Are Psychedelics Legal in Ukraine Yet?
Ukraine, unlike most European countries, has strict laws regarding psychedelics. Carrying LSD, MDMA, DMT, and others may result in three years in prison. Still, a judge may consider the amount small enough to replace the penalty with a fine or forced labor.
This article will explain the legality of the most common psychedelics in Ukraine. We’ll also talk about mushroom species, spores, and their therapeutic benefits.
Summary of Psychedelic Drug Laws in Ukraine
- All psychedelics are illegal in Ukraine.
- Depending on the amount in possession, you may receive up to three years in prison.
- Possession of small amounts carry a fine or administrative arrest.
- If caught trafficking illegal substances in Ukraine, the punishments can go up to 15 years in prison.
- Marijuana is illegal, although some THC-related substances are allowed.
Ukraine: Drug & Penalties Chart
| Table I: Prohibited narcotic and psychotropic substances | Table II: Narcotic and psychotropic substances with limited turnover | Table III: Narcotic and psychotropic substances with limited turnover and exclusion of certain control measures | Table IV: Precursors | Penalties for Possession | |
| Schedule I | Especially dangerous narcotics which turnover is prohibited | Narcotics with limited turnover | Narcotic substances with limited turnover and exclusion from certain control measures | Precursors with limited turnover subject to control measures | Small amounts: Fine of 25 to 50 tax-free minimum incomes or community service for a period of 20 to 60 hours, or an administrative arrest for up to 15 days For selling purposes:4-12 years in prison |
| Schedule II | Especially dangerous psychotropics in which turnover is limited | Psychotropic substances with limited turnover | Psychotropic substances with limited turnover and exclusion from certain control measures | Precursors subject to control measures | See above |
| Schedule III | Plants containing narcotic substances, which turnover is allowed for manufacturing | — | — | — | See above |
Sources:
- Ukraine- Drug Situation & Drug Policy 2015
- Criminal Code of Ukraine — Drug-Related Articles
- PharmaBoardroom – Cannabinoid Drugs, Medicinal Cannabis, and Opioid Drugs: Ukraine
Are Magic Mushrooms Legal in Ukraine?
No, magic mushrooms are illegal in Ukraine.
Psilocybin is classified as a dangerous psychotropic substance under the Ukrainian List of Narcotic Drugs.
Quantities between 5 and 50 grams of dried mushrooms are considered over personal consumption limits and can carry a penalty of up to two years in prison.
Large quantities are considered anything over one gram of pure psilocybin or 50 grams of dried mushrooms. The penalties for this amount are around three years in prison.
Due to the advice of experts, many European countries are reclassifying psilocybin as a therapeutic substance. However, Ukraine is still stubborn regarding these developments and has shown no indication these laws are going to change in the near future.
It’s not clear under Ukrainian law whether psychedelic mushroom spores are legal or not. However, the manufacture of prohibited substances is illegal, so harvesting them is undoubtedly forbidden.
Similar: Where Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?
Where to Buy Magic Mushroom Spores in Ukraine
As we already mentioned, it’s not clear if magic mushroom spores are legal in Ukraine. However, as they don’t contain any psilocybin, you can still order them online.
Remember that while possessing them might be permitted, cultivating them to maturity is not. When spores reach that stage, they start producing psilocybin, making them illegal under Ukrainian law.
Do Magic Mushrooms Grow Wild in Ukraine?
Yes, some magic mushrooms grow wild in Ukraine.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms grow almost everywhere in the world. But keep in mind that there are hundreds of poisonous mushroom look-alikes — so we advise caution.
The most common psychedelic mushroom species found in Ukraine include:
- Psilocybe baeocystis
- Psilocybe cyanescens
- Psilocybe semilanceata
What Are the Medicinal Uses of Shrooms?
Researchers have been studying the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms since the 1960s. They have shown great promise in treating depression, existential anxiety, and PTSD. Plus, it’s a valuable substance in some cases of addiction and cluster headaches.
Psilocybin is also an enhancer for certain brain functions, such as problem-solving and creativity. As a result, many tech entrepreneurs and artists use shrooms to increase divergent thinking.
