Terms of Service

Effective: July 1, 2026 · Last updated: July 1, 2026

⚠️ Critical Safety Notice: Shay's Shrooms is an educational tool. No AI identification system, printed card, or app can guarantee the safe edibility of any wild mushroom. Never consume any wild mushroom based solely on app identification. Always verify using a physical field guide, spore print, and an experienced forager. When in doubt, throw it out. Mushroom misidentification can be fatal.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using Shay's Shrooms (the "App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the App.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Jeff Walker ("we," "us," or "our"), the developer of Shay's Shrooms.

2. Description of Service

Shay's Shrooms is a mycology education and field companion application providing:

Species identification guides and reference cards
Mycology educational content across taxonomy, ecology, foraging, culinary, and medicinal topics
AI-powered mushroom scan and identification assistance
AI chat assistance via Ailah, our mycology specialist
Glossary, flashcards, quiz features, and spaced repetition tools
Foraging logs, permit trackers, and personal progress tools

3. Educational Purpose Only — Critical Limitation

The App is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for expert identification by a qualified mycologist or experienced forager.

The Mushroom Scan tool uses AI image recognition and cannot reliably distinguish between edible and deadly species based on photographs alone. Many dangerous species are visually indistinguishable from edible ones in photographs.
Ailah's responses are generated by AI and may contain errors, outdated information, or misidentifications.
App content is for general educational reference only and may not reflect current taxonomic revisions, regional species variations, or individual specimen conditions.
You assume all risk associated with foraging decisions. We expressly disclaim all responsibility for any illness, injury, or death resulting from mushroom consumption based on information from this App.

Safe foraging requires a physical field guide, spore print examination, physical inspection of the full specimen including the stipe base, and confirmation by an experienced forager. When in doubt, throw it out.

4. Psilocybin and Controlled Substance Information

The App includes educational information about psilocybin-containing fungi, Amanita muscaria, and other psychoactive species for harm reduction and scientific education purposes only. The legal status of such species varies by jurisdiction. It is your sole responsibility to know and comply with the laws applicable in your location. We do not encourage, facilitate, or endorse illegal activity of any kind.

5. User Responsibilities

By using the App, you agree to:

Use the App only for lawful purposes
Not rely on App content as the sole basis for any foraging or consumption decision
Comply with all applicable laws regarding foraging, land access, and permits in your jurisdiction
Comply with all applicable laws regarding controlled substances in your jurisdiction
Not use the App in ways that could endanger yourself or others
Seek immediate medical attention and contact Poison Control (US/Canada: 1-800-222-1222) if you suspect mushroom poisoning

6. In-App Purchases

Optional in-app purchases are processed by Google Play and subject to Google Play's terms. Purchases are generally non-refundable except as required by applicable law or Google Play's refund policies.

7. Intellectual Property

All App content including educational text, species data, and the Ailah AI persona is owned by or licensed to Jeff Walker. User-generated content (foray logs, notes, personal data) remains yours — all such data is stored locally on your device.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT APP CONTENT IS ACCURATE, COMPLETE, OR CURRENT, OR THAT THE APP WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING ILLNESS, INJURY, OR DEATH RESULTING FROM MUSHROOM CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF DATA, OR ECONOMIC LOSSES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM USE OF THE APP OR RELIANCE ON APP CONTENT.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US IN THE SIX MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, OR $10, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Jeff Walker and Shay's Shrooms from any claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses arising from your use of the App, your violation of these Terms, or your foraging or consumption decisions.

11. Third-Party Services

The App uses Anthropic's AI API (chat and scan features) and Google Play (distribution and purchases). Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms. We are not responsible for third-party service practices.

12. Termination

We may discontinue the App or any features at any time without notice. Sections 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 survive termination.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The effective date at the top will reflect any changes. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact

ainstein.foundation@gmail.com