Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms and LSD (acid) are two of the most well-known psychedelics. While they produce similar hallucinogenic effects, they are very different drugs. Mushrooms are wild fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally-occurring psychoactive compound. Psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, but regular use can lead to psychological dependency. Mushrooms are typically eaten dried or brewed into a tea. LSD, on the other hand, is a synthetic chemical that was originally synthesized in a lab. It is commonly ingested orally in the form of drops on gelatin sheets or blotting paper. While both substances can induce a trip, they differ in terms of onset time, duration of effects, dosage, and type of high.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, caps, boomers |
| Composition | Psilocybin, psilocin, and other hallucinogenic substances |
| Origin | Wild mushrooms that grow in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States |
| Species | Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty cap), Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) |
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, psychoactive, calming high, giggles, relaxation, aggression, violence, risky behaviour, paranoia, panic attacks, fear of death, flashbacks, nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, muscle tension, muscular incoordination |
| Duration of effects | 6-8 hours, with some effects lingering for several days |
| Form | Fresh or dried mushrooms eaten raw, mixed with food or brewed into tea |
| Overdose | Possible but rare, with adverse physical and mental effects |
| Addiction | Not considered physically addictive, but can lead to psychological dependency and substance use disorder |
| Legality | Schedule I drug according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally-occurring, hallucinogenic compound
- Mushrooms are usually dried and eaten raw, brewed into tea, or mixed with food
- Mushrooms produce a whole-body experience, affecting the body and mind
- It's hard to know how strong mushrooms are, and there's a risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for hallucinogenic ones
- While physical tolerance and dependence are possible with mushroom use, it takes less LSD to get high and become dependent
Magic mushrooms are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally-occurring, hallucinogenic compound
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound. They are often consumed dried, either alone or mixed with food or drinks, or brewed into a tea. They can also be eaten raw.
Psilocybin is the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms, and it is found in approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5% psilocybin, along with trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance. Once psilocybin mushrooms are digested, the psilocybin breaks down into psilocin, which interacts with the serotonin receptors in the brain.
Magic mushrooms are one of the most well-known psychedelics, often compared to LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), which is a synthetic chemical that produces similar effects. While both substances can induce hallucinations and have similar side effects, they differ in terms of onset time, duration of effects, dosage, and frequency of use. For example, a mushroom trip usually lasts about 6 hours, while an LSD trip can continue for up to 10 hours. Additionally, it takes less LSD to produce psychedelic effects, making it easier to ingest more than intended.
It's important to note that psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. While they are not considered physically addictive, regular use can lead to increased consumption and psychological dependency. Furthermore, consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be dangerous, as some mushrooms that resemble magic mushrooms are poisonous and can cause serious health issues or even death.
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Mushrooms are usually dried and eaten raw, brewed into tea, or mixed with food
Mushrooms, specifically the wild variety known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are often consumed either raw or dried. They can be eaten alone, brewed into tea, or mixed with other foods or drinks. When consumed raw, magic mushrooms can induce hallucinogenic effects on the human brain, with experiences varying from person to person. Some people report giggling, relaxation, or hallucinations. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms are considered a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) due to their potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use in the United States.
Dried mushrooms, whether wild or cultivated varieties like shiitake, wood ear, cloud ear, or trumpet, are commonly used in cooking and can be purchased from most grocery stores. They are often soaked in water to reconstitute them, and this soaking liquid can also be used in cooking to add flavour. The mushrooms can then be strained, chopped, and added to dishes in small amounts to impart a rich, savoury note. Dried mushrooms are especially popular in Asian and European cuisines, where they are used in soups, stir-fries, stews, sauces, pâtés, and gratins.
When preparing magic mushrooms for consumption, it is essential to exercise caution as they can pose health risks. Firstly, it is crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms to avoid poisonous varieties that can cause serious health issues or even death. Additionally, dosage plays a significant role in the effects of magic mushrooms, and it is important to start with small amounts to avoid unpleasant or unexpectedly intense experiences.
In recent years, there has been a shift in the perception of psychedelic drugs, and several parts of the world have decriminalised the recreational use of magic mushrooms. This has led to an increase in their popularity within mainstream culinary culture, although scientific research on the interrelationship between their psychoactive effects and culinary experience remains limited.
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Mushrooms produce a whole-body experience, affecting the body and mind
While both LSD and magic mushrooms are well-known psychedelics, they produce very different experiences. Mushrooms are usually dried (fresh mushrooms can also be used) and eaten raw, cooked with food, brewed into a tea, or taken alone. They can make people giggle, relax, or hallucinate. The effects of mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes to an hour and can last for up to 6 hours. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and how much they took.
