News

Diving into the world of ‘magic mushrooms’ in Jamaica

Alina Doodnath

May 11, 2025 6:00 AM ET

8 mins read

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Trinidad & Tobago Jamaica Guyana St.Lucia Barbados More Caribbean

Nadia* had no idea what to expect as she savoured the delicious psilocybin-infused dark chocolate square while looking out over a brilliantly turquoise vista of blue at Rick’s Café in Negril, Jamaica.

The sweet treat began to take effect within the space of 15 to 30 minutes, creating a feeling of heightened sensations and visuals that brought colours to life, leading to a truly unforgettable experience.

The experience was positive, with no feelings of discomfort, and lasted for about five hours with no other side- or after-effects.

The magical product? Super Moon Organic Mushroom Chocolates by JACANA.

Mushroom products, specifically those containing psilocybin, are not illegal in Jamaica (and to some extent in The Bahamas).

By contrast, although psilocybin mushrooms occur naturally in Trinidad and Tobago, the possession, sale and consumption of psilocybin is illegal.

Jamaica, already a major player in the cannabis industry, is expanding its health and wellness market with the production of psilocybin mushroom products – global projections estimate revenues of up to $8 billion from these magical products by 2028.

Some Jamaican resorts offer bespoke psilocybin experiences, with prices ranging around US$3,000 for a four-day experience.

Laura Marley of JACANA told Loop News that their cannabis, CBD and mushroom products are incredibly popular, so much so that none other than business mogul, Virgin Atlantic Group founder Sir Richard Branson, recently took a tour of the company’s farm in St Ann, where their USDA-certified products are grown and produced.

Marley said JACANA has been a pioneer in Jamaica’s wellness industry since 2019.

“We’ve been constantly growing and expanding with a  wide variety of plant medicine products from our farm in St Ann. This encompasses a range of plants, botanicals and adaptogens that are grown organically, right here in Jamaica.

“Recently, we expanded our offerings by launching the ‘Moon-Grown’ Mushroom Collection, as our entry into the psilocybin market. This collection includes products like Micro Moon Capsules as well as Full Moon and Super Moon Chocolates, designed to provide controlled and beneficial experiences for users.”

Marley said Jamaica’s unique legal framework has allowed for the cultivation and use of these products, which is bearing fruit today.

“Jamaica’s unique legal framework does not classify psilocybin mushrooms as illegal, allowing for their cultivation and use. This status, combined with a rich cultural history of natural medicine for spiritual and therapeutic purposes, has paved the way for the development of the psilocybin industry.”

The company also follows extremely rigorous standards of quality control.

“All of JACANA’s mushrooms and chocolate are cultivated right here in Jamaica adhering to strict agricultural and safety standards. The cultivation process follows rigorous SOPs and testing to ensure product quality and safety. Product purity and safety are at the core of all the products we create, not just mushrooms.”

She added that health and safety are of the utmost importance to the company.

“JACANA prioritises consumer safety from all aspects. We are proud to say we are the only legally available psilocybin mushroom product that has a guaranteed, measured potency. You can be confident that you’re consuming a measured and accurate dose each time. There’s no guessing and no wondering.  Essentially, we show exact amounts of psilocybin. No one is doing that globally.”

“We try to balance the access we have on site, at our farm, to first class technology with the infinite benefits of nature and botanicals. I would also mention that we supply our products in child proof packaging.”

Marley said since the launch of these products, the feedback has been astonishing.

“Honestly, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We have many customers reporting enhanced well-being and personal growth experiences as well as customers who just can’t say enough amazing things about the flavours (Cookies and Cream and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt). We have a great deal of repeat customers and I think that’s a testament to the quality.”

“The psilocybin industry holds significant economic potential for Jamaica, not only through domestic sales but also via wellness tourism. As the global interest in natural psychedelics grows, Jamaica is well-positioned to become a leader if we foster this opportunity.”

What to know for your first mushroom experience

For those visiting Jamaica seeking to explore their first psilocybin experience, Marley’s advice is to start slow.

“For first-time explorers, it’s essential to approach psilocybin with respect and intention.

“JACANA offers Micro Moon Capsules, which combine 1.2mg of psilocybin with Lion’s Mane. This blend supports cognitive function and neuroplasticity, which is just a fancy word for your brain doing squats until it gets better at stuff, making it ideal for those seeking subtle enhancements in mood, focus, and creativity. These capsules are taken daily and are a wonderful addition to your nootropic regimen.

“For a more elevated experience, our 1 Gram Social dose is perfect for mild, but uplifting results. It’s important to start with a low dose, and be in a positive mindset to fully benefit from the experience.”

Other tips include choosing a soothing environment, being comfortable and staying calm so as to enjoy the experience.

The future of mushrooms

While psilocybin mushrooms (known colloquially as ‘shrooms’) may have been associated with 70s psychedelic hippie trips, current medical research is taking a more serious approach.

The John Hopkins Institute has conducted years of research into psilocybin, most recently releasing a 2022 report which said the chemical could alleviate symptoms of depression, when administered carefully under controlled conditions. The researchers emphasized that further research is needed to explore the possibility that the efficacy of psilocybin treatment may be substantially longer than 12 months.

Studies are also being done regarding the use of psilocybin for pain relief, however more research is needed.

In 2024, Canada approved the export of nature-derived psilocybin to Australia for studies involving treatments for cancer patients in palliative care suffering from Adjustment Disorder.

Where else is the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms allowed?

Several other countries have decriminalised psilocybin for personal use:

• The Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands allow for the cultivation and consumption of mushrooms for personal use, but not the sale.
• Brazil allows for the cultivation and consumption, but not the sale, of mushrooms.
• The states of Oregon and Colorado in the US have both legalized the use of psilocybin mushrooms for supervised, regulated adult use with no medical prescription required at certain regulated locations.
• In Nepal, psilocybin is absent from the list of narcotic substances in the Nepal Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act and therefore use of the drug has not been criminalised.

For more information on JACANA’s health and wellness products, check out their social media platforms.

*Names have been changed

Editor’s note:

Psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Jamaica but remain prohibited in many countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or encouragement of illegal activity. This article is not intended to be used as medical advice.