Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are hallucinogenic and can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, among other symptoms. The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, mood, and environment. While some people report positive experiences, others may have negative reactions, commonly known as a bad trip. The use of magic mushrooms has been associated with both risks and potential therapeutic benefits, with ongoing research exploring their effects on the brain and their ability to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cluster headaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, dilated pupils, panic reactions, psychosis, flashbacks, paranoia, panic attacks, fear of death, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, relaxation, yawning, heightened creativity, clarity, happiness, giggling, tremors, numbness, weakness, uncoordinated movements |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Onset of effects | 5-45 minutes |
| Dose | Subthreshold or microdose (<2.5 mg), low dose (5-10 mg), intermediate or "good effect" (20 mg), high or ego-dissolution (30-40 mg) |
| Legality | Illegal in Canada |
| Poison control | Call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) if you suspect mushroom poisoning |
| Emergency | Ring triple zero (000) for an ambulance if the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction |
| Therapeutic uses | Potential to ease depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse |
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What You'll Learn
What are the effects of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The principal component of magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin to produce psychoactive effects. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 40 minutes of ingestion and can last between four to six hours. The duration of the effects may be influenced by the method of consumption, with some sources stating that the effects can be felt within 5 to 10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea.
Magic mushrooms can induce a range of psychological and physical effects. Psychologically, users may experience hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and a distorted sense of reality. They may see, hear, or feel things that are not there, or mix up their senses, such as believing they can see music or hear colours. Magic mushrooms can also induce heightened emotions, with users reporting feelings of happiness, creativity, anxiety, fear, or terror. Some people may experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity, while others may have flashbacks or "bad trips".
Physically, magic mushrooms can cause increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, paranoia, panic, and muscle twitches. In some cases, more severe side effects such as agitation, confusion, and vomiting may occur and require medical attention. It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely depending on factors such as dosage, age, weight, personality, emotional state, environment, and history of mental illness or drug use.
While magic mushrooms have been traditionally used in spiritual and religious contexts, there is also growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Researchers have explored the use of psilocybin in treating mental health disorders, such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to be effective in relieving the emotional distress associated with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. However, it is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms may carry risks, and they are subject to legal regulations in many places.
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How are magic mushrooms consumed?
Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms, are a group of fungi that contain the hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When consumed, these compounds can induce a range of psychological effects, including hallucinations, altered perception, and changes in mood and thought patterns. There are several ways in which magic mushrooms can be consumed, each with its own unique set of considerations and effects.
One common method is to simply eat the mushrooms directly. This can be done by foraging and consuming wild mushrooms, although this method requires a great deal of expertise to safely identify the correct species and avoid potentially poisonous look-alikes. It is always important to properly identify the mushrooms and understand the risks and effects before consuming them. Those who wish to consume magic mushrooms should do so under the guidance of experienced individuals in a safe and controlled environment. It is never recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of hallucinogenic substances.
Another way to consume magic mushrooms is to create a tea by steeping them in hot water. This method can help to reduce the bitterness of the mushrooms and make them easier to consume. The user may also choose to add other herbs or spices to the tea to enhance the flavor and experience. Similar to consuming the mushrooms directly, making tea allows users to control the dosage by measuring the amount of mushrooms used. However, it is important to note that the effects may be slightly delayed compared to other methods as the body needs to absorb the compounds through the digestive system.
Some people also choose to make a tincture by soaking the mushrooms in alcohol for several weeks. This method extracts the psychoactive compounds and creates a concentrated liquid that can be added to drinks or dropped directly under the tongue. Tinctures offer a convenient and discreet way to consume magic mushrooms, and the effects may be felt more quickly compared to consuming them orally. However, creating a tincture requires proper knowledge and accurate measurements to ensure the correct dosage and potency.
Another popular method of consumption is to make "lemon tek." This involves grinding or blending the mushrooms and soaking them in lemon juice for about 20 minutes before consuming the mixture. The citric acid in lemon juice converts psilocybin to psilocin, which is the compound that produces the hallucinogenic effects. "Lemon tek" is believed to intensify and accelerate the onset of the experience. However, it is important to carefully measure the dosage and understand that the effects may be more intense and rapid than other consumption methods.
