Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs that people use recreationally to experience hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. They are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. While some people use magic mushrooms recreationally, there is also increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses, with ongoing research investigating psilocybin as a possible treatment for various mental health disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psychedelic mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions, increased heart rate, nausea, yawning, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place and reality |
| Use | Eaten fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, mixed with food, injected intravenously (not recommended) |
| Onset of effects | 15-45 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Legality | Illegal in most countries, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances |
| Safety | Not physically or psychologically addictive, but tolerance develops rapidly with continued use, may cause flashbacks, may be poisonous |
| Therapeutic potential | Research suggests potential to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use disorders, PTSD, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' history of use in Indigenous American cultures
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin, are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs. They have hallucinogenic effects, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and senses.
Indigenous American cultures have a long history of using magic mushrooms for medicinal and spiritual purposes. For example, the Mazatec people in Mexico developed medicinal and sacramental uses of these mushrooms. However, their knowledge was shared with a U.S. writer in 1957, which led to the monetisation of "magic mushrooms" and the disruption of Mazatec cultural and religious practices.
In the early 20th century, it was believed that all Indigenous practices in Mexico surrounding the use of magic mushrooms had been suppressed by colonial powers. However, references in Inquisition documents from the 16th to 18th centuries suggest that the use of psilocybin mushrooms continued among different Indigenous groups despite Spanish colonial prohibition.
Mushroom effigies found at Hopewell sites in the Ohio River Valley also suggest that Native American tribes may have used psychoactive mushrooms. Additionally, some Native American peoples use peyote, another hallucinogenic substance, as a sacred medicine.
The use of magic mushrooms can have varying effects on individuals, and it is important to exercise caution when consuming them due to the risks involved.
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The potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions.
Psilocybin has a wide range of potential effects. A person's personality, expectations, surrounding people, environment, the amount taken, potency, age, unique biology, sex, and history of drug use all play a role in how they respond to it. Effects may include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. A person taking psilocybin may also have a mystical experience, where they enter a dreamlike, euphoric state, perhaps having visions or reliving memories.
Despite the many potential adverse effects of psilocybin, such as disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and flashbacks, there is a growing body of research that suggests that, when administered in controlled conditions with supportive therapy, the compound may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders.
- Depression: Research suggests that psilocybin may help to regulate the brain's reward system in people with depression or suicidal ideation. A 2023 study found that adults who took a single 25mg dose of psilocybin with psychological support experienced a clinically significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to adults who took a placebo. Another 2024 review suggests that psilocybin may have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects.
- Anxiety: Research suggests that psilocybin may be useful in treating anxiety, including in people with end-stage cancer.
- Substance Use Disorders: Psilocybin is being studied as a potential treatment for substance use disorders. Its potential in this area is promising, as it has a low level of toxicity and a low risk of addiction.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Psilocybin is being investigated as a possible treatment for OCD.
While magic mushrooms have shown potential therapeutic benefits, it is important to note that they can also have adverse effects and health risks, particularly when used outside of a medical setting or without proper supervision. Additionally, the stigma associated with psilocybin and regulatory barriers have made it challenging to obtain funding for clinical trials and further research.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first subjected to federal regulation by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965. The use, sale, and possession of psilocybin in the United States are illegal under federal law. In May 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. The initiative did not legalize mushrooms but prohibited the city from spending any resources prosecuting people for their use or possession. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised use. However, much of the measure decriminalizing psilocybin was repealed in 2024, effectively recriminalizing it.
In Canada, magic mushrooms are regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Activities involving the substance, such as sale, possession, and production, are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada. In the United Kingdom, magic mushrooms are regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. In Australia, the drug is controlled by the Poisons Standard, effective October 2015.
Some jurisdictions have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, including Germany and several US states. However, in some jurisdictions, psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.
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The short-term effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours.
- Hallucinations: Magic mushrooms can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, or a distorted sense of reality, which may be frightening.
- Altered state of consciousness: Magic mushrooms can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions, leading to feelings of detachment.
- Intense emotions and sensory experiences: Magic mushrooms can induce intense emotions and enhance sensory experiences.
- Spiritual experiences: Some users report having spiritual experiences while under the influence of magic mushrooms.
- Psychological regression: Magic mushrooms can lead to psychological regression, or a return to earlier experiences or states of mind.
- Euphoria: A sense of euphoria or well-being is often reported by users.
- Anxiety and paranoia: Higher doses of magic mushrooms can lead to feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness.
- Impaired judgment: Magic mushrooms can affect a person's judgment, and driving under the influence is likely to cause accidents.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and vary widely depending on the person, the dosage, and the context in which the drug is used. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from consuming the wrong type of mushroom, as magic mushrooms can look very similar to poisonous ones.
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The potential for negative experiences with magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms, contain the compound psilocybin, which can induce a range of psychological effects, including hallucinations and altered perception. While some people may seek out magic mushrooms for recreational purposes or as a way to enhance spiritual experiences, there is also a potential for negative experiences, commonly known as "bad trips."
Set and setting refer to the mental and physical environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. A comfortable, familiar, and safe setting with supportive people can help create a positive experience. On the other hand, consuming mushrooms in an unfamiliar or stressful environment can increase the likelihood of a negative experience. It is important to be in a positive frame of mind before taking mushrooms and to ensure that any potential stressors or conflicts are resolved beforehand.
Dosage also plays a crucial role. Taking a higher dose of mushrooms can increase the intensity of the experience, but it also increases the likelihood of a negative reaction. It is always advisable to start with a lower dose to assess how your body and mind react to the mushrooms. Additionally, individual brain chemistry varies, and some people may be more predisposed to having a negative reaction. This could be due to underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, or a personal or family history of such conditions.
During a negative mushroom experience, users may feel intense anxiety, paranoia, and a loss of control. They may also experience disturbing hallucinations and a distorted sense of self and reality. In some severe cases, users may experience psychosis, a break with reality, which can be extremely frightening and dangerous. It is important to have a sober trip sitter present who can help keep the user safe and provide reassurance during a difficult experience.
While negative mushroom experiences can be frightening, they can also potentially lead to personal growth and self-understanding if integrated properly. It is important to process and reflect on the experience afterward, ideally with the help of a therapist or guide who has experience in this area.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are a group of psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are hallucinogenic substances. They are often consumed for recreational purposes and can induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They may also be mixed with food to mask their bitter taste. It is important to note that magic mushrooms should never be injected intravenously as it can lead to serious health issues.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically include hallucinations, distorted senses, and an altered sense of reality. They can also induce heightened emotions, creativity, laughter, and a sense of mental clarity. However, negative effects such as nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness may occur, especially with higher doses.
According to studies, there is little evidence that individuals can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms. However, tolerance to the drug's effects can develop with regular use, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
While magic mushrooms are not considered highly toxic, they can still pose risks. The main concern is the potential consumption of poisonous mushrooms, as many species look similar. Additionally, magic mushrooms can induce negative experiences, commonly known as ""bad trips," and may lead to long-term mental health issues in rare cases.
