Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a popular psychedelic drug. They contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, which causes a range of physical and psychological effects when ingested, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. While shrooms are typically eaten fresh or dried, brewed into tea, or cooked into food, some people also smoke them. However, smoking shrooms comes with its own set of risks and side effects. In this article, we will explore the effects of smoking shrooms and compare them to other methods of ingestion to determine if mushrooms are a better alternative to smoking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of smoking shrooms | No scientific evidence that smoking shrooms produces psychoactive effects |
| Health risks of smoking shrooms | Irritated lungs, respiratory issues, increased chances of developing a mental health disorder, weakened immune system, adverse effects on the cardiovascular system |
| Health risks of consuming shrooms | Nausea, vomiting, disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, confusion, frightening hallucinations, flashbacks |
| Legality of shrooms | Magic mushrooms are decriminalized in Denver |
| Addiction | Physical addiction is rare, but psychological addiction is more common |
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What You'll Learn
The effects of smoking mushrooms
Smoking mushrooms, or "shrooms", is not a suggested approach to consumption. While it is possible to smoke dried shrooms, which have been crushed into a powder, this method of consumption carries extra health risks and is unlikely to produce the desired psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin, the active compound in shrooms, breaks down at high temperatures, so lighting up shrooms kills the ingredient responsible for the trippy effects. There is no scientific evidence that smoking shrooms produces psychoactive effects, and most users who have tried it claim that the method is useless, producing a mild high or none at all.
Smoking shrooms carries the general risks associated with any type of smoke, which contains harmful toxins and particulates that can damage lung tissue and blood vessels and increase the risk of lung cancer. If shrooms are smoked with tobacco or cannabis, as is common, these health risks are compounded. Smoking shrooms also carries extra risk for the lungs in the form of mould spores, which can increase the risk of lung inflammation and infection.
In addition to the health risks, the absence of any psychological effects when smoking shrooms could lead to people abusing the drug in an attempt to feel the desired effects. Shrooms are typically ingested orally, either dry or fresh, and can be eaten as-is, steeped in boiling water or tea, or added to other foods such as chocolate, soups, smoothies, or milkshakes.
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The health risks of smoking mushrooms
Smoking mushrooms, or "shrooms", carries several health risks. Firstly, there is a risk of respiratory problems and lung issues, including lung injury. This is due to the inhalation of smoke and potential exposure to harmful spores and toxins from burning plant material.
Secondly, smoking mushrooms can lead to unpredictable effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and stomach upset. While the high from smoking mushrooms is often described as mild, combining substances, such as cannabis or tobacco, can increase the likelihood of a "bad trip" and other adverse effects.
Additionally, there is a concern that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may exacerbate or trigger mental health issues, particularly in individuals predisposed to conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Psilocybin use may also lead to psychological dependence, with users developing cravings and a need to escape reality or manage emotional challenges.
Furthermore, the act of smoking mushrooms can result in the inhalation of harmful mold spores, which can increase the risk of lung inflammation and infections, especially in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of smoking mushrooms in producing psychoactive effects is questionable, and most information on the effects of smoking mushrooms is derived from personal accounts rather than scientific research. Overall, the consumption of magic mushrooms, regardless of the method, carries inherent risks, and it is always advisable to abstain from their use.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first regulated by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, and the possession and use of these substances are prohibited under federal law. However, there has been a push for decriminalization at the state level. For example, in 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the US to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and other cities like Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Somerville have followed suit. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use. As of 2025, there is a bill pending in the California State Legislature that would legalize the "possession, obtaining, giving away, or transportation of specified quantities" of psilocybin.
In other countries, the legality of magic mushrooms varies. For example, in Canada, psilocybin mushrooms are regulated by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. In the United Kingdom, they are regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Germany has specifically criminalized the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores since 1998, and other US states like California, Georgia, and Idaho have followed suit. On the other hand, New Mexico has ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms for personal use does not qualify as "manufacturing a controlled substance."
While there is a movement to decriminalize psilocybin, it is important to note that there are potential risks associated with its use. Magic mushrooms can cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and bad trips. Regular use can also lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs. Therefore, while some jurisdictions are moving towards decriminalization, it is essential to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and be aware of the potential risks involved.
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The history of magic mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. While there is some debate about the historical use of magic mushrooms, there is evidence to suggest that they have been used by various cultures for thousands of years.
