Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. They are typically consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour and can last for up to six hours. During this time, users may experience hallucinations, changes in sensory perception, and shifts in their sense of reality. While magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, they are illegal in most parts of the world due to their mind-altering effects. However, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental and behavioural health conditions. As a result, some cities have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of magic mushrooms for personal use, and other regions are considering similar reforms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Drug classification | Hallucinogen, psychedelic |
| Drug effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, mystical experiences, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, psychosis |
| Drug onset | 30 minutes when eaten, 5-10 minutes when taken as tea |
| Drug duration | 3-6 hours |
| Drug form | Fresh, cooked, brewed tea, mixed with food, powder, capsule |
| Legality | Illegal in the US, decriminalized in some cities, illegal in India |
| Medical uses | Treatment for psychiatric and behavioral conditions, treatment-resistant depression, cancer-related depression, OCD, cluster headaches |
| Side effects | Nausea, yawning, drowsiness, flashbacks, tolerance, withdrawal, accidental poisoning |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are a natural fungus
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the hallucinogenic drugs psilocin and psilocybin. They are often consumed for their mind-altering effects, which can cause hallucinations and distort a person's thoughts, emotions, and senses. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption and can last between 3 to 6 hours.
The use of magic mushrooms as a hallucinogenic substance has a long history, with potential depictions in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and more certain representations in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. Today, magic mushrooms are found on all continents, with the majority of species occurring in subtropical humid forests. However, they are often illegal, and their possession and sale are subject to significant legal penalties.
While magic mushrooms have a wide range of potential health benefits, such as their possible efficacy in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, they also carry risks. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary greatly between individuals, and consuming a large amount or a strong batch can lead to negative experiences, commonly known as a "bad trip." Additionally, magic mushrooms can sometimes be mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can have dangerous and even deadly consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and be well-informed when considering the use of magic mushrooms.
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The risks of consuming magic mushrooms
Mushrooms that contain the compound psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," have long been used for their hallucinogenic effects. While some people may view these mushrooms as a natural and harmless drug, it is important to understand that they can pose significant risks and dangers to those who consume them.
One of the primary risks associated with magic mushroom consumption is the unpredictability of the trip or hallucinogenic experience. The effects of psilocybin are often unpredictable and can vary widely depending on the individual, the dosage, and the environment in which they are ingested. Users may experience a pleasant and euphoric trip, but they may also encounter a "bad trip," which can be characterized by anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations that feel very real and threatening. During a bad trip, individuals may act erratically and put themselves or others in harm's way.
Another risk is the potential for mushroom misidentification. Many species of mushrooms grow in the wild, and it can be challenging for even experienced foragers to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to severe illness or even death. This risk is heightened when individuals attempt to pick and consume wild mushrooms without proper knowledge and training.
Additionally, the consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to negative psychological effects, particularly in those with pre-existing mental health conditions or a personal or family history of mental illness. Psilocybin can trigger or exacerbate underlying psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, or depression. In some cases, it may even induce a psychotic episode or a prolonged period of confusion and disorientation. These negative psychological impacts can be long-lasting and may require professional treatment to manage.
It is also important to consider the legal implications of consuming magic mushrooms. In many places, psilocybin-containing mushrooms are illegal, and possession, cultivation, and distribution can result in criminal charges and penalties. Even in places where they have been decriminalized or legalized for therapeutic use, there are typically strict regulations surrounding their use. Individuals choosing to consume magic mushrooms risk encountering legal consequences, which can have significant impacts on their lives, including affecting their employment, housing, and overall social standing.
Finally, it is worth noting that combining magic mushrooms with other substances, including alcohol, can increase the risks significantly. Mixing substances can lead to unpredictable and dangerous interactions, exacerbating the negative side effects of both drugs. This includes heightened disorientation, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of harm due to impaired motor skills and coordination.
In conclusion, while magic mushrooms may be viewed by some as a natural and seemingly harmless recreational drug, they carry significant risks. These range from unpredictable hallucinogenic experiences and dangerous mushroom misidentification to negative psychological impacts and legal consequences. It is important for individuals to be fully informed of these risks before considering the consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and to always seek professional medical advice if struggling with any adverse effects.
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The effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, contain the drug psilocybin, which is converted to psilocin in the body. They are classified as a hallucinogen and have been used in religious rituals for thousands of years. They are typically consumed dried or powdered and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be mixed with food or drinks to mask their bitter taste.
While some people take magic mushrooms for their psychoactive effects, researchers have also explored the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Studies have shown that psilocybin may be effective in treating mental health disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It has also been found to relieve emotional distress in people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. However, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms are currently classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, which means they are illegal to possess, sell, or give away.
Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to tolerance, with the drug having little to no effect over time. Additionally, some people may experience flashbacks, where they relive a previous magic mushroom experience, and these can be disturbing. Another potential risk of taking magic mushrooms is the possibility of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, as some mushroom species can be toxic and even life-threatening. While magic mushrooms are not considered highly addictive, there is a risk of a "'bad trip", which may include feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis.
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Magic mushrooms as a treatment for psychiatric conditions
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing the psychoactive ingredient psilocybin, have been used as a recreational drug, particularly in the 1960s counterculture. However, recent studies have shown that psilocybin has the potential to be used as a treatment for various psychiatric and behavioural health disorders.
Psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, triggering various psychedelic effects. When administered in controlled conditions with supportive therapy, psilocybin may be useful for treating psychiatric disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. It has also been shown to ease fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer.
In one study, participants with clinical depression who received psilocybin treatment reported less anxiety and improved daily functioning years later. 67% of participants in this study reported being in remission from depression five years after treatment. Another study found that psilocybin, in combination with talk therapy, significantly improved symptoms of clinical depression, with some participants continuing to experience benefits for up to a year after receiving just two doses.
While psilocybin has shown promising results in treating psychiatric conditions, it is not without its drawbacks. In the COMPASS Pathways study, 77% of participants experienced negative side effects such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. A few participants even reported suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviour. Additionally, the stigma associated with its recreational use and the challenging regulatory environment present barriers to its widespread adoption as a therapeutic treatment.
Despite these challenges, the growing body of research suggests that psilocybin has the potential to be a safe and effective treatment for various psychiatric disorders when administered in controlled settings.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic drugs psilocybin, psilocin, or psilocyn. They are often eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 to 45 minutes and can last for up to six hours. During this time, users may experience perceptual changes, such as hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are considered Schedule I controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which means they are illegal to possess, sell, or give away. However, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms at the state and local levels. As of 2025, cities like Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Somerville, Cambridge, and Tacoma have decriminalized the possession of psilocybin mushrooms for personal use, and Oregon has gone a step further by legalizing their supervised non-medical use.
In other countries, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies. For example, in Canada, they are regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, while in the UK, they are covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Some jurisdictions, like Germany, California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, as they do not contain the drugs themselves and are therefore legal in many other areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. They are typically consumed dried, powdered, brewed into a tea, or cooked into food to mask their bitter taste.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely between individuals. They typically begin within 30 minutes of consumption and last between 3 and 6 hours. Users may experience hallucinations, perceptual changes, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, but there are risks associated with their consumption. These include the possibility of a bad trip, delayed headaches, and, in rare cases, flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences. The greatest risk, however, is the potential for misidentification, as some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble magic mushrooms.
