US Customs and Border Protection Seizes Over 20 Pounds of Psilocybin
Recent Seizures in Buffalo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo have seized over 20 pounds of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, since the second week of September. The estimated street value of the chocolate-laden drugs, seized from 15 shipments, was $165,000.
Recent Seizures Mirrors Increased Activity
CBP encountered the illegal shipments at the Peace Bridge cargo facility at the Canadian border. Most recently, on October 9, they found a shipment with seven pounds of psilocybin. Field tests of several bricks of chocolate were positive.
Increased Seizures Since 2022
CBP has had 68 psilocybin seizures from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2024, which is roughly 37% more than the 43 seizures between October 1, 2022, and October 1, 2023.
Legal Status of Psilocybin
Psilocybin, a Schedule I controlled substance, is illegal federally and in New York. The DEA lists its potential side effects as including death, nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of coordination, panic, hallucinations, and serious psychological issues like confusion between reality and fantasy.
Research and Decriminalization Efforts
Despite ongoing research into its potential for treating mental health conditions, psilocybin remains a high-risk drug. Oregon and Colorado have legalized its use, while it is decriminalized in Washington D.C., Minneapolis, San Francisco, Detroit, Seattle, and Portland, Maine. Several smaller California, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Washington state municipalities have also decriminalized possession.
New York’s Efforts to Change Laws
Since 2020, New York has introduced legislation to change laws concerning psilocybin specifically and psychedelics generally, including five proposals in the most recent legislative session. One proposal, A3581A/S3520A, would allow professional, licensed facilitators like psychologists to provide psilocybin therapy to qualified patients.
Conclusion
The increase in seizures of psilocybin at the Port of Buffalo highlights the persistent problem of drug smuggling in the region. While some states have legalized or decriminalized psilocybin, federal and state laws continue to prohibit its use. Ongoing research into its potential benefits and risks is crucial for shaping future policy and regulation.
FAQs
Q: What is the estimated street value of the seized psilocybin?
A: The estimated street value of the seized psilocybin is $165,000.
Q: How many psilocybin seizures have been made by CBP since October 1, 2023?
A: CBP has made 68 psilocybin seizures since October 1, 2023.
Q: Is psilocybin illegal federally and in New York?
A: Yes, psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal federally and in New York.
Q: Which states have legalized or decriminalized psilocybin?
A: Oregon and Colorado have legalized psilocybin, while it is decriminalized in Washington D.C., Minneapolis, San Francisco, Detroit, Seattle, and Portland, Maine, among others.
