John Miller
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms, including hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality, are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. The experience of taking magic mushrooms, often referred to as a trip, is influenced by both internal and external factors, such as one's state of mind and the surrounding environment. While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, they are also associated with risks such as bad trips and the possibility of misidentifying and consuming poisonous mushrooms.
| 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, euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, lack of coordination, panic, psychosis, flashbacks, increased tolerance |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Canada, and the UK |
| Potential therapeutic uses | Treatment for substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| Side effects | Bad trips, unintentional fatal poisoning, increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature |
| Risks | Misidentification of mushrooms, physical and mental health risks, interaction with other drugs |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic
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 naturally occurring psychedelic drug found in mushrooms like liberty caps. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms come from the combination of psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects. These effects include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
The potency of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and their growing conditions. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. The strength of magic mushrooms can also vary from mushroom to mushroom, as each may have different concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically appear within 15 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. The duration of the effects depends on the dose and the individual's unique response to the drug. The experience, often referred to as a "trip," is influenced by both internal and external factors. Internal factors include the individual's mood, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations. External factors, known as the "setting," include the environment, company, and activities during the experience. A comfortable and familiar environment, for example, can contribute to a positive experience, while a negative environment may lead to a "bad trip."
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in various cultural contexts. They have been depicted in ancient rock art and are believed to have been used in religious rituals in prehistoric times. Today, they are often used as recreational drugs, but there is also growing interest in their potential therapeutic applications. Small-scale clinical trials have shown promising results for the treatment of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms are not without risks. Adverse effects can include "bad trips," flashbacks, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and, in rare cases, fatal events due to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis.
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They are not addictive
Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", are a form of fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects of the mushrooms. While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, there is a risk of developing psychological dependence.
Magic mushrooms do not exhibit the same addictive properties as commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. Studies show that people who use mushrooms regularly do not follow typical addiction patterns. However, some individuals may continue using mushrooms to attain pleasurable feelings, which can lead to problematic and compulsive patterns of use. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause "flashbacks", where individuals experience the effects of the drug long after the last use. These flashbacks can be intense and disturbing, especially if they recall a frightening experience or hallucination.
While physical addiction is rare, the potential for psychological dependence on magic mushrooms is significant and should not be underestimated. Individuals may develop strong associations with using mushrooms in specific settings or with certain people, leading to frequent use. This can result in social and relationship issues, financial difficulties, and legal problems. However, it is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can also vary greatly depending on the type and dose.
Treatment for magic mushroom abuse and addiction typically involves therapeutic support, individual counselling, or group therapy. These approaches help individuals understand their drug use triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage cravings and prevent relapse. It is crucial to address the growing concern of magic mushroom abuse, especially among younger populations, through education, prevention efforts, and early intervention. Providing accurate information about the risks and consequences of magic mushroom use is essential for promoting safe and informed decisions.
In summary, while magic mushrooms may not be physically addictive, the potential for psychological dependence is real and should be taken seriously. Seeking professional help and support is crucial for individuals struggling with magic mushroom misuse to ensure a safe and sustainable recovery.
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They can induce a bad trip
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that can induce psychedelic effects. They have been used for thousands of years and continue to be used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts.
While the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be positive, they can also induce a "bad trip". A bad trip is characterised by a feeling of losing oneself or going crazy, or ego dissolution. The environment in which psilocybin mushrooms are consumed plays a significant role in determining whether the experience will be positive or negative. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience. The individual's state of mind is also important, as feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip.
The effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and dangerous when combined with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Combining magic mushrooms with drugs like ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions should refrain from using magic mushrooms, as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of their condition.
It is important to note that the only way to guarantee avoiding a bad trip is to abstain from using hallucinogens altogether. However, for those who choose to use psilocybin mushrooms, it is recommended to do so in a safe and peaceful environment, with trusted friends, and with a sober companion who can provide support if needed.
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They are illegal in many countries
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin turns into the psychedelic psilocin. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination.
Magic mushrooms are illegal in many countries. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a "high potential for abuse" or drugs that have "no recognized medical uses". The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances requires its members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict the use of the drug to medical and scientific research under strictly controlled conditions. Most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms of the convention, and the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in many countries, including Canada and Australia. In the United States, psilocybin was first subjected to federal regulation by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, and it is now regulated by the US Psychotropic Substances Act.
However, it is important to note that the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, and there have been some recent changes towards decriminalization and medicinal use. For example, in 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. In 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and in 2023, Australia approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
The reasons for the illegality of psilocybin mushrooms in many countries are likely due to concerns about their potential for abuse and lack of recognized medical uses, as well as the desire to regulate substances that can alter a person's state of consciousness and behaviour.
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They have been used for thousands of years
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are indeed psychedelics. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin and psilocin include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
South American Aztec Indians referred to magic mushrooms as "teonanacatl", meaning "god's flesh", and they were used in religious and healing rituals. Spanish missionaries in the 1500s attempted to destroy all records and evidence of the use of these mushrooms. However, a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan friar and historian mentioned teonanacatl in his extensive writings, intriguing 20th-century ethnopharmacologists and leading to a decades-long search for the identity of teonanacatl.
In 1957, a photo essay in a popular magazine described the use of these mushrooms to the Western world, and specimens were obtained and chemically synthesized. In 1958, the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin and psilocin from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana. His employer, Sandoz, marketed and sold pure psilocybin to physicians and clinicians worldwide for use in psychedelic therapy. However, the increasingly restrictive drug laws of the 1960s and 1970s curbed scientific research into the effects of psilocybin and other hallucinogens.
Today, magic mushrooms are used as recreational drugs, and there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses. While they are illegal in many places, clinical trials with psilocybin have shown promising results in treating depression, anxiety, and certain addictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, but they typically include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination.
No, magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence (addiction). However, they can have negative side effects such as extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia, known as a "bad trip".
The legality of magic mushrooms varies by jurisdiction. In some places, such as Canada and the US, activities related to magic mushrooms such as sale, possession, and production are illegal unless authorized by health authorities. In other places, such as some European countries, magic mushrooms can be purchased at specialized stores.
