Court Rulings May Change India's Drug Laws

In a landmark decision, the Kerala High Court ruled that mushrooms, including psilocybin mushrooms, are not narcotic or psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This ruling came during the case of Rahul Rai, arrested in October 2024 for possessing charas, marijuana, and 226 grams of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The court emphasized that mushrooms are natural fungi, not mixtures, and thus fall outside the NDPS Act’s purview. 

This decision sets a significant legal precedent, potentially influencing future cases involving psychedelic substances like psilocybin mushrooms. It underscores that substances not explicitly categorized under the NDPS Act cannot be automatically treated as illegal or subject to its restrictions. The ruling also opens the door for discussions on potential legal reforms in India, especially concerning substances with medical applications. Advocates suggest that psilocybin-containing mushrooms, known for their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like depression and anxiety, could be considered for medical use under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

I think Mexico and Jamaica were first, now India. Will the rest of the world follow?

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Feb/08/magic-mushrooms-are-a-natural-fungus-court-rulings-may-change-indias-drug-laws