioned by a fine within the range of €42-209. (Article 33, Act on the Production of and Trade in Illicit Drugs).

The offender may also get a warning or avoid the fine altogether by performing community service or by taking steps to seek professional help. By law, a fine for an individual for a misdemeanor in Slovenia can range from €40 to 5,000 (Article 17 of the Misdemeanors Act)

The Slovenian Criminal Code punishes the unauthorized production, processing, sale, and distribution of psychotropic substances and plants used to produce them with one to ten years in prison (Article 186).

In Slovenia and most countries of the world, psilocybin is an illegal substance. Due to the low risk of abuse and harm and potential mental health benefits, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends a reclassification of psilocybin to a Schedule IV substance or a prescription drug.

Pic. 1: Psilocin and psilocybin are Schedule I substances in Slovenia.

Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores In Slovenia?

Buying magic mushroom spores in Slovenia should be avoided.

Under Article 9 of the Act on the Production of and Trade in Illicit Drugs, growing and cultivating any plant other than hemp and opium poppy — after obtaining a permit — is prohibited.

Although magic mushroom spores are not inherently illegal (they don’t contain psilocybin), their cultivation is. Under Article 186 of the Slovenian Criminal Code, the unauthorized production of psychotropic substances and plants (in this case, psilocybin-rich mushrooms) is punishable by imprisonment of one to ten years.

Pic. 2: Article 186 of Slovenian Criminal Code punishes unlawful manufacture, processing, sale and distinction of narcotic substances and plants with up to 10 years of prison.

Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild In Slovenia?

Slovenia’s woods grow a few magic mushroom species, including Gymnopilus junonius, Psilocybe serbica, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Panaeolus cinctulus. Here are a few words on each, including where they tend to grow the most. 

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus junonius is a large orange mushroom with an incredibly bitter taste that contains psilocybin, the hallucinogenic alkaloid. This mushroom is most common in moist, wooded areas located near rivers, where it grows in dense clusters on stumps of conifers and hardwood.

Psilocybe serbica

Psilocybe serbica contains three major hallucinogenic compounds, including psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. This magic mushroom grows mostly in groups, on rotten deciduous and coniferous wood. It also thrives along Urtica spp. (Nettles) or Rubus spp. (Raspberry family), and sprouts on twigs, compost, and plant residue in forests. 

Psilocybe semilanceata

Psilocybe semilanceata is another magic mushroom species that produces three hallucinogenic compounds — psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. This magic mushroom is widely distributed in nature and grows on grasslands, especially in wetter areas. This species doesn’t grow directly on dung but is saprobic and feeds off decaying grassroots.

Panaeolus cinctulus

Panaeolus cinctulus is a cosmopolitan edible mushroom species with hallucinogenic properties that grows both solitary and in dense clumps on compost, well-kept lawns and gardens, and sometimes on horse dung. This magic mushroom grows from spring to fall and abundantly after the soil has been moisturized by rain.

Is LSD Legal In Slovenia?

No, LSD is an illegal substance in Slovenia.

LSD is listed as a Schedule I Controlled Substance under the Slovenian Decree on the Classification of Illicit Drugs.

Simple possession of LSD for personal use is considered a minor offense in Slovenia and is punishable by a misdemeanor and a fine of €42-209 (Article 33, Act on the Production of and Trade in Illicit Drugs).

Article 186 of the Slovenian Criminal Code sanctions the production, processing, sale, and distribution of LSD by imprisonment of one to ten years.

Is DMT Legal in Slovenia?

No, DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is an illegal substance in Slovenia.

DMT is listed as a Schedule I Controlled Substance under the Slovenian Decree on the Classification of Illicit Drugs. 

Simple use and possession of DMT is punishable by a fine ranging from €42-209 (Article 33, Act on the Production of and Trade in Illicit Drugs).

Under Article 186 of the Slovenian Criminal Code, the production, processing, sale, and distribution of DMT and plants containing it is punishable by imprisonment of one to ten years.

