John Miller
While mushrooms and weed (cannabis) are two very different organisms, they are often grouped together due to their similar effects when ingested. Both have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medical purposes, with civilisations using them to aid the expansion of consciousness. In modern times, they have been popular recreational drugs, showing up in psychedelic art, music, and movies. With the recent decriminalisation and legalisation of both substances in some places, it is important to understand their effects and risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Psychoactive Ingredient | Psilocybin (and psilocin) |
| Main Active Alkaloids | Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Norpsilocin, Aeruginascin, Beta-carbolines |
| Common Types | Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe baeocystis, Psilocybe Mexicana, Panaeolus cyanescens |
| Effects | Hallucinations, spiritual epiphanies, philosophical breakthroughs, discomfort, fear, psychosis, anxiety, panic attacks, significant shifts in consciousness and personality, decrease in brain activity, change in perception of the world |
| Benefits | Treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, cluster headaches, tobacco smoking cessation |
| Duration of Effects | 4-6 hours (some sources say 4-8 hours or 2-12 hours) |
| Form of Consumption | Dried and eaten, steeped as tea, ground into powder and cooked into chocolates or capsules |
| Legality | Psilocybin is decriminalized in Oregon and Washington D.C. |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms
Mushrooms are not technically weeds, as they are a type of fungus and do not fit the typical definition of a weed, which is generally a plant that is growing in an unwanted location. However, the term "weed" can have a broader definition, and some people may use it to refer to any unwanted or rapidly growing plant or fungus. In this sense, mushrooms could be considered weeds if they are growing in an unwanted location, such as in a garden or lawn.
Now, here is the information on the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms:
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or simply "shrooms," contain psychoactive compounds that can induce a range of effects, including hallucinations and altered perception. The primary active compounds in hallucinogenic mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for the majority of the psychological effects associated with their use.
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms typically depend on various factors, including the species of mushroom, the amount consumed, and the individual user's biology and mindset. Generally, the effects can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, with the peak occurring several hours after consumption.
At lower doses, users may experience a sense of relaxation and mild hallucinations, such as brightening of colors and distortion of objects. As the dose increases, the hallucinations become more intense and may include synesthesia, which is a mixing of the senses, such as "seeing" sounds or "tasting" colors. Users may also experience altered perceptions of time and a heightened sense of emotional awareness.
Higher doses can lead to more intense hallucinations and a complete loss of contact with reality, often referred to as a "bad trip." During a bad trip, users may experience anxiety, paranoia, and distorted perceptions that can be frightening and disorienting. It is important to have a trusted companion present to help guide and reassure the user back to a calm state. Some users may also experience a spiritual or mystical experience, feeling a sense of unity with the universe and a profound shift in their perspective and worldview.
It is important to note that the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms carries potential risks, including adverse reactions and negative psychological experiences. As such, it is always advisable to approach their use with caution, in a safe and controlled environment, and with an understanding of the potential effects and risks involved.
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Health risks and benefits of mushrooms
Mushrooms, including the so-called "magic mushrooms", have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. In recent times, they have been studied for their potential to treat mental health conditions. However, they can also pose health risks, especially when mixed with other substances.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that is native to North America and Europe. They are known for their delicate flavour and meaty texture, as well as their health benefits. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Mushrooms are the only produce that is a natural source of vitamin D, which is important for bone and immune health. They also contain vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA, as well as selenium, which helps prevent cell damage. The polysaccharides in mushrooms stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.
Research suggests that mushrooms may help protect against serious health conditions such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. For example, a study in Singapore found that participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms per week had a 50% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the potassium, vitamin C, and fiber in mushrooms contribute to cardiovascular health and may help regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Some varieties of mushrooms, such as lion's mane, are said to have brain-boosting and antidepressant effects. Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been shown to interact with serotonin 2A receptors in a way that can alleviate depression and anxiety for up to a year. It is also thought to alter the brain's default mode network (DMN), which can reduce the impact of overwhelming external stimuli and change patterns of thinking, making it useful for treating drug and alcohol abuse, PTSD, and autism.
Health Risks of Mushrooms
While there are potential benefits to controlled medicinal use, the consumption of certain mushrooms can also pose health risks. Wild mushrooms, for example, can contain toxins, high levels of heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals, which can be fatal if consumed. Even magic mushrooms, when used recreationally, can cause extremely uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing symptoms. As a hallucinogen, it can trigger mental and emotional side effects, increase the risk of accidents, and cause spiritual discomfort or fear. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is also addictive and can be dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol.
In conclusion, while mushrooms offer a range of potential health benefits, it is important to approach them with caution. Only consume mushrooms from a reliable source, as some varieties can be toxic or fatal if ingested. Additionally, the potential health risks associated with magic mushrooms highlight the importance of understanding their effects and using them responsibly, especially when combined with other substances.
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History of mushrooms in culture
Mushrooms have been used as food, medicine, and spiritual aids for centuries. They are associated with witches and fairy tales, enlightenment for shamans and hippies, and are a culinary delight for foodies. They have fired up people's imaginations for thousands of years. Some mushrooms are delicious, while others have mind-altering effects, making them part of spiritual rituals.
