NCJ Number
198079
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 1298-1302
Date Published
November 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Through the analysis of three separate case reports in Minnesota, this study examined the detection of the psychotropic drugs psilocyn and psilocybin in the developmental stages of mushrooms using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Abstract
It has been previously reported that psychoactive drugs, specifically psilocyn and psilocybin were detected in the developmental states of the Psilocybe mushroom. They are naturally occurring substances in certain families of mushrooms. However, both psilocyn and psilocybin are regulated under Minnesota State law and U.S. Federal law as a Schedule I substance. In this study, three separate cases of developing mushrooms were submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Forensic Science Laboratory in St. Paul, Minnesota for analysis, specifically to examine the detection of these two drugs in developing mushrooms. Case A were syringes that contained an aqueous solution containing spores; Case B were jars with growing media containing mycelium growth; and Case C contained jars containing primordial. Each case consisted of a description with physical characterization of the evidence, sample preparation, sample analysis, and a final report on conclusions. Knowing the developmental stages of the mushroom and the illicit growing procedure can assist a drug chemist in their duties and determine what the evidence possesses and then educate law enforcement. Figures and references