The angel's trumpet not only causes a sensation as a magnificent potted plant. The South American nightshade plant is also making a name for itself as an intoxicating natural drug. This causes headaches in terms of legality. Are the cultivation and consumption of angel trumpets prohibited? Read useful information here.
Are angel trumpets banned in Germany?
Is growing angel trumpets forbidden? The cultivation, possession, purchase and sale of angel trumpets (Brugmansia) are legal in Germany. However, the consumption of their psychoactive ingredients is in a legal gray area and can pose he alth risks.
Is growing angel trumpet forbidden?
The use of angel trumpet as an intoxicant raises the question of its legality. There is legal certainty in Germany, at least with regard to their use as pot and bed plants.
Angel trumpets (Brugmansia) are part of the nightshade family and grow naturally in South America. The magnificently flowering deciduous trees are highly valued ornamental plants worldwide. The cultivation, possession, purchase and sale of an angel's trumpet isnot prohibited in Germany
Is consuming angel trumpet illegal?
When answering this question, we are entering a legal gray area. On the one hand, owning an angel trumpet is not forbidden. On the other hand, oral ingestion of plant parts puts consumers in a state of intoxication. Under this condition, the consumption of angel trumpet becomes semi-legal. In addition to illegal and legal drugs, herbal substances with psychoactive effects are circulating, the legal status of which is not clearly clarified. This means:
- The legality of angel trumpet as an intoxicant is controversial.
- As a delirious nightshade plant, the genus Brugmansia is classified as a semi-legal drug.
- Substances contained in the legal plant are not explicitly legal.
- The psychoactive ingredients could fall under the Medicines or Narcotics Act.
- The legislature is required to clarify the currently unclear legal status.
Why is consuming angel trumpet dangerous?
The active ingredients in angel trumpet are highly toxic. These include psychoactive alkaloids with hallucinogenic effects, such as atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. When consumers smoke or eat the leaves, flowers and seeds, uncontrollable intoxication and delusions occur.
The active ingredient composition can vary extremely from plant to plant and even between different parts of the plant. This circumstance makes dosing a life-threatening undertaking. Overdoses often occur with fatal consequences, including fatal cardiovascular collapse.
Tip
Color rush without side effects
With its breathtakingly beautiful flowers, the angel trumpet is a feast for the eyes without any toxic side effects. Anyone who pays the necessary respect to the toxic content when caring for it and cultivates the angel's trumpet out of the reach of children can look forward to a flower-filled festival of colors in summer. In the evening hours, the impressive flower trumpets of the most beautiful angel trumpet varieties exude a beguiling scent.
