John Miller
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. They are often consumed fresh or dried, and their effects can range from mild feelings of relaxation to intense hallucinations and delusions. While the psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms are well-known, it is unclear if their stems specifically contribute to these effects. Some sources suggest that the stems of certain mushrooms, like shiitake mushrooms, are woody and tough, and thus removed before consumption. However, the stems of other mushrooms, such as white button and oyster mushrooms, are edible and provide a savoury taste. Further research is needed to determine the concentration of psilocybin in mushroom stems and their specific contribution to the overall psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushroom stems psychoactive? | No clear answer, but the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin is found in magic mushrooms. |
| Psilocybin | Classified as a Schedule I drug in the US, with a high potential for misuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment. |
| Magic mushrooms | Carry the risk of triggering mental and emotional problems and causing accidents while under the influence. |
| Magic mushrooms effects | Mild trip with feelings of relaxation or drowsiness, to hallucinations, delusions, panic, and seizures. |
| Therapeutic uses | Studies show effectiveness in relieving emotional distress in people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. |
| Therapeutic uses | The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins is researching how psychedelics affect conditions like cluster headaches. |
| Microdosing | Involves taking very small amounts of psilocybin to test its benefits while minimizing unwanted side effects. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin
- The effects of psilocybin include altered perceptions, euphoria, and a distorted sense of time
- The amount of psilocybin varies among mushrooms, making it hard to predict the length and intensity of a trip
- Mushrooms with white or whitish-grey stems when fresh are likely to be hallucinogenic
- Mushroom stems can be woody and tough to chew, but they are edible and can add flavour to dishes
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin
Psilocybin mushrooms are typically consumed orally, either fresh or dried. They can be eaten directly, brewed as tea, or added to other foods to mask their bitter flavour. The effects of psilocybin take 20 to 40 minutes to onset and can last up to six hours, which is the same amount of time it takes for the body to metabolize and excrete the resulting psilocin. The amount of psilocybin and psilocin in any given magic mushroom is unknown and varies significantly, making it challenging to predict the length, intensity, and type of "trip" an individual will experience.
The consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to a range of physical and psychological effects. Physically, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. Psychologically, the effects can include hallucinations, an altered sense of time, euphoria, a distorted sense of reality, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. The experience can range from mild feelings of relaxation or drowsiness to more intense reactions such as delusions, panic, and even seizures.
While the psychoactive effects of shrooms are sought after by some users, researchers are also exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Studies have indicated that psilocybin may help relieve emotional distress in individuals with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. Additionally, the practice of microdosing, which involves taking very small amounts of psilocybin, has been explored as a way to manage cluster headaches while minimizing the psychoactive effects of the drug. However, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most places and carry risks of adverse effects, including the potential for triggering mental and emotional problems.
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The effects of psilocybin include altered perceptions, euphoria, and a distorted sense of time
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushroom varieties, is known to induce a range of psychological, perceptual, interpersonal, and physical effects. The effects of psilocybin include altered perceptions, euphoria, and a distorted sense of time.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which influence mood, cognition, and perception. The effects of psilocybin are generally similar to those of LSD, including intense changes in mood and feelings. Users often experience an altered perception of time and space, with time appearing to slow down or stand still.
The effects of psilocybin vary between individuals and can range from mild to intense experiences. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, expectations, past experiences, and personality may influence the intensity and nature of the experience. While some users report feelings of euphoria, connection, and spiritual significance, others may encounter negative effects such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and panic.
The amount of psilocybin and psilocin in magic mushrooms can vary greatly, making it challenging to predict the length, intensity, and type of "trip" an individual will experience. Consuming mushrooms containing psilocybin can lead to a spectrum of effects, from mild trips with relaxation to intense hallucinations, delusions, and panic. It is important to note that psilocybin is considered a Schedule I drug, indicating a high potential for misuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment, despite ongoing research into its therapeutic benefits.