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What are the risks of consuming magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are still several risks associated with their consumption.
Firstly, magic mushrooms can cause unpleasant physical and psychological effects, such as nausea, fear, paranoia, anxiety, panic reactions, and psychosis, especially if a large dose is ingested. The risk of experiencing these negative effects, often referred to as a "bad trip", increases if the user is in a negative environment or has feelings of anxiety or stress before taking the mushrooms. Additionally, consuming an especially large or strong batch of mushrooms can lead to overdose symptoms, including tachycardia (a fast heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature). Although rare, fatal events related to trip-induced psychosis and emotional distress have occurred due to the over-consumption of magic mushrooms.
Secondly, magic mushrooms can cause long-term changes in personality and flashbacks, known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. These flashbacks can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise and can be disturbing, especially if they involve frightening hallucinations or experiences.
Thirdly, there is a risk of poisoning from magic mushrooms, as they can be contaminated or mixed with other drugs, and several types of poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms. Poisoning can lead to serious health issues, including septic shock and multi-system organ failure, and in some cases, it can even be fatal.
Lastly, while magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, regular use may lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs, meaning that higher doses will be required to achieve the same effect. This can be dangerous as it increases the risk of overdose and the potential for negative side effects.
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What are the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that have been used for thousands of years in various cultural contexts. Despite their illegal status in many countries, there is growing interest in their potential therapeutic uses.
One potential application of magic mushrooms is in the treatment of mental health disorders. Researchers are investigating psilocybin's ability to treat conditions such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The low toxicity of psilocybin means it has a low potential for causing fatal events, such as breathing problems or heart attacks. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to induce a mystical experience, where individuals may enter a dreamlike, euphoric state, which could be beneficial in treating certain mental health conditions.
Another area of exploration is the use of psilocybin in managing addiction and cancer-related psychiatric disorders. The Heffter Research Institute, for example, is focused on understanding the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in these areas.
Microdosing is also an emerging concept in the therapeutic use of psilocybin. This involves taking very small amounts of psilocybin regularly, with the aim of improving mental state and productivity. While some individuals are microdosing on their own, additional research is needed to support this practice.
While magic mushrooms have shown promising results in clinical trials, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. The safety, efficacy, and quality of psilocybin products have not been fully evaluated, and further research is needed to establish their therapeutic potential.
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What are the legalities surrounding magic mushrooms?
The legal status of magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, varies across the world. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means that they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical use. As a result, the UN Convention requires its members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict its use to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions.
However, the convention does not specifically mention the mushrooms containing psilocybin, due to pressure from the Mexican government. This has created ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in some countries, with varying levels of regulation and prohibition. For example, in the US, while federal law prohibits psilocybin under the Psychotropic Substances Act, some states like Colorado and Oregon have decriminalised its possession and use, and a few cities have made its enforcement a low priority for law enforcement.
In Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). However, in 2023, the province of Alberta became one of the first to allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in psychotherapy. Similarly, in the UK, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 prohibits psilocybin, but the spores of Psilocybe mushrooms, which do not contain the drug, are legal to sell and possess.
On the other hand, some countries have taken a more permissive approach. Jamaica, for instance, has no specific law surrounding psilocybin, while in Switzerland, psychedelic therapy has been legal since 2014, but only on official request. In 2023, Australia approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
As research highlights the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelics, the legal landscape is changing, with a growing number of jurisdictions decriminalising or legalising psilocybin for specific uses. However, it is essential to note that the legal status of magic mushrooms varies widely, and individuals should consult local laws and regulations to understand the specific legalities in their region.
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Frequently asked questions
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens.
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, mood, personality, and expectations. Common effects include hallucinations, perceptual changes, heightened emotions, and muscular relaxation. However, negative effects such as nausea, anxiety, fear, and \"bad trips\" can also occur.
While the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are risks associated with their consumption. Poisonous mushrooms can cause serious illness or even death. Additionally, consuming large amounts of hallucinogenic mushrooms can lead to severe side effects, including psychosis, panic attacks, and, in rare cases, death. It is also important to note that the production, sale, and possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms are illegal in some countries.
