By Gabriel Kim Leal
(May 26, 2024) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday issued a stern warning against the sale and use of products containing “magic mushroom.”
“Magic mushroom,” marketed under the guise of healing and wellness, contains a chemical called psilocybin. It is a dangerous substance that induces hallucinations.
“It’s anything similar to LSD, kung tawagin nila, lysergic acid diethylamide. ‘Yan ‘yung effect nitong ‘magic mushroom’ na ito. Try to imagine, mimics the effect or is similar to the effect of LSD. Malakas, so talagang delikado,” said PDEA public information chief Derrick Carreon.
The agency issued the warning after seven individuals, including a foreign national, were arrested at a beach resort in Bacnotan, La Union last May 18 for selling food with “magic mushroom.”
Authorities seized several items from the suspects, including lollipops, chocolate bars, and gummy bears infused with “magic mushroom,” with a total value amounting to P145,000.
The PDEA is now investigating the source of the “magic mushroom” used by the suspects.
“Fungi is naturally growing. They are endemic. I’ve heard of this several times already kasi may local term siya. So it’s locally available,” added Carreon.
“Magic mushroom” is listed as a scheduled controlled substance under the Dangerous Drugs Board and the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
(With reports from Mon Gualvez, News5)
(PM)
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