Posted by pinksharkmark (206.105.238.3) on January 24, 2001 at 13:03:26:
In Reply to: thanks guys posted by guitaraholic on January 23, 2001 at 19:25:59:
Since I posted that link to Smart Botanics, I have come across a higher-than-average number of dissatisfied customers on the mushroom hobbyist forums. It seems that many of their syringes are either contaminated or infertile or both. I can no longer recommend them as a source for spores.
For those living in the US, it makes sense to go with the US spore suppliers, simply because regular US mail is used. There is no need for the package to clear US Customs. Packages are sent in a discreet wrapper. No spore supplier would last long if the goods he sent were emblazoned with a fluorescent logo reading "Magic Mushrooms Are Good For You!" It is impossible to trace anything sent through the regular first class US mail, unlike courier companies. If it is not sent Registered Mail or Special Delivery, there is no record of it at all. It all gets tossed in a mail bag, sorted with Granny's birthday gift to little Suzy, and delivered with your processed slide film or Book of the Month Selection. Total anonymity.
If you were a known criminal and the authorities could convince a Federal judge that you were using your mailbox to further a criminal activity, they could, with TREMENDOUS difficulty, get a court order to intercept your mail. This is a much more difficult procedure than getting a search warrant or a wiretap order or a list of your phone records or credit card and banking info.
None of the suppliers even keep customer records. Most will cut out your return address from your order letter and use that as the mailing label, so make sure it's readable. They then destroy your order letter. No paper trail, especially if you send cash rather than a check.
Please be aware that ordering spores and possessing spores is perfectly legal in all of the states except California and Georgia. However, taking those same spores and producing psilocybin mushrooms from them is illegal.
If all you are going to do is order some spores and admire them for a day or two, maybe inspecting them under a microscope or something, then putting them in a drawer somewhere, you have broken no law.
pinky