While it is hard to know how strong mushrooms are, it is possible to overdose on them after consuming large amounts. In most cases, psilocybin overdoses lead to adverse physical and mental effects, usually categorized as a "bad trip". A bad trip on mushrooms can include terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It can also cause physical side effects such as nausea, sickness, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
It is worth noting that the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms, psilocybin, is not considered physically addictive and rarely leads to compulsive use. However, some users may grow accustomed to the hallucinations and mind-altering effects of psilocybin, resulting in increased consumption and tolerance. Eventually, regular psilocybin use can lead to a psychological dependency on the drug, making it easier to develop a substance use disorder.
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It's hard to know how strong mushrooms are, and there's a risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for hallucinogenic ones
Mushrooms are not acidic, but they do contain psychoactive substances that can induce hallucinations. These mushrooms are often referred to as "magic" mushrooms or shrooms. The principal compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin upon ingestion. Other compounds that may be present include norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin, which can contribute to an "entourage effect" and modify the overall experience.
While mushrooms have been used for their hallucinogenic properties for centuries, it is challenging to determine the potency of a mushroom. The strength of a mushroom can vary depending on the species, with the most potent species belonging to the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary greatly from person to person, and it is nearly impossible to predict how someone will react or whether they will have a ""good" or "bad" trip.
Identifying hallucinogenic mushrooms can be difficult, and there is a significant risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for hallucinogenic ones. This is a serious concern, as evidenced by cases of fatal mushroom poisoning where individuals have mistakenly consumed toxic mushrooms from the genus Galerina, believing them to be from the hallucinogenic genus Psilocybe. Similar mix-ups have occurred with mushrooms from the genus Conocybe, which can be confused with Psilocybe semilanceata. To differentiate between hallucinogenic and poisonous mushrooms, various methods are employed, including morphological characteristics, biochemical analysis, and DNA-based approaches.
To identify hallucinogenic mushrooms, forensic laboratories utilize techniques such as high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of DNA is particularly useful for species identification due to its high polymorphism between species. However, these methods are not always accessible or affordable for routine forensic and clinical analyses. As a result, poison control centres and emergency services play a crucial role in providing rapid assistance and instructions in cases of suspected mushroom poisoning.
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While physical tolerance and dependence are possible with mushroom use, it takes less LSD to get high and become dependent
"Magic" mushrooms are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally-occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are typically eaten raw or dried, brewed into a tea, or mixed with food or drinks to mask their bitter taste. The effects of mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. While the length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary, it is hard to know how strong mushrooms are and how an individual will react to them.
Mushrooms are known to provide a calming high and produce more of a whole-body experience. However, they can also cause stomach problems such as nausea, sickness, and diarrhea, and in some cases, more severe side effects like aggression, violence, and risky behavior. It is also possible to overdose on mushrooms, and in very rare cases, taking a huge amount can lead to death.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), on the other hand, is a synthetic chemical that is man-made from a substance found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. It is commonly sold in drops dried onto gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper, or sugar cubes, and ingested orally. Liquid formulations, tablets, and capsules are also common. LSD trips occur mostly in the cerebral region of the brain and can continue for up to 10 hours.
While physical tolerance and dependence can develop with both mushroom and LSD use, LSD is more potent than magic mushrooms. This means that it takes a smaller amount of LSD to get high and become dependent, increasing the risk of intoxication and overdose. As a result, users are more likely to ingest more LSD than their bodies can handle, leading to a higher likelihood of a "bad trip". Additionally, the longer duration of LSD's side effects might also contribute to the higher number of reports of negative experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are wild mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are typically eaten raw or dried, either alone or mixed with food or drinks, or brewed into a tea.
The effects of magic mushrooms depend on the number of mushrooms taken and vary with the user's mood, personality, and expectations. They can include relaxation, hallucinations, giggling, nausea, and excessive yawning. In rare cases, if someone takes a large amount of mushrooms, the side effects can be severe enough to cause death.
Psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive and rarely lead to compulsive use. However, regular use can lead to a psychological dependency on the drug, making it easier to develop a substance use disorder.
No, magic mushrooms are not safe. They can cause stomach problems such as nausea, sickness, and diarrhea, and can also lead to severe mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. In addition, it is possible to overdose on magic mushrooms, and they can be extremely poisonous and even cause death.
While magic mushrooms and LSD produce similar hallucinogenic effects, they differ in terms of onset time, duration of effects, dosage, and frequency of use. LSD is more potent than magic mushrooms, meaning it takes less to get high and it has a longer duration of effects. Magic mushrooms produce more of a whole-body experience, while an LSD trip is largely cerebral.
