From truffles in the Netherlands to ayahuasca in Peru, psychedelics have been used around the globe for thousands of years. In recent times we’ve seen the changing tides of psychedelic drug policy to allow for research into mental health conditions and decriminalization in various locales. There are however still many places where possession and consumption of psychedelics still remain illegal. Nothing would ruin a mind altering experience more than an arrest in a foreign country, so I want to remind you to think before your trip! If you’re planning a new adventure abroad with the thought of taking psychedelics, it may be wise to look into the local laws beforehand. Let’s explore the laws surrounding psychedelics in some of the most visited countries around the world.
Bonjour! Enter France, the most visited country in the world thanks to its gorgeous architecture, picturesque riviera, and rich history that surrounds the museums and monuments like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Paris, which was actually the home of the first ever psilocybin clinical trials, is one of the most visited cities in the world year after year. Today, psychedelics in France still haven’t reached legal status and the use of any narcotics can lead to fines of up to 3,750 euros along with a year of imprisonment. Parts of France began implementing new measures in 2020 that allow police officers to issue immediate fines to people in the possession of a maximum of 50 grams of cannabis or 5 tablets of ecstasy without taking them to court. In a way this new system is more lenient as the fines are lower, but it is also still a measure taken to prohibit the use of psychedelics and other substances. While France may seem like an ideal vacation spot to practice a new language or explore unique cuisines, it may not be the most legally welcoming place in Europe to psychonauts.
大家好! China tops the list of the most visited asian countries in 2024 and it really should be no surprise. For both new and experienced travelers China has so much to offer in the forms of breathtaking natural beauty, bustling night markets, and one of a kind cultural traditions. In the past, psychedelics like Amanita Muscaria mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and also in Taoist traditions. Unfortunately, ceremonial uses haven’t been as well recorded in China as in other countries so some of the history still remains a mystery. In the present day, Chinese interest in psychedelic research, specifically on ketamine, is ramping up, yet the substances are still illegal. Drug crimes in China can be very serious. In 2023 a South Korean man was executed on trafficking charges for methamphetamine. Although the drug in question was not a psychedelic this does go to show how dangerous traveling with controlled substances can be. Recently, China has focused on limiting the access to precursor chemicals, which can be used to make a variety of different substances. Reports indicate that MDMA is gaining popularity in China, so this is a substance that may be affected by this move. From a legal standpoint overall China does not seem like the best place to trip.
¡Hola! Welcome to Mexico, the second highest North American travel destination of 2024 (behind only the United States). Now this is a place where psychedelics have found a home. Mexico has received so much attention in the past few years for its legal exceptions to psychedelics. Tourists are flocking to Mexico in order to explore their minds through the lens of psychedelic experiences. Spiritual retreats allow for the use of peyote and psilocybin containing mushrooms to be taken as part of ceremonies for indigenous people without criminal charges. Currently unregulated, ibogaine is available as a treatment option for those suffering from addiction, OCD, and depression at facilities like the Baja Ibogaine Center in Rosarito Beach. Ketamine is another compound that is legally available as a medicinal substance in Mexico. Generally speaking, psychedelics are not legal in Mexico so it is still recommended to exercise caution when traveling.
!مرحبًا The United Arab Emirates, known for its towering skyscrapers and robust economy, is the second most visited Middle Eastern country in 2024 (behind only Turkey). Drug crimes are no joke in the UAE. LSD, psilocybin and MDMA are all prohibited under the law of the UAE. This even extends to some prescription medications, which may need to be pre registered before arrival. It’s easy to make mistakes when traveling with medication, but the UAE has a zero tolerance perspective on drug related charges. To put this into perspective, there have even been reports of travelers experiencing travel difficulties for having a poppy seed on their clothes after eating a sandwich. While charges for THC use have been reduced in recent years, charges for any harder drugs will still result in a minimum sentence of five years in prison as well as fines. On the contrary to these strict regulations, psychedelic research in the UAE is gaining traction. A recent psychedelic event at the Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health conference discussed the ongoing research and therapeutic benefits of drugs such as MDMA, and the introduction of psychedelic therapies to modern medicine.
The world is a place to be explored and for some of us, so are our minds. In order to have a good trip, it's important to know where you’re going and what the legal status surrounding psychedelics is. The world changes a little bit every day and so do the global opinions on psychedelics. This global landscape of psychedelic policy reflects a fascinating tension between tradition, public health priorities, and evolving perspectives on mental wellness. The future is a journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
*Oh and by the way this is not legal advice :)
By Isaac Guzman