Australia - legality of psychotria viridis in australia

[twitehell messenger]

the title pretty much states the question, but here it is anyway. is psychotria viridis legal to import, possess and grow in australia at the current time? the reason joe asks this is because he has recently tried to purchase some psychotria viridis, dried leaf, from and international seller and they mentioned that as of the 21st april 2009 they will not be importing it to australia. any facts would be greatly appriciated.

Reputation Comments on this post:

there is a legal forum for questions of this sort

[diskobiskit]

All matter that contains a scheduled substance is deemed to be that substance. This means that if you import 1 kilo of psychotria leaves you can be charged and convicted of importing 1 kilo of dmt. That's what the law says. However in reality it seems *most* people are still getting away with importing psychotria. banisteriopsis caapi on the other hand [and even peganum harmala] are a different story. Customs is definitely wise to them and the penalties are severe [especially in NSW].

[Evil GIR]

I would of though customs would be just pissed of that swim is trying to import an organic item for starters, nevermind a drug plant.

[diskobiskit]

evil gir, what you are referring to is a quarantine matter, not a customs matter. Quarantine breaches may cost you some money and a slap on the wrist, but they won't get you a criminal record and jail.
I have not looked up the quarantine conditions for psychotria,but they are available on ICON.

[castles]

Originally Posted by diskobiskit

evil gir, what you are referring to is a quarantine matter, not a customs matter. Quarantine breaches may cost you some money and a slap on the wrist, but they won't get you a criminal record and jail.
I have not looked up the quarantine conditions for psychotria,but they are available on ICON.

It's true that importing organic material is a quarantine matter and not a customs issue, but of course these departments work together, if quarantine officers find something illegal which doesn;t neccesarily contradict quarentine regulations then of course they are going to notify customs.