Some historians believe that cave paintings from as early as 9000 BCE in North Africa and Europe may depict the use of magic mushrooms. Additionally, prehistoric rock art in Spain and Algeria suggests that hallucinogenic mushrooms were used in religious rituals and ceremonies as early as 6000 years ago.
In Mesoamerica, magic mushrooms have a long history of use among the native peoples, including the Aztecs and Mayans, for religious communion, divination, and healing. Mushroom stones, motifs, and art found in Guatemala and Mexico depict the use of magic mushrooms in these cultures. For example, a statuette dating from around 200 CE found in Colima, Mexico, depicts a mushroom that strongly resembles Psilocybe mexicana, a species of hallucinogenic mushroom.
In more recent history, magic mushrooms were introduced to the United States in the 20th century by an executive at J.P. Morgan Bank who discovered them on vacation. In 1957, R. Gordon Wasson, a successful banker and enthusiast of magic mushrooms, travelled to Mexico and participated in a Mazatec ceremony involving the use of magic mushrooms. He later wrote about his experiences and helped bring attention to the use of magic mushrooms in Western culture. In 1960, counterculture icon Timothy Leary read an article on magic mushrooms and began distributing psychedelics throughout the US during the hippie movement. Despite their growing popularity, magic mushrooms were made illegal in the United States in 1970. However, this did not stop their use, and in 1976, writer and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna released a book called "Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide", which contributed to the continued interest in magic mushrooms.
In recent years, there has been a push for the decriminalization and medicinal use of magic mushrooms. In 2018, researchers at Johns Hopkins University confirmed that magic mushrooms can be used medicinally to treat conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. As a result, cities like Denver, Colorado, and Oakland, California, have decriminalized the use of magic mushrooms, and other states are considering similar measures.
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The different ways to consume magic mushrooms
While there are several ways to consume magic mushrooms, it is important to note that they are a psychedelic drug and carry certain risks. Magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, but regular use may cause people to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin. Moreover, there is a risk of a ""bad trip""", which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted senses of self, and even risk-taking behaviour that could lead to injury or death. Using magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, alcohol, or amphetamines, can also elevate the risk of serious side effects.
Eating Fresh or Dried Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms can be consumed by eating them directly. Some people eat them as they are, while others mix them with food to mask their bitter taste. They can also be dipped in chocolate or added to soups, smoothies, or milkshakes.
Brewing Mushroom Tea
Another popular method is to brew the mushrooms into a tea. This involves steeping the mushrooms, either fresh or dried, in boiling water. This method is believed to help with the bitter taste and make the mushrooms easier to consume.
Mixing with Food or Drinks
To mask the bitter taste of the mushrooms, they can be mixed with various foods or drinks. This includes cooking with the mushrooms, adding them to soups or smoothies, or even baking them into desserts like chocolate. They can also be soaked in lemon juice, a process known as "lemon tekking."
Smoking
While it is possible to smoke magic mushrooms, it is not a recommended method of consumption. There is limited research on the effects of smoking mushrooms, and most reports are anecdotal. Some people crush dried mushrooms into a powder and smoke it on its own or mixed with tobacco or cannabis. However, smoking any substance can be harmful, and there is a risk of respiratory and lung problems. Additionally, there is a lack of evidence that smoking mushrooms produces the same psychoactive effects as consuming them orally.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are a type of mushroom that contains the hallucinogenic drugs psilocybin or psilocin. These substances can cause hallucinations and distort the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary between people. Some people experience euphoria, peacefulness, spiritual awakening, derealisation, distorted thinking, visual alteration, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, muscle weakness, unusual body sensations, nausea and vomiting. A 'bad trip' can include frightening hallucinations, panic, trouble distinguishing between fantasy and reality, disturbing or downright frightening hallucinations, panic, negative physical sensations, paranoia, confusion and anxiety.
Yes, dried shrooms can be crushed into a powder and smoked by rolling them up on their own or by mixing them with tobacco or cannabis. However, there is no scientific evidence that smoking shrooms produces the same psychoactive effects as ingesting them.
The smoke produced from smoking mushrooms can be too harsh, causing lung irritation and respiratory issues. Smoking shrooms can also lower the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections. There is also a risk of overconsumption, as it is challenging to know the exact psychoactive compounds in each dose without conducting an in-depth scientific analysis.
According to current research, psilocybin is not addictive and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use. However, further research is needed. While physical addiction is rare, psychological addiction is more common.