DMT is a plant-based hallucinogenic that’s naturally produced in trace amounts in herbs and the human brain. This drug is available in several forms, including a bitter-tasting brew known as ayahuasca and its smokable form, yopo, changa, which is a brownish herb mixture that contains an MAO inhibitor (usually Banisteriopsis caapi) or a chemical MAOi, and a source of DMT such as Mimosa pudica.

Is MDMA Legal in Slovenia?

No, MDMA is an illegal substance in Slovenia.

Together with LSD and DMT, MDMA is a Schedule I Controlled Substance under the Slovenian Decree on the Classification of Illicit Drugs.

Slovenia’s Criminal Code sanctions the unlawful manufacture, processing, sale, and distribution of MDMA with imprisonment of one to ten years (Article 186). When minors or mentally disabled people are involved, the penalty goes up to fifteen years with a minimum of three years.

Possession of small amounts of MDMA is decriminalized and considered a minor offense punishable by a fine of €42-209 (Article 33, Act on the Production of and Trade in Illicit Drugs).

With LSD and psilocybin, MDMA is also being researched for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Moving towards the legalization of this substance for medical purposes doesn’t seem to be on the cards for Slovenia.

Is Ketamine Legal In Slovenia?

No, ketamine is illegal in Slovenia for recreational use.

Ketamine is not directly mentioned in Slovenia’s list of illicit substances, but because it’s used as an anesthetic, its distribution and consumption outside of medical purposes are prohibited.

Ketamine is another psychedelic that shows promising results in the treatment of mental health disorders resistant to traditional therapy. This drug is not permitted for mental health use in Slovenia.

Pic. 3: Possession of small amounts of psychedelic drugs for personal use has been decriminalized in Slovenia and is considered a minor offense (Article 33)

Is Marijuana Legal In Slovenia?

Marijuana is illegal in Slovenia for recreational uses. Certain cannabinoids and cannabinoid products are allowed for medicinal purposes, but the country doesn’t have a medical marijuana program.

Cannabis is a Class II substance in Slovenia, so possession is still illegal.

The country has decriminalized personal use and possession of small quantities of marijuana or cannabis with over 0.2% THC. Individuals caught with a bud are charged with a minor offense or a fine between €42-209 or five days in prison (Act on the Production of and Trade in Illicit Drugs, Article 33).

Hemp, or cannabis with less than 0.2% THC, is legal in Slovenia. CBD was initially legal in this country, but after the EU accepted CBD as a “novel food,” it’s prohibited for sale until the final evaluation of its safety.

In 2014, the Slovenian government adopted a regulation that allows the use of active cannabinoids for medical purposes. This means that patients can be prescribed drugs like Sativex and Marinol (and low-THC products), but cannot use marijuana buds for medical purposes. The country doesn’t have a classic medical marijuana program, so many areas remain undefined.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC isomers like delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC are also listed as Schedule I substances in Slovenia.

Pic. 4: Article 17 of the Slovenian Misdemeanours Act states that fines for individuals can go from 40 to 5,000 euros.

What’s the Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?

The difference between legalization and decriminalization is significant.

Small amounts of drugs for personal use have been decriminalized in Slovenia. This means that carrying or using a drug in public is punishable by a smaller offense — usually a fine instead of prison.

The possession, distribution, and sale of drugs continue to be illegal in this country, which means obtaining them from the black market. When they’re legalized, there are laws surrounding how they’re manufactured and sold, making the drug safer and more available.

Essentially, decriminalization means facing a lower penalty for certain offenses. In contrast, legalization means the drug is part of the country’s legal landscape and can be bought and sold freely.

Key Takeaways: What’s the Future of Psychedelics In Slovenia?

Marijuana will very likely be the first legalized psychedelic drug, thanks to the liberal attitude towards this plant. This country is also part of the European Union, which has accepted CBD as a “novel food,” so the EU will have an influence on Slovenia’s future regulations.

Drugs like LSD and MDMA won’t be likely legalized anytime soon in Slovenia. The country also needs to work on its medical marijuana program, meaning it has a long way to go when it comes to legalizing other psychedelic drugs for medicinal purposes.