[HPforGrownups] Musings About the Regulation of Potions

[Elizabeth Dalton]

No: HPFGUIDX 32071

cindysphynx wrote:
> 
> Now that we've had an entire major plot twist rest on the use of a
> potion (polyjuice potion in GoF), I started wondering why it isn't
> regulated by MoM.  We're told that love potions are banned at
> Hogwarts, and that Veritaserum is strictly regulated by MoM.
> Polyjuice potion allows identity theft, and I can't think of any
> legitimate use for it except perhaps official uses such as spying and
> law enforcement.  Nevertheless, it appears that anyone is permitted
> to brew it up, even kids.
> 

But the kids have to get a note from the teacher to get the book (Moste Potente
Potions, IIRC) from the restricted section of the library, and the librarian
looks very skeptical about their wanting to get that book. It doesn't seem like
a commonly available potion.

But you're right, use of potions in general seems rather unregulated, compared
to what we're used to in "real life."

Elizabeth
(who is wondering if dieting potions in the wizard world are as dangerous as
their equivalents in the real world)