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The amount of psilocybin varies among mushrooms, making it hard to predict the length and intensity of a trip
Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. It is present in varying concentrations in over 200 species of Basidiomycota mushrooms. The amount of psilocybin and its metabolite, psilocin, contained in any given magic mushroom is unknown, and mushrooms vary greatly in terms of the amount of psychoactive contents. This makes it very hard to tell the length, intensity, and type of "trip" someone will experience.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea and can last approximately four to six hours. However, the duration of a mushroom trip can vary based on several factors, with dosage being the most significant. The first session typically lasts about 30 minutes and requires a one-hour stay. The residual effects of a psilocybin experience can extend up to 24 hours, with benefits lasting even longer.
Psilocybin produces a variety of psychological, perceptual, interpersonal, and physical effects. After ingesting psilocybin, the user may experience a wide range of emotional effects, which can include disorientation, lethargy, giddiness, euphoria, joy, and depression. In one study, 31% of volunteers given a high dose reported feelings of significant fear, and 17% experienced transient paranoia.
It's important to note that while researchers are currently exploring the therapeutic uses of psilocybin, these substances are only utilized in controlled research and medical settings under the supervision of trained professionals. Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places and carry risks that people should recognize.
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Mushrooms with white or whitish-grey stems when fresh are likely to be hallucinogenic
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. They are known to have a long history of spiritual use and are also taken recreationally to experience a sense of euphoria, connection, and a distorted sense of time. The psilocybin in magic mushrooms is converted to psilocin in the body, which is believed to influence serotonin in the brain, leading to altered and unusual perceptions.
Magic mushrooms typically have long, slender stems topped by caps with dark gills on the underside. Fresh mushrooms with white or whitish-grey stems and dark brown edges with light brown or white centres are likely to be hallucinogenic. When dried, these mushrooms turn rusty brown with off-white patches.
The effects of consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms can vary from mild feelings of relaxation to frightening experiences marked by hallucinations, delusions, and panic. The length, intensity, and type of "trip" are difficult to predict as the amount of psilocybin and psilocin in any given mushroom is unknown and varies greatly.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal in most places and carry risks such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination, as well as triggering mental and emotional problems. They can also cause accidents, especially when combined with other substances, and may lead to long-term changes in personality and flashbacks.
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Mushroom stems can be woody and tough to chew, but they are edible and can add flavour to dishes
Mushroom stems can vary in texture, ranging from soft and stringy to dense and woody. While some stems are indeed chewy and tough, they are perfectly edible and safe to consume. The stems of certain mushrooms, such as shiitake, are known to be woody and fibrous, while others, like button mushrooms, tend to have more tender stems.
The texture of mushroom stems can be altered through various cooking techniques. For example, slicing the stems thinly can help them cook more evenly with the caps. Braising or slow-roasting "meaty" stems, such as those from king oyster mushrooms, can create a satisfying chew similar to meat substitutes. Grating or mincing mushroom stems can also achieve a consistent texture when mixing them into fillings or meat dishes.
For mushroom stems that are particularly tough or woody, they can still be used to enhance the flavour of dishes without being directly consumed. Stems can be added to soups, stews, broths, or stocks to impart a rich, nutty, or umami flavour. Freezing mushroom stems and then adding them to simmering water along with other ingredients is an excellent way to make a flavourful broth.
Harvesting mushrooms at the right time is crucial for tender stems. Young mushrooms tend to have more delicate stems, while waiting too long can result in stringy or overly tough stems. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific type of mushroom and its growth stage when deciding how to incorporate the stems into dishes.
In summary, while mushroom stems can sometimes be woody and challenging to chew, they are edible and can add flavour and texture to various dishes. With the right cooking techniques and creative approaches, mushroom stems can be a valuable component of a meal, reducing waste and providing new culinary possibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
The stems of mushrooms do not have psychoactive properties. However, the stems of some mushrooms like white button, crimini, portabella, oyster, and king oyster mushrooms are edible.
The hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is responsible for their psychoactive properties. The psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body, which influences serotonin in the brain, leading to altered and unusual perceptions.
Consuming magic mushrooms can lead to a range of effects, from mild feelings of relaxation or drowsiness to more intense experiences marked by hallucinations, delusions, and panic. The length and intensity of the "trip" can vary greatly depending on the amount of psilocybin and psilocin in the mushrooms.
While magic mushrooms are primarily known for their psychoactive effects, researchers have also explored the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Studies have shown that psilocybin can help relieve emotional distress in people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses and may have benefits in treating other mental health conditions.
