Psychoactive Toads
Legal Status
U.S. FEDERAL LAW #
Caution : All legal information should be verified through other sources. [see below]
U.S. FEDERAL LEGAL SUMMARY | |
Psychoactaive Toads | |
REGULATED | No |
STATUS | Ambiguous |
SCHEDULE | May Contain Schedule I Chemical |
CLASSIFICATION | Hallucinogen |
None of the Bufo species toads are specifically scheduled in the United States. They are sold openly by pet and animal stores, though they are somewhat uncommon.
In Nov 2007, a man was charged for possession of bufotenine after a Bufo alvarius toad was found in residence in Kansas City, Missouri (see article).
It has been reported to us that some stores (in CA in one example) will report that Bufo toads are illegal to sell. It's unclear whether this is true and if so whether it is due to federal, state, or local level laws.
Lovestone Arrest (2008): Dried toad venom containing bufotenin is sometimes sold as chan su for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or as an ingredient in a topical aphrodisiac called "stone", "lovestone", or "rock hard". These forumulations are readily available, and laws prohibiting the sale of this bufotenin-containing substance appear to be commonly unenforced. However, a love stone vendor in Richmond, Virginia was charged with sale of a Schedule I substance and pled guilty in March, 2008 (see Style Weekly article).
In Nov 2007, a man was charged for possession of bufotenine after a Bufo alvarius toad was found in residence in Kansas City, Missouri (see article).
It has been reported to us that some stores (in CA in one example) will report that Bufo toads are illegal to sell. It's unclear whether this is true and if so whether it is due to federal, state, or local level laws.
Lovestone Arrest (2008): Dried toad venom containing bufotenin is sometimes sold as chan su for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or as an ingredient in a topical aphrodisiac called "stone", "lovestone", or "rock hard". These forumulations are readily available, and laws prohibiting the sale of this bufotenin-containing substance appear to be commonly unenforced. However, a love stone vendor in Richmond, Virginia was charged with sale of a Schedule I substance and pled guilty in March, 2008 (see Style Weekly article).
U.S. STATE LAW #
Arizona #
Wild toads may not be possessed, sold, imported, traded, or released. Bufo marinus is subject to hunting restrictions. (see A.R.S. 17-306).
California #
Bufo marinus is designated a "species of special concern" by California's Department of Fish and Game - a formal recognition of their endangered status. This offers very limited legal protection, but may impact development in their native habitat. (see CDFG Bufo avlarius page).
New Mexico #
Bufo alvarius is designated "threatened" under New Mexico's Title 19, making it illegal to take, possess, transport, export, sell or offer for sale or ship (see law).
If you have information about the legal status of this substance in any other U.S. state, please let us know.
INTERNATIONAL LAW #
Canada #
The toads of this genus are not controlled in Canada. Neither 5-MeO-DMT nor Bufotenin are listed on the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the two active components of the toad's secretion. Additionally, Canada doesn't have laws restricting the importation of amphibians and reptiles because the cold climate kills off invasive cold-blooded species. (thanks m) (last updated May 6 2013)
U.K. #
Bufotenine is a Class A substance under English law, but the status of psychoactive toad venom is ambiguous, owing to the fact that it occurs naturally. It is possible that possession of a psychoactive toad could be considered a violation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. No one has been prosecuted thus far. (see Times Online article for more information.)
If you have information about the legal status of this substance in any other country, please let us know.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid legal information is a summary of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, websites, and other resources. We are not lawyers and can not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided here. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but laws are complex and constantly changing. Laws may also vary from one jurisdiction to another (county, state, country, etc)...this list is not comprehensive.