Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin. They are consumed for their ability to alter a person's thinking, emotions, sense of time and reality, and can cause hallucinations. While the effects of magic mushrooms are usually not life-threatening, they can vary widely and may lead to a bad trip, with terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, and flashbacks. Although magic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US and Canada, there is growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits for mental health disorders, and some cities have decriminalized their use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psychedelic mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, mystical experiences, heightened emotions and senses, yawning, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, flashbacks |
| Length of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Legality | Illegal in the US, Canada, and the UN; decriminalized in some US cities |
| Treatment potential | Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders |
| Risks | Poisoning, bad trips, tolerance, unknown long-term effects |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are illegal in the US and Canada, but some cities have decriminalised them
- They are hallucinogenic and can distort a person's sense of reality, causing them to see, hear and feel things that are not real
- There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms
- The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as mood, personality, expectations, and biology
- Magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders
Magic mushrooms are illegal in the US and Canada, but some cities have decriminalised them
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are naturally occurring hallucinogens that have been used for thousands of years. They are consumed for their psychedelic effects, which can include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and shifts in mood and emotions. While the use of magic mushrooms is not known to cause physical dependence, there are risks associated with their consumption, including the possibility of a "'bad trip'" and flashbacks.
In terms of their legal status, magic mushrooms are illegal in the United States and Canada. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit their use except for medical and scientific research under controlled conditions. In the US, the federal Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 regulate psilocybin and psilocin, and most state courts consider the mushrooms a "container" of illicit drugs. In Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are prohibited under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
However, there have been recent moves towards decriminalisation and legalisation of magic mushrooms in some jurisdictions within the US and Canada. For example, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Similarly, in October 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would regulate and allow the use of psilocybin and other psychedelics for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. This framework came into effect in January 2023. Additionally, in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms. These changes reflect a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and other psychedelic substances.
While the legal landscape is evolving, it is important to note that the use, possession, and distribution of magic mushrooms remain illegal in most parts of the US and Canada, and severe legal penalties may apply.
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They are hallucinogenic and can distort a person's sense of reality, causing them to see, hear and feel things that are not real
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic and can distort a person's sense of reality. They are classified as psychedelic drugs, which means they can alter a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions, and cause hallucinations. People who consume magic mushrooms may see or hear things that do not exist or are distorted, and they may experience changes in their senses, such as seeing colours or hearing shapes. These effects can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the potency of the mushrooms.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin, which are hallucinogenic drugs. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, which is the chemical that produces the psychoactive effects. These substances can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality, leading them to see, hear, and feel things that are not real.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 15-45 minutes of consumption and can last for approximately four to six hours. The length and intensity of the effects can vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed. Individual factors such as age, biology, sex, personality, and history of drug use can also influence the effects.
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in various cultural contexts, they are currently illegal in many places. In the United States, for example, psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, there is ongoing advocacy for decriminalization, and some cities have already taken steps to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms.
It is important to note that consuming magic mushrooms carries certain risks. While physical dependence on magic mushrooms is rare, regular use can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are required to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, there are potential health risks associated with unsupervised use, particularly when consumed in large quantities or when combined with other substances.
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There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin, have been used for thousands of years. They are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, which can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. They can also lead to euphoria, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure.
While magic mushrooms are considered narcotics, there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on them. Current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping its use. However, regular use may cause people to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin, and cross-tolerance occurs with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline. The risk of a 'bad trip' may also increase with higher doses of psilocybin or feelings of anxiety before taking it.
Although magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, some people may develop a psychological dependence on them. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as feeling tired or mild psychological effects when they stop using. However, there is no evidence of physical dependence, and it is unlikely that an individual would find it hard to stop using mushrooms.
It is important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be dangerous and even life-threatening. The effects of magic mushrooms can depend on the dose, type of mushroom, and individual factors such as age, biology, and history of drug use.
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The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as mood, personality, expectations, and biology
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are classified as psychedelic drugs, which alter a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and senses. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as mood, personality, expectations, and biology. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. The environment in which the drug is taken also plays a role, with a calm, quiet, and relaxed atmosphere contributing to a more positive experience.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30-45 minutes when eaten, or 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The duration and intensity of the "trip" depend on the user's mood, personality, and expectations. Some trips may be enjoyable, while others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring about hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms can be mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death. While magic mushrooms are not considered highly addictive, regular users may experience flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences, and mild psychological effects or fatigue during withdrawal.
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Magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders
Psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic "magic mushrooms", has been the subject of renewed interest in recent years, with researchers exploring its potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders. While the stigmatization and regulatory barriers surrounding psilocybin have slowed research progress, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting its efficacy in treating various psychiatric disorders.
One area where psilocybin has shown promise is in the treatment of depression. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated psilocybin's ability to reduce depression symptom severity, even in cases of treatment-resistant depression. In one phase 2 double-blind trial, a single 25 mg dose of synthetic psilocybin administered in conjunction with psychotherapy led to significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms after 3 weeks compared to a control dose. Additionally, previous studies by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy, combined with supportive psychotherapy, may provide substantial antidepressant effects that last at least a year for some patients.
Psilocybin has also been investigated for its potential in treating other mental health disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. There is significant anecdotal evidence suggesting that psilocybin may have benefits for people with these conditions. For example, an online survey of over 300 people with Alcohol Use Disorder reported reducing or abstaining from alcohol use after taking a psychedelic drug such as psilocybin.
Furthermore, psilocybin is being explored for its potential in smoking cessation, with some studies suggesting that it may aid in helping longtime smokers quit. In addition, psilocybin is being investigated for its possible benefits in treating eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
While the exact mechanism of action of psilocybin is still being elucidated, it is known to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, triggering various psychedelic effects. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. The molecular structure of psilocybin allows it to penetrate the central nervous system, and researchers are working to better understand its effects on the brain and mind.
It is important to note that while psilocybin has shown potential therapeutic benefits, it should be administered in controlled settings with supportive therapy to ensure safety and reduce risks. Taking psilocybin outside of a controlled environment can lead to undesirable and harmful effects, and it is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the federal government in the United States.
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