Smoking fly agaric – effects, risks, and what’s really behind it

Smoking fly agaric: what is behind the myth?

The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) is making a comeback as a topic in online forums and on social media. Many people wonder what happens when the mushroom is smoked and whether it is dangerous. This guide puts the topic into factual context.

Note: This guide is intended for factual information. Consuming fly agaric is associated with considerable health risks and is not recommended. Nothing on this page should be understood as a recommendation to consume it. If you suspect poisoning, contact the emergency number (112) or a poison control centre immediately.

What happens when fly agaric is smoked

The fly agaric contains the constituents muscimol and ibotenic acid, the precursor of muscimol. Both are considered thermolabile: they are largely destroyed by the heat of the combustion process. Instead, smoking produces combustion products, and mushroom spores can be inhaled. Both can irritate the respiratory tract.

Risks

• Irritation of the respiratory tract from burnt mushroom components and spores
• No control over the quantity taken in
• Risk of confusion with poisonous mushroom species
• Ibotenic acid is considered neurotoxic, especially in larger quantities
• Symptoms of poisoning: nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures

Fly agaric and muscimol

The most studied constituent of the fly agaric in research is muscimol. Muscimol is formed through decarboxylation of ibotenic acid, for example through drying or heating. How much of this conversion takes place depends on drying, storage and processing. You can find more on chemistry, risks and the legal situation on the muscimol guide page.

Legal situation in Germany

Fresh and dried fly agaric mushrooms are not prohibited in Germany, neither possession nor purchase. Muscimol itself is listed neither in the BtMG nor in the NpSG annex (as of 2026). However, the legal situation may change.

Frequently asked questions

Can you smoke fly agaric?

Dried mushroom can technically be burned. However, the constituents muscimol and ibotenic acid are largely destroyed by the heat, while the risks from combustion products and spores remain. Smoking is advised against.

What is the active compound in fly agaric?

Muscimol and ibotenic acid (precursor of muscimol, neurotoxic in larger quantities). More on this: Muscimol guide.

Is fly agaric dangerous?

Yes, in particular due to the variable concentration of constituents in different mushrooms, the risk of confusion with other species and the neurotoxicity of ibotenic acid. If you suspect poisoning, call 112 or a poison control centre immediately.