Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are commonly referred to as shrooms and are known for their ability to induce hallucinations and alter one's state of consciousness. While the use of magic mushrooms is regulated and considered illegal in some places, there is also growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, β-carbolines |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, flashbacks, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, impaired judgement, risk-taking behaviour, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, dilated pupils, hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation |
| Legality | Illegal in Canada, illegal in Australia, controlled under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions and, in Canada, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) |
| Therapeutic uses | Potential to treat anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, problematic substance use, cluster headaches |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This 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. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The potency of magic mushrooms can vary, and it is hard to know how strong they are. Buying mushrooms can be risky, as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can make people violently ill or even kill them. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and may vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the environment in which they are consumed. A bad trip may occur, particularly at high doses, which can be frightening and may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
While magic mushrooms are not physically or psychologically addictive, it is possible to become tolerant of their effects with regular use. This means that even high amounts of the drug will no longer produce the desired effect. There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms, particularly in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, given in a therapeutic setting, can make significant and long-lasting changes in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
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They are also psychedelic
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms come from the combination of psilocybin and psilocin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in the compound psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for thousands of years in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms are often used as recreational drugs. Microdosing has become a popular technique, involving the consumption of less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for an experience that is recreationally enjoyable and potentially non-hallucinogenic. The effects of microdosing include heightened mood, increased energy, and improved focus.
There is also increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, administered in a therapeutic setting, can lead to significant improvements in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
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They are used recreationally and medicinally
Mushrooms that contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin, are commonly known as magic mushrooms. They are used recreationally and medicinally.
Recreational Use
Magic mushrooms are used as recreational drugs. They are often ingested with friends or people familiar with "tripping." The effects of magic mushrooms include hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, dilated pupils, and an altered state of consciousness. The "trip" can be influenced by the user's state of mind and the environment they are in. A bad trip may occur, especially at high doses, and can be influenced by a negative environment or a user's anxious state of mind.
Medicinal Use
There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms, specifically psilocybin, one of the active ingredients. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, in a therapeutic setting, can make significant and long-lasting changes for people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. These trials have led the US Food and Drug Administration to describe psilocybin as a breakthrough medicine. Ongoing research is exploring psilocybin's potential to treat various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use.
Microdosing
Microdosing is a popular technique where users take less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms for a less intense experience. A microdose of psilocybin mushrooms is about 10% of a recreational dose and may be taken up to three times a week. Surveys of microdosers have reported positive benefits, including potential alleviation of depression symptoms.
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They are often used in spiritual rituals
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into the psychedelic compound psilocin, which is responsible for the mushrooms' mind-altering effects.
Magic mushrooms have been used in spiritual rituals and religious ceremonies for thousands of years, particularly in Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs and the Maya. Archaeological evidence suggests that the use of psilocybin mushrooms in Mesoamerica dates back at least 3,000 years. These mushrooms were consumed during rituals and ceremonies, believed to facilitate communication with deities and provide insight into the spiritual realm. For example, the Aztecs referred to the mushrooms as "Teonanacatl", or "flesh of the gods", and Montezuma II, the last ruler of the Aztecs, is said to have consumed large quantities of these mushrooms during his coronation ceremony.
In addition to their use in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, magic mushrooms have also been incorporated into modern Pagan and Wiccan practices, where they hold symbolic and spiritual significance.
Mushroom ceremonies or retreats involving the intentional consumption of psilocybin mushrooms continue to be practised today. These ceremonies are often undertaken with intentions such as addressing emotional wounds, fostering personal growth, or seeking mystical connections and spiritual experiences.
The ritual use of psilocybin mushrooms is not limited to ancient civilisations. In modern times, people in Western cultures have also explored the use of mushrooms for spiritual experiences. For example, in the 1960s, Westerners like Wasson participated in sacred mushroom ceremonies, influencing the spread of these rituals and their potential benefits.
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They can be dangerous and cause 'bad trips'
Mushrooms that contain the compounds psilocybin and psilocin are classified as hallucinogenic or psychedelic. These compounds can induce a range of psychological effects, including hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. While some people may seek out these mushrooms for their perceived benefits, such as enhanced creativity or spiritual experiences, it is important to recognize that they can also be dangerous and lead to negative experiences, commonly known as "bad trips".
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms are highly variable and depend on a number of factors, including the species of mushroom, the dosage, the individual's physiology and mental state, and the environment in which they are consumed. While some users may experience pleasant and insightful trips, others may encounter frightening and distressing episodes. Bad trips can be characterized by intense anxiety, paranoia, panic, and a loss of control. Visual and auditory hallucinations may become disturbing and overwhelming, and the individual may feel detached from their body or experience a sense of impending doom. In extreme cases, individuals may engage in harmful or risky behavior, endangering themselves or those around them.
The risk of a bad trip is heightened in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions or a personal or family history of mental illness. Psychedelic mushrooms can exacerbate underlying conditions, trigger latent psychiatric disorders, or induce long-lasting psychotic episodes in susceptible individuals. This is particularly concerning as those with mental health issues may be more inclined to seek out these substances as a form of self-medication, unaware of the potential risks involved. Additionally, the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms can lead to the onset of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), characterized by the recurrence of psychedelic sensory disturbances long after the drug's effects have worn off, causing significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
It is also important to consider the potential for adverse reactions and dangerous interactions. As with any substance, there is a risk of allergic reaction to the compounds in hallucinogenic mushrooms. Moreover, combining these mushrooms with other substances, including prescription medications, can lead to dangerous interactions and unpredictable effects. For example, mixing mushrooms with antidepressants or other psychoactive drugs can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rapid changes in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as confusion, agitation, and muscle rigidity.
To mitigate the risks associated with hallucinogenic mushrooms, it is essential to prioritize harm reduction practices. This includes accurate identification of mushroom species to avoid poisoning, as well as careful consideration of dosage and setting. Individuals should be in a safe, comfortable environment and ideally have a trusted companion present who can provide support and assistance if needed. Being well-informed about the potential risks and effects, and having realistic expectations, can also help prepare individuals for the experience and reduce the likelihood of a negative outcome.
In conclusion, while hallucinogenic mushrooms may offer potential therapeutic benefits and be sought after for their mind-altering effects, they also carry significant risks. Bad trips and adverse reactions can be dangerous and traumatic, and individuals should approach these substances with caution and be mindful of their potential to cause harm. Responsible and informed use, coupled with harm reduction strategies, is essential to minimize the dangers associated with hallucinogenic mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Hallucinogenic or psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of mushroom that contains the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin. These substances can cause hallucinations, alter the user's state of consciousness, and distort their sense of reality.
The effects of consuming hallucinogenic or psychedelic mushrooms can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the environment. Common effects include hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle relaxation, and an altered sense of perception. It is important to note that consuming these mushrooms can also lead to negative experiences, such as a ""bad trip,"" which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and impaired judgment, potentially leading to risky behavior.
While hallucinogenic or psychedelic mushrooms are generally not considered physically or psychologically addictive, they can still pose risks to the user. Overconsumption of these mushrooms can lead to fatal events due to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis. Additionally, it is illegal to produce, sell, or possess magic mushrooms in some countries, such as Canada. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the local laws and potential risks before considering consuming these mushrooms.