Mushrooms have had varying reputations throughout history, being considered both food and foe. They are often categorized as vegetables, but they are actually a fungus. The most commonly consumed variety is the button mushroom, or Agaricus bisporus, which makes up about 40% of the mushrooms grown globally. The name "mushroom" has been given to over 38,000 varieties of fungi with similar thread-like roots and caps.
Many cultures have used mushrooms for food and medicine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. European cultures enjoyed wild mushrooms such as porcinis, chanterelles, and oyster mushrooms. The huitlacoche fungus, which affects corn crops, has been consumed in Mexico since Aztec times for its unique flavor. The Mayans and Vikings used hallucinogenic mushrooms during religious ceremonies in the Middle Ages. Siberian shamans are also believed to have consumed hallucinogenic fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) mushrooms during religious ceremonies.
In the late 1950s, hallucinogenic mushrooms experienced a renaissance. In 1955, US mushroom researcher R. Gordon Wasson became the first outsider to attend a sacred ceremony among Mexico's Mazatec people. He published "Seeking the Magic Mushroom" in Life magazine in 1957, describing the magical effects of the "Teonanacatl." This triggered a wave of counter-cultural tourism to the village of Huautla, with scientists and hippies making pilgrimages to Mexico.
In recent times, drug prohibition has hindered valuable information about the role of mushrooms in human development. However, researchers are now gathering hard data that supports millennia of anecdotal and historical evidence pointing to the therapeutic effects of mushrooms.
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How to ingest mushrooms
While mushrooms are not technically considered weeds, they do share some similarities in terms of their proliferation and hardiness. Mushrooms are versatile organisms that can grow in various environments, including on soil, wood, and even other mushrooms.
Now, here is a detailed guide on how to ingest mushrooms:
Dried and eaten
Dried mushrooms are the standard method of preservation and consumption. They are easy to measure and have a long shelf life. You can purchase dried mushrooms or grow and dry them yourself at home. However, it is important to exercise caution when foraging for wild mushrooms, as consuming the wrong type can be harmful to your health.
Brewed into tea
Mushroom tea is a popular method of ingestion. It improves the taste and bypasses the need to ingest chitin, a compound in mushroom cell walls that can cause nausea and stomach upset. To make mushroom tea, heat water to 70ºC, grind or chop your mushrooms finely, and steep them in the hot water for around 20 minutes. You can also add lemon juice to convert the psilocybin into psilocin, making the tea more potent.
Ground into powder
Mushrooms can be ground into a powder and cooked into chocolates or placed in capsules. This method allows for discreet and convenient ingestion.
On an empty stomach
Consuming mushrooms on an empty stomach can significantly intensify the experience as the active compounds will be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. However, this may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive stomachs.
With a "trip sitter"
For your first time ingesting mushrooms, it is recommended to have a trusted companion or "trip sitter" who can provide support and assistance if needed. This person should be kind, level-headed, positive, and empathetic. Choose a comfortable and safe space where you can occupy for the day, whether it be at home or in a secluded spot in nature.
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Comparison of effects of mushrooms and weed
While both mushrooms and weed (cannabis) have been used in counterculture and share some similarities, the experience of using either substance is distinct. The effects of cannabis can vary depending on several factors, including the method of ingestion, the strain of cannabis, and the dose ingested. When smoked or vaporized, the effects of cannabis can kick in within minutes of use, peak at around 1 hour, and dissipate within 2 hours. Some consumers feel more focused and productive after consuming cannabis, while others feel more relaxed.
Mushrooms, on the other hand, are usually dried and then eaten, steeped as tea, or ground into a powder that is cooked into chocolates or placed in capsules. They can take 1 hour or more to kick in, and the whole experience typically lasts 4 to 6 hours. Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in mushrooms, decreases activity in areas of the brain responsible for making sense of the world and keeping it orderly. This dramatic shift in perception can lead to spiritual epiphanies and philosophical breakthroughs for some, while for others, it can cause discomfort or fear.
Both substances can induce hallucinations and psychosis, but their chemical properties and overall impact on the brain differ. Psilocybin mushrooms contain psilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, norpsilocin, aeruginascin, and beta-carbolines, giving them more neurogenic properties than cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD), found in cannabis, is most similar in effect to psilocybin mushrooms, as both affect the brain's default mode network (DMN), altering patterns of thinking and reducing the impact of overwhelming external stimuli. This makes both substances useful for treating drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and autism.
While there is more research pointing towards the possible benefits of marijuana when controlled by medical personnel, both substances can be dangerous and increase the risk of accidents. Long-term marijuana use can cause memory loss and trouble with cognitive function, and it is possible to become addicted or dependent on weed. Psilocybin is also addictive and can cause extremely uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing symptoms. When mixed with other drugs and alcohol, as they often are, these risks become more probable.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are not considered a weed. However, there are many similarities between the two, and both are natural and from the earth.
Both mushrooms and weed can produce hallucinogenic effects and have been associated with counterculture movements. They are also said to instill a strong appreciation of nature, art, and music in users.
The main difference is that there is more research on the benefits of marijuana, especially when controlled by medical personnel. Weed also has a faster onset and offset of effects compared to mushrooms.
Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in mushrooms, decreases brain activity in certain areas, leading to a shift in perception of the world. This can result in both positive and negative experiences.
No, mushrooms are not safe. While they have been used for religious and medical purposes for thousands of years, their hallucinogenic effects can be unpredictable and dangerous. They can also be addictive and cause anxiety-inducing symptoms.
