Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a type of macrofungus with a variety of uses and health benefits. They are classified based on their macroscopic structure, with most being basidiomycetes and gilled. However, not all mushrooms fall into this category, and the term mushroom is used loosely to describe various types of fungal fruiting bodies. While mushrooms are commonly consumed and provide nutritional value, they can also be poisonous or hallucinogenic. Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in different cultures but are regulated or prohibited in many places. The classification of mushrooms as Schedule I drugs in some jurisdictions has been criticized, with ongoing debates about their potential therapeutic benefits and lower potential for abuse compared to other substances in the same category.
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first regulated by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, which was an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This law was intended to regulate the unlicensed "possession, manufacture, or sale of depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogenic drugs". On 27 October 1970, psilocybin and psilocin became classified as Schedule I drugs and were labelled as "hallucinogens" under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, also known as the Controlled Substances Act.
The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin. However, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. Psilocybin mushrooms are not regulated by UN treaties, but many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition in place. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Despite being classified as a Schedule I drug, psilocybin mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history. Research has shown that psilocybin has a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs and is the least harmful when compared to other drugs, both legal and illegal. In fact, studies in animals and humans have shown low potential for abuse, as users typically report using it a few times across their lifetime.
In addition, psilocybin has the lowest potential for lethal overdose as there is no known overdose level. Due to these reasons, Johns Hopkins researchers suggest that if psilocybin clears the current phase III clinical trials, it should be reclassified from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule IV drug, such as prescription sleep aids, but with tighter control.
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The four types of mushrooms
Mushrooms are classified based on their macroscopic structure. They are typically basidiomycetes and gilled, with spores called basidiospores that are produced on the gills. However, not all mushrooms have gills, and some have pores or spines instead. The term "mushroom" is loosely used, and providing a precise taxonomic classification can be challenging.
There are four broad types of mushrooms: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These categories encompass a wide range of mushroom varieties, some of which are edible while others may be poisonous or hallucinogenic. Here is a closer look at some common edible mushrooms within these categories:
Saprotrophic Mushrooms
- Button Mushrooms: These are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores. They are typically white or light brown, plump, and dome-shaped. Button mushrooms have a mild, earthy flavor that intensifies when cooked. They are very versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes such as soups, salads, pizzas, and stuffed or sautéed recipes.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Also known as Italian brown mushrooms or "baby bella" mushrooms, cremini mushrooms are essentially mature button mushrooms with darker caps ranging from light tan to rich brown. They are firmer and have a more intense flavor, making them ideal for soups and stews.
- Portobello Mushrooms: Portobellos are the mature version of cremini mushrooms and are fully grown button mushrooms. They have darker and larger caps.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms have broad, umbrella-shaped caps with a range of colors from tan to dark brown. They possess a rich, full-bodied flavor and a meaty texture when cooked, making them a popular choice for vegetarian dishes.
Mycorrhizal Mushrooms
Chanterelle Mushrooms: Chanterelles are vase-shaped mushrooms with a bright yellow to orange color. They are commonly used in French cuisine and are known for their nutty and delicate flavor and texture.
Parasitic Mushrooms
One example of a parasitic mushroom is the "magic mushroom", which contains psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. These mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic effects and are illegal in many places.
Endophytic Mushrooms
Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms belong to a genus of edible tree mushrooms with large caps and gills. They are named for their fluted caps that resemble a fan and range in color from beige-brown to gray. Oyster mushrooms have a faint oyster-like or seafood flavor, making them a unique culinary ingredient.
It is important to note that proper identification of edible mushrooms is crucial, as some wild mushrooms can be poisonous or cause allergic reactions. Always exercise caution when foraging or consuming wild mushrooms.
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Mushrooms are classified as epigeous or hypogeous
Hypogeous mushrooms, on the other hand, are those that grow partially or completely underground. They are often referred to as false truffles. Hypogeous fungi produce macroscopic fruit bodies that are embedded in the soil or humus. These fungi are mostly found in woodlands.
The classification of mushrooms as epigeous or hypogeous is an important distinction in mycology, the study of fungi. It is also essential for understanding the role of mushrooms in human health. For example, the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), a wood-rot fungus found on live trees, is hypogeous. It has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including its antiproliferative effects on human gastric cancer cells.
Additionally, the Tuber genus of hypogeous mushrooms has been found to contain polysaccharide fractions that may promote antitumor activity. This highlights the importance of studying hypogeous mushrooms for their potential medicinal benefits.
The terms "epigeous" and "hypogeous" are derived from Ancient Greek, with "epi" meaning "upon" or "over", and "hypogeous" literally meaning "underground". These terms are used more broadly in biology to describe an organism's activity in relation to the soil surface.
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The legality of mushrooms varies worldwide
However, the legal status of psilocybin and magic mushrooms differs across various jurisdictions, even within the same country. For example, in the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first subjected to federal regulation by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965. However, the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms may be considered legal in some US states, such as Oregon and Colorado, for supervised, regulated adult use with no medical prescription required at certain regulated locations. Additionally, Oregon has reclassified the personal possession of small amounts of drugs as a civil violation with a $100 fine.
Similarly, in Canada, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, it is legal for medicinal use in the country. Other countries where psilocybin is legal for medicinal use include Australia and Denmark.
In some jurisdictions, the spores of psilocybin mushrooms are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, cultivating psilocybin mushrooms is considered drug manufacture in most jurisdictions and is often severely penalized.
Outside of North America, the legality of psilocybin and magic mushrooms also varies. For example, in Belgium, the use of drugs is not a crime, but possession and selling are punishable by law. In the Bahamas, magic mushrooms are not identified as a "dangerous drug", and their possession, sale, distribution, and cultivation are legal. However, sales are technically prohibited under the 1971 UN Convention. Ayahuasca, another psychedelic substance, is legal in Bolivia and recognized as a traditional part of Indigenous culture.
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Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D
Mushrooms are rich in the vitamin D precursor ergosterol, which, when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) light, converts to ergocalciferols, also called provitamin D2. This is why mushrooms that are exposed to sunlight or UV lamps are good sources of vitamin D. The vitamin D2 in mushrooms helps raise blood levels of vitamin D, although it may not be as effective as vitamin D3, which is the most common form in animal foods.
The amount of vitamin D in mushrooms varies widely and depends on how long they are exposed to UV light. Fresh wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels can contain up to 1200 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving, while mushrooms grown in dark conditions like white button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms contain less than 40 IU. However, button mushrooms exposed to sunlight can produce up to 400 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving. Mushrooms treated with UV lamps can produce even higher amounts of vitamin D, and dried mushrooms are also a good source, containing about 600 IU of vitamin D2 per 3.5 ounces.
It is important to note that not all commercially grown mushrooms contain vitamin D, as many are grown in dark, controlled environments. Therefore, it is recommended to check the nutrition facts panel on the packaging to ensure you are getting a good source of vitamin D.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are not Class 4. In the context of biology, mushrooms are classified as epigeous (above-ground) basidiocarps. The term "Class 4" was not found in relation to mushrooms.
There are four main types of mushrooms: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. Some common edible mushrooms include button mushrooms, chanterelle mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.
No, not all mushrooms are safe to eat. Some mushrooms are poisonous or hallucinogenic, so it is important to be careful when picking mushrooms in the wild. Edible mushrooms bought at the grocery store are safe to consume.
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and can help lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and aid in weight loss. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light are also a good source of vitamin D, which is important for bone and immunity health.
