Sarah Brown
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain the psychedelic substances psilocybin and psilocin. They are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, with some people experiencing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and distorted senses of time, place, and reality. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last approximately four to six hours. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are risks associated with their consumption, including unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, adverse physical effects such as loss of coordination and dizziness, and the possibility of a bad trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin |
| Administration | Eaten fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, or mixed with food |
| Onset of effects | 30 minutes when eaten, 5-10 minutes when taken as soup or tea |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, change in consciousness, change in perception, chills, dilated pupils, euphoria, facial flushes, fast heart rate, feelings of wellbeing, headache, higher body temperature, increased sweating, irregular heart rate, nausea, vomiting, yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, panic, psychosis, flashbacks, impaired memory, tolerance, delusions, altered sense of self, mood swings, fear, loss of coordination, dizziness, slurred speech |
| Long-term effects | Psychiatric illness, flashbacks, risk of developing psychosis |
| Addiction | Low risk of addiction, but research is ongoing |
| Poisoning | Risk of poisoning from picking and consuming the wrong types of mushrooms |
| Drug interactions | Taking certain additional psychoactive drugs may reduce or end the effects of hallucinogens by counteracting their effects on the brain |
| Detection in drug tests | May show up on specific drug tests designed for hallucinogens, but many common drug tests do not test for these compounds |
| Legal status | Illegal in many places |
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What You'll Learn
What are magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic drugs that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic. They are typically consumed orally, either fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely and depend on factors such as the type and potency of the mushroom, dose, and the person's body type and state of mind.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when ingested and can last approximately four to six hours. Early effects may include nausea, excessive yawning, and changes in sensory perception and thought patterns. As the "trip" progresses, individuals may experience hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. Visual and auditory hallucinations are common, where individuals see or hear things that aren't there or are distorted.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance and an increased risk of a "bad trip". A bad trip is characterized by terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The risk of a bad trip is higher when consuming larger doses or stronger mushrooms, or when an individual is experiencing feelings of anxiety or stress prior to ingestion. It is important to note that there is currently no way to end a bad trip other than waiting for it to run its course.
In very rare cases, consuming extremely large amounts of magic mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning as hallucinogenic mushrooms can be mistaken for poisonous varieties that resemble them. Long-term effects of magic mushroom use may include flashbacks, where individuals experience recurrences of certain aspects of their previous trips, even years after the initial drug experience.
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How do people consume magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are hallucinogenic when consumed. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Magic mushrooms can be consumed in several ways. They are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. Some people also consume magic mushrooms by brewing them into a tea with other dried mushrooms or putting them in an omelette to hide their strong earthy taste and rubber-like texture. Liquid psilocybin is another way of consuming magic mushrooms. It is made by extracting psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic drug found in mushrooms, and it comes in small bottles or vials. Magic mushrooms can also be sold illegally in the form of dried whole mushrooms or powder.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5-10 minutes when taken as soup, tea, or in liquid psilocybin form, and can last approximately four to six hours. The strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and where they grow. One mushroom may have different concentrations of active ingredients, and consequently, the effects depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can have risks. They can affect everyone differently, and some people may experience negative effects or a 'bad trip'. Mixing magic mushrooms with other substances can also elevate the risks of serious side effects. Magic mushrooms are also illegal in some places, such as Canada, and possession or consumption may result in legal consequences.
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What are the effects of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or mushies, are a hallucinogenic substance. They contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic. They are typically consumed dried or powdered, but can also be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and influenced by a number of factors, including dosage, age, weight, personality, emotional state, environment, and history of mental illness. They usually occur within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours.
The effects of magic mushrooms can include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. People may see colours, shapes, or scenes, hear things that aren't real, or lose their sense of time and space. They may also experience a distorted sense of self, feeling that they are one with the universe. Magic mushrooms can also cause physical side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, chills, dilated pupils, facial flushing, and increased sweating.
In some cases, magic mushrooms can lead to negative experiences, such as anxiety, paranoia, panic, and frightening hallucinations. These negative experiences, often referred to as "bad trips", can be influenced by a person's mood, expectations, and environment. Regular users of magic mushrooms may also experience flashbacks, which can be disturbing.
Despite the potential risks, magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in religious rituals and spiritual practices. Researchers are currently exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it is important to note that the use of any drug carries risks, and magic mushrooms should be approached with caution.
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What are the risks of consuming magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are still several risks associated with their consumption.
Firstly, it is important to note that psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug, indicating that it has a high potential for misuse and currently lacks accepted medical use in treatment within the United States. Moreover, magic mushrooms are illegal in most places. Consuming them can lead to hallucinations, perceptual changes, and sensory distortions. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary across individuals and are influenced by factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations.
One of the primary risks associated with magic mushroom consumption is the possibility of a ""bad trip." This can include feelings of fear, paranoia, anxiety, and short-term psychosis. The risk of a bad trip is heightened by higher doses or pre-existing feelings of anxiety. Additionally, consuming an especially large or strong batch of mushrooms can lead to unwanted effects and increase the likelihood of a bad trip.
Another risk to consider is the potential for mushroom poisoning. Poisonous mushrooms that closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms can be mistakenly consumed, leading to severe illness or even fatality. Furthermore, magic mushroom products are often contaminated or mixed with other drugs, which can result in poisoning symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, nausea, and vomiting.
Long-term effects of magic mushroom use include flashbacks involving previous experiences with the drug. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years later and can be disturbing, especially if they recall frightening hallucinations or negative experiences. Additionally, regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
It is important to exercise caution and be well-informed about the risks before considering the consumption of magic mushrooms. While they may have potential benefits in specific contexts, they are not a harmless recreational substance.
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How long do the effects of magic mushrooms last?
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic. They can cause hallucinations, perceptual changes, and other psychological effects. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on various factors, including the individual, the dosage, and the method of consumption.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes when ingested and can last approximately four to six hours. However, when consumed as a tea or soup, the effects may be felt within 5 to 15 minutes. The duration of the effects can also vary depending on factors such as the potency of the mushrooms, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as age and body composition. Some people may feel the effects for longer, and lingering effects can last into the next day.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently. The experience may be influenced by factors such as mood, expectations, and the environment. Additionally, regular users of magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous experiences, which can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last use.
Magic mushrooms are typically eliminated from the body within 24 to 48 hours. However, they can be detected in urine tests for up to a week and in hair follicle tests for up to 90 days after consumption. The detection time can vary depending on factors such as the species of mushroom, dosage, and individual differences in metabolism.
While magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, it is important to approach their use with caution. They can induce a range of emotions and experiences, and combining them with certain medications, such as antidepressants, can result in serious conditions like serotonin syndrome.
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Frequently asked questions
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms can vary widely and depend on factors such as dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. The most common effects include hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, anxiety, and panic.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin typically occur within 30 minutes after ingestion and last between four and eight hours. The first 3-4 hours are considered the "peak" of the experience.
The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking hallucinogenic mushrooms. Adverse side effects can range from mild to moderate, but some people may require medical treatment. Hallucinogenic mushrooms may also cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, and there is a risk of poisoning from picking and consuming the wrong types of mushrooms.
Psilocybin is considered a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it is believed to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, and it is being studied for potential therapeutic benefits. The legal status of hallucinogenic mushrooms may vary depending on local and regional regulations.
