Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrition and have several health benefits. However, they should not be consumed every day. While edible mushrooms are safe to eat, they can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities. Moreover, wild mushrooms can be poisonous and even fatal if consumed. Shrooms or magic mushrooms, on the other hand, are psychedelic and can cause hallucinations and other psychological side effects. They are not considered toxic, but overconsumption can lead to adverse experiences. Therefore, it is recommended to consume mushrooms in moderation, and not every day or every two months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shrooms refer to | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Types of shrooms | Fresh, dried, cooked, brewed |
| Effects of shrooms | Hallucinations, altered thinking, altered perceptions, euphoria, headaches, nausea, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, seizures |
| Shrooms are addictive | No physical addiction, but psychological addiction is possible |
| Shrooms detection window | 24 to 48 hours, up to 3 months with hair tests |
| Shrooms trip duration | 4 to 6 hours, with peak effects at 2 to 3 hours |
| Factors influencing trip duration | Dosage, personal tolerance, mood, individual metabolism, mushroom potency |
| Shrooms storage | Store dried shrooms in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark, and dry place |
| Shrooms shelf life | Fresh shrooms: a few days to a week, Dried shrooms: months to years |
| Shrooms safety | Can cause physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, and psychological symptoms like paranoia and mood swings |
| Shrooms toxicity | Not considered toxic, but taking too much can lead to overwhelming experiences |
| Shrooms legality | Illegal, but some states are moving towards decriminalization |
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What You'll Learn
Safe storage methods
Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life, typically lasting only a few days in optimal conditions. They can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. However, if you dry them properly, they can last for months or even years.
Use Airtight Containers or Vacuum-Sealed Bags
Store dried mushrooms in airtight containers, such as mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags, to protect against air and moisture. This will help maintain their potency and safety.
Keep Them in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Place
Mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, light, and high-humidity areas to prevent mould growth and ensure freshness.
Freeze Them
Freezing is an effective way to preserve mushrooms for the long term. Briefly steam or saute them, then allow them to cool before storing them in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date, and they will keep their peak quality for up to 10-12 months.
Regularly Check for Spoilage
Routinely check dried mushrooms for signs of deterioration, such as discolouration, unusual spots, or the presence of mould. Spoiled mushrooms can be dangerous to consume due to the growth of harmful bacteria and mould.
Avoid Plastic Bags
While storing mushrooms, avoid using plastic bags as they can cause the mushrooms to slime up and spoil faster. Instead, use paper bags to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness.
By following these safe storage methods, you can extend the shelf life of your mushrooms and maintain their quality and potency.
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Health risks
While shrooms are not considered physically addictive, it is possible to become psychologically addicted to them. They can also pose health risks if they are improperly stored.
Shrooms are a type of fungus, making them particularly vulnerable to mould and decay if they are not stored correctly. If shrooms aren’t properly dried or they are exposed to too much moisture, they will start to decay quickly and become unsafe to consume after about a week. As with most mushrooms, fresh shrooms that have gone bad will have a slimy texture, look shrivelled, or have dark spots that weren’t there before. Dried shrooms that are stored in a cool, dark place can last up to 12 months, although they do lose their potency over time. Frozen shrooms have been known to last for four years or more without losing their potency.
The biggest health risk associated with taking shrooms is accidentally consuming the wrong mushroom. Many mushrooms are incredibly poisonous, and they can be fatal if taken by mistake. As for shrooms themselves, they can cause physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
The active compound in shrooms, psilocybin, stays in the body for 24 to 48 hours after consumption. Psilocybin can be detected in urine for 1 to 3 days. However, hair tests are the most long-lasting, revealing shroom use for up to three months.
There are also various psychological risks associated with shrooms. A "bad trip" can induce anxiety, paranoia, or even seizures. Some people also have a hard time determining what is reality and what is fantasy, which can lead them into dangerous situations. Long-term shroom use has been associated with potential alterations in brain chemistry, affecting the serotonin system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and cognitive functions.
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Psychological side effects
Consuming mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to a range of psychological side effects. These effects can vary depending on the user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment. While some people may experience positive psychological effects such as euphoria and a sense of connectedness, others may encounter adverse reactions, including:
Hallucinations and Distorted Perception: Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that can cause users to see, hear, and feel things that are not real. This distortion of senses can lead to a loss of sense of time and space, with users reporting altered perceptions of reality.
