Dutch banning all hallucinogenic mushrooms

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- As of Dec. 1, hallucinogenic mushrooms will no longer be available in shops in the Netherlands, the nation's top health official has decided.

Health Minister Ab Klink announced the complete ban on the sale or cultivation of 182 varieties of hallucination-inducing fungi, dubbed magic mushrooms by their users, this week, Expatica reported. Current law bans the sale of dried mushrooms but allows the cultivation and sale of fresh mushrooms with hallucinogenic properties.

Parliament promoted the wider ban after a French teenager jumped to her death after eating magic mushrooms. There were several other incidents during the summer involving tourists.

Owners of stores that sell the mushrooms, mostly to tourists, have argued a complete ban would not be needed if buyers were given better information on the risks. They have promised a legal challenge.