Emily Johnson
Mushrooms have been consumed by humans since prehistory, but some varieties are toxic and can cause poisoning. Of the many species of mushrooms, only about 100 are toxic, but there are still around 6000 ingestions of toxic mushrooms in the United States annually. Poisonous mushrooms can cause a range of symptoms, from gastrointestinal upset to severe manifestations such as liver failure, kidney failure, and neurological issues. Some mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms, contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin, and have been used for thousands of years. While magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic uses. However, they can also cause adverse effects, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches. In rare cases, severe outcomes such as psychosis or organ damage can occur. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms, as misidentification of a poisonous species as edible can have dangerous consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of mushrooms | Psilocybin, psilocin, hallucinogenic, shrooms |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, flashbacks, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, drowsiness, relaxation, terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, fear of death, psychosis, organ damage, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, posterior encephalopathy, protracted paranoid psychosis |
| Safety | Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even be fatal. Magic mushrooms are illegal in the US and Canada. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms and psilocybin
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, current research does not indicate that psilocybin is addictive, and there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely and can range from euphoria to hallucinations. They can also cause heightened emotions and senses, making people feel happy and creative, and experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, they can also lead to adverse side effects such as anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, the consumption of magic mushrooms can result in "bad trips" or "flashbacks". The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not consuming magic mushrooms. Additionally, it is important to accurately identify magic mushrooms, as there are several types of poisonous mushrooms that closely resemble them.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and are found in various locations worldwide, with the most potent species being members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. They are typically consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea, and the effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or 5-10 minutes when taken as tea. The production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, including Canada and most of the United States. However, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, particularly in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Poisonous mushrooms
There are several types of poisonous mushrooms that closely resemble edible mushrooms. For example, the Chanterelle can be mistaken for the poisonous Jack O'Lantern Mushroom. Amanita species, such as Amanita virosa (the Destroying Angel) and Amanita phalloides (the Death Cap), are particularly deadly and often misidentified due to their development from 'Amanita eggs'. Other toxic mushrooms include the Bugle, which has noticeable webbing and a lighter shade than its non-poisonous variant, and the Button mushroom, which has spots on its cap and an 'X' on top.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with both edible and toxic mushroom species. Unless you are certain about the identity of a mushroom, it is best not to consume it. The safety of eating wild mushrooms may also depend on how they are prepared for cooking.
In addition to poisonous mushrooms, it is important to be cautious with \"magic mushrooms," which contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin. While they are not considered addictive, the effects of psilocybin vary widely, and adverse side effects can be dangerous and may require medical treatment. Magic mushrooms are also illegal in many places, including most of the United States and Canada.
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Physical and mental health effects
While magic mushrooms have been used in traditional ceremonies and are currently used recreationally, they are mostly illegal in the US and Canada. However, there is ongoing research into their potential benefits for mental and behavioural health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use.
Physical Health Effects
Physically, the use of magic mushrooms can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with heart conditions. Other physical side effects include nausea, vomiting, and increased cardiovascular activity. In rare cases, extreme physical reactions such as septic shock and multi-system organ failure have been reported.
Mental Health Effects
Mentally, the use of magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, euphoria, sensory distortion, and an altered perception of time and space. These effects can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, which may result in injuries. In some cases, users may experience extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, or short-term psychosis, known as a "bad trip".
The effects of magic mushrooms vary between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as mental state, personality, and immediate environment. It is also important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary, and the effects can depend on the dose and type of mushroom consumed.
While magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, it is possible to become tolerant of their effects with regular use. Long-term use has been associated with alterations in brain chemistry, specifically the serotonin system, which regulates mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. One recognised long-term effect is the development of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which involves perceptual changes that can persist for weeks or months after mushroom use.
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Hallucinogenic properties
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin are commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms" and are known for their hallucinogenic properties. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms and works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception.
The effects of psilocybin vary widely, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. Some people may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, the consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to "bad trips" or "flashbacks", with symptoms including visual or auditory hallucinations, an altered perception of time and space, and intense changes in mood and feeling. The risk of a bad trip can be reduced by being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment before taking magic mushrooms. However, the only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking magic mushrooms at all.
The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms. However, it is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, and it can be dangerous to identify them without professional help. Poisonous mushrooms can make one severely ill and can even be fatal.
Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, research suggests that psilocybin mushrooms may have benefits for physical and mental health, and there is ongoing research investigating the potential of psilocybin to treat various mental health disorders.
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Legality
The legality of mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom and the jurisdiction. Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are illegal in many places due to the hallucinogenic effects of the psilocybin chemical they contain. However, there is ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in some places, and a strong element of selective enforcement.
International Law
According to the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, psilocybin and psilocin are Schedule I drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. However, the mushrooms containing these substances were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. Many countries have amended their national drug laws to reflect the terms of the convention, and the possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances, often carrying severe legal penalties.
United States
In the United States, the federal government regulates psilocybin and psilocin as Schedule I substances under the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965. While the sale, possession, and production of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most states, there are exceptions. In Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative in 2020 that made psilocybin mushrooms legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings from 2021. This initiative, known as Measure 109, authorized the creation of psilocybin service centers where anyone over 21 can consume the mushrooms under the supervision of a state-certified facilitator. Additionally, there are four cities in the United States where the possession of psilocybin mushrooms is legal.
Canada
In Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) prohibits the sale, possession, and production of magic mushrooms unless authorized by Health Canada through a license or exemption.
Other Jurisdictions
In some jurisdictions, the spores of psilocybin mushrooms are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain the active ingredients psilocybin and psilocin. However, some places, such as Germany and a few US states, have specifically criminalized the possession of these spores.
While the legality of psilocybin mushrooms is complex and varies by jurisdiction, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders.
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