
Gardening can be a rewarding and peaceful hobby. However, some plants can land you in legal trouble if you decide to grow them. Cultivating certain plants can have serious consequences due to their psychoactive properties or invasive nature.
Let’s explore 15 plants that are best avoided in your backyard garden to stay on the right side of the law.
Cannabis

Cannabis is illegal to grow in many places due to its psychoactive effects. Even in areas where it’s legal for medicinal or recreational use, there are strict regulations governing its cultivation, and growing it without a license can result in criminal charges.
Opium Poppy

The opium poppy is the source of opiates like morphine and heroin, making it illegal to grow in most countries without a special license. Cultivating opium poppies can result in serious legal consequences due to their association with illicit drug production.
Coca Plant

The coca plant is the source of cocaine, a highly addictive and illegal drug. Growing coca plants without authorization is illegal in most countries and can lead to severe legal penalties, including imprisonment.
Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, contain hallucinogenic compounds that are illegal in many places. Cultivating psilocybin mushrooms can result in criminal charges and may carry harsh legal consequences.
Ephedra

Ephedra is a plant that contains ephedrine, a stimulant that’s often used in the production of methamphetamine. Growing ephedra without proper authorization is illegal and can lead to serious legal repercussions.
Khat

Khat is a plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that contains stimulant compounds. Growing khat without authorization is illegal in many countries and can result in criminal charges.
Peyote Cactus

Peyote cactus contains psychoactive compounds like mescaline and is considered a controlled substance in many places. Cultivating peyote without proper authorization is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.
Salvia Divinorum

Salvia divinorum is a plant that contains psychoactive compounds and is often used for its hallucinogenic effects. Growing salvia divinorum without authorization is illegal in many places and can result in criminal charges.
Coca Leaf

The coca leaf is used to produce cocaine and is illegal to grow in many countries without proper authorization. Cultivating coca leaves can lead to serious legal consequences due to their association with illegal drug production.
Morning Glory

Some varieties of morning glory contain lysergic acid amide (LSA), a compound with hallucinogenic properties. Growing morning glory without authorization is illegal in many places and can result in legal penalties.
San Pedro Cactus

San Pedro cactus contains mescaline, a hallucinogenic compound that’s considered a controlled substance in many countries. Cultivating San Pedro cactus without proper authorization is illegal and can lead to legal repercussions.
Datura

Datura, also known as jimsonweed, contains tropane alkaloids that can cause hallucinations and delirium. Growing datura without authorization is illegal in many places and can result in legal consequences.
Betel Nut

Betel nut, or areca nut, contains stimulant compounds and is often chewed for its psychoactive effects. Growing betel nuts without proper authorization is illegal in many countries and can lead to legal penalties.
Blue Lotus

Blue lotus contains psychoactive compounds and has been used for its sedative and hallucinogenic effects. Cultivating blue lotus without authorization is illegal in many places and can result in criminal charges.
Kratom

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that contains psychoactive compounds and is often used for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. Growing kratom without proper authorization is illegal in many countries and can lead to legal consequences.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.