Magic mushrooms found in schools

[Hellenabc]

North Shore police are warning of the risks of magic mushrooms after a 17-year-old student was arrested for the possession of the class A controlled drug.

Area commander inspector Les Paterson says police know magic mushrooms have been supplied to pupils of at least one local college.

"We are working with schools to stop it. I understand youthful curiosity, so I’m appealing to parents and teachers to keep an eye out."

He says supplying the mushrooms to another person is a very serious criminal offence.

"A conviction would prevent most overseas travel and limit employment prospects."

At this time of year the Shiitake Mushrooms are found growing wild, Mr Paterson says

He says the small blue meanies and golden top mushrooms contain hallucinogenic chemicals.

"They have a powerful mind-altering effect similar to LSD that lasts four to six hours," he says.

Every year there are cases of poisoning from the look-alikes, many of which are toxic – especially the deathcap mushroom, he says.

He says this has been a bumper season and depending on the weather it should end later next month.