Thanks to these advancements, some North American and European countries are reviewing shrooms. However, this change would only apply to medicinal use — recreational mushrooms would still be illegal.
Is LSD Legal in Ukraine?
No, LSD is illegal in Ukraine.
Like psilocybin, LSD classifies as a dangerous psychotropic drug under Ukrainian law. Possessing a small amount of it leads to two years of correctional labor or a hefty fine. Yet, any standard dose of LSD is categorized as a large quantity under current Ukrainian rulings, carrying a penalty of three years in jail.
If you’re wondering about LSD-analogs, such as 1P-LSD, they are prohibited and carry the same sentences. In addition, all kinds of NBOMe compounds are also banned in Ukraine.
Is DMT Legal in Ukraine?
No, DMT is also illegal in Ukraine.
DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a controlled substance in Ukraine. Possessing more than 0.15 grams can result in sentences of up to three years in prison. However, a small dose that fits below that threshold is only punishable with two years of correctional labor or a fine.
DMT (sometimes referred to as the spirit molecule) is one of the most potent psychedelics on Earth. It’s the primary ingredient both in ayahuasca, venom from the Bufo alvarius toad, and changa, although you can also smoke it on its own.
Is MDMA Legal in Ukraine?
No, MDMA is illegal in Ukraine.
Like most psychedelics, ecstasy classifies as a dangerous psychotropic under current Ukrainian laws. If the police catch you with MDMA on you, you may receive up to three years in prison. Yet, if the dose fits the small quantity threshold, it’s only punishable with two years of correctional labor or a fine.
MDMA has shown great promise in treating specific conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Due to these benefits, some countries have started moving towards legalization. For example, Portugal has already decriminalized ecstasy (and other substances) and is close to legalizing it for medical use.
Is Ketamine Legal in Ukraine?
Ketamine is only legal in Ukraine for medicinal uses.
According to Ukrainian law and unlike the previous compounds, ketamine is categorized as a restricted substance.
Although this ruling allows for its prescription, carrying it without authorization may lead to three years in prison. However, if the amount found is minimal, the penalty may fall to only a fine or two years of correctional labor.
If you’re wondering how to get these permits, keep in mind that they’re very hard to come by. Doctors only prescribe it in specific cases — such as surgery or intense pain.
Is Marijuana Legal in Ukraine?
No, marijuana is illegal in Ukraine.
Unlike most European countries, marijuana is still illegal in Ukraine, even for medicinal cases. Possessing weed here might lead to three years in prison, although small amounts aren’t generally prosecuted.
Sadly, Ukraine’s strict laws apply to delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10 THC, as the Ukrainian Penal Code specifies that all cannabis extracts and tinctures are entirely forbidden.
Still, recently, the Ukrainian government allowed certain THC-related medicinal drugs, such as Nabilone.
What’s The Difference Between Legalization & Decriminalization?
Although they may sound similar, there are some crucial differences between the legalization and the decriminalization of a substance. Furthermore, it’s vital to know which is which due to the discussions about the legal status of psychedelics worldwide.
Decriminalizing a drug abolishes or vastly reduces the penalties surrounding its possession. Although it may not sound like much, it does come with a few benefits, such as reducing drug trafficking and drug violence. Plus, it frees up the courts and allows for more accessible help for those suffering from addiction.
On the other hand, legalization abolishes the penalties and allows and regulates its sale to the general public. This is generally regarded as the final step in defeating the war on drugs, as it comes with a heap of benefits. For example, it cancels out the black market and improves the quality of the substance (fewer adulterants or poor manufacturing practices).
Key Takeaways: What’s The Future of Psychedelics in Ukraine?
Unlike most European countries, Ukraine has strict laws regarding psychedelics in general. For example, it’s one of the few developed countries that hasn’t legalized cannabis for medicinal use. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like this might change any time soon.
However, there might be hope if other European countries legalize therapeutic psychedelics. Although the change may not be immediate, the added pressure would make Ukrainian authorities reconsider their stand on drugs.