Anxiety and Panic: Mushroom use can induce feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and panic. These emotions can be intense and may lead to a sense of terror or a "bad trip," which can be psychologically distressing.
Psychosis and Extreme Emotions: In some cases, psilocybin use has been associated with short-term psychosis and extreme emotions. Users may experience intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror, and this emotional rollercoaster can be challenging for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Long-Term Changes: Mushroom use may lead to long-term psychological effects, including changes in personality and flashbacks. Additionally, there is a risk of developing a psychological addiction to mushrooms, especially with regular use.
It is important to note that the psychological side effects of mushroom consumption can vary widely between individuals. Factors such as dosage, individual biology, mental state, and expectations can all influence the intensity and nature of the psychological experience. While some users may find the experience enjoyable and therapeutic, others may encounter challenging and distressing psychological effects. Therefore, it is crucial to approach mushroom consumption with caution and ensure a safe and supportive environment if choosing to use them.
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Long-term effects
The long-term effects of consuming mushrooms that contain psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, are broken down into mental, emotional, and physical effects.
Mental and Emotional Effects
Long-term mushroom use has been associated with potential alterations in brain chemistry. Studies suggest that regular consumption of psilocybin can affect the serotonin system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these changes, it is important to consider the potential implications on long-term mental health.
One of the recognized long-term mental health effects of mushroom use is the development of a condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). HPPD involves perceptual changes that can persist for weeks or even months following the use of psilocybin and other psychedelics. Although relatively rare, individuals with HPPD may experience recurring visual disturbances, such as seeing trails, halos around objects, or geometric patterns, even when not under the influence of mushrooms.
Another phenomenon associated with long-term mushroom use is the occurrence of flashbacks, also known as "re-experiencing." These experiences involve the sudden reoccurrence of intense sensory perceptions or emotions, often associated with past psychedelic experiences. While flashbacks can be distressing and disruptive, they are relatively rare and not experienced by everyone.
It is important to note that the risks associated with psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, are mostly psychological rather than physical. Psilocybin mushrooms can cause changes in a person's personality or mood, and there is a potential for psychological addiction.
Physical Effects
The physical long-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms are considered rare. Psilocybin mushrooms are considered one of the least toxic drugs known, and recorded cases of death solely attributed to typical doses in humans are extremely rare. Common physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea are typically mild and considered side effects of emotional intensification.
Additionally, adverse physical effects are sometimes believed to be connected to underlying psychological disorders that were present before taking the drug. Some researchers also suggest that long-term health issues from psilocybin result from multiple doses and the use of other substances simultaneously.
Therapeutic Potential
While the recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to adverse long-term effects, there is growing interest in their therapeutic potential. Research is being conducted to determine the possible use of psilocybin in therapy for various conditions, including mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions. However, it is important to note that psilocybin is currently not recognized as a safe treatment option by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
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Drug test detection
Standard drug tests involving saliva or blood samples typically do not screen for psilocybin, the active compound in shrooms. These tests are unlikely to detect shrooms as the body metabolizes them too quickly for detection in blood or saliva unless the test is done within a few hours of consumption. However, specialized psilocybin tests are available but are generally rare and expensive. These specialized tests need to be administered within 15 to 24 hours of ingestion to detect the presence of psilocybin in the body.
Urine tests can detect psilocybin for up to three days, depending on dosage and metabolism. While most of the psilocybin is excreted through urine within 15 to 24 hours, a smaller amount may appear in the urine up to a week later.
Hair follicle tests have a much longer detection window, being able to uncover psilocybin usage for up to 90 days after ingestion. This detection period may vary based on factors such as mushroom dose and potency, body composition, and method of consumption. Hair tests are not common due to their high cost.
To summarize, while shrooms are generally not detectable on standard drug tests, specialized tests for psilocybin exist but are rare and expensive. Urine tests have a detection window of up to three days, while hair follicle tests can detect usage for up to three months. It is important to note that these detection times can vary based on individual factors and the characteristics of the shrooms consumed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, eating mushrooms every two months is considered safe. However, it is important to practice moderation and be mindful of any potential side effects or allergies.
Mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, biotin, and vitamin D. They can help lower cholesterol, support immune function, and promote heart health.
While mushrooms are generally safe, some individuals may experience digestive issues or allergic reactions. It is important to avoid wild mushrooms as they can be poisonous, and pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should exercise caution when consuming raw mushrooms. Additionally, overconsumption of mushrooms may lead to negative psychological effects and interactions with certain medications.
