Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, 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, ranging from mild trips with feelings of relaxation to frightening experiences marked by hallucinations, delusions, and panic. While some people take magic mushrooms for their psychoactive effects, researchers have also explored the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cluster headaches. The molecular structure of psilocybin mimics serotonin and binds to serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A, which is associated with the effects of many psychedelic drugs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active compounds | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin, β-carbolines |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered thinking, sense of time and emotions, euphoria, connection, flashbacks, perceptual changes, altered behaviour, drowsiness, relaxation, panic, seizures, headaches, increased blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, tremors, numbness, weakness, uncoordinated movements, twitching, drooling, sweating, dizziness, vomiting, delirium |
| Use | Recreational, medicinal, spiritual |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, dried, tea, extracts, food products, capsules, tablets, crystalline powder |
| Genera | Psilocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, Copelandia, Pluteus, Inocybe, Pholiotina, Galerina, Hygrophorus, Cyclocybe |
| Species | P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, P. cyanescens, P. zapotecorum |
| Distribution | Mexico (53 species), Canada and the US (22), Europe (16), Asia (15), Africa (4), Australia and associated islands (19) |
| Habitat | Subtropical and tropical forests, meadows, woods, near cattle |
| Evolutionary history | Psilocybe arose when an asteroid caused a mass extinction event, possibly 40-9 million years ago |
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What You'll Learn
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, known as psilocybin mushrooms or magic mushrooms. These mushrooms are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms and is responsible for their psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in various cultures, with depictions possibly found in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, and more certain representations in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. In Mesoamerica, psilocybin mushrooms have been consumed in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies for centuries, with Spanish chroniclers first documenting their use in the 16th century.
The first mention of hallucinogenic mushrooms in European medicinal literature was in 1799, when a London apothecary described the effects of Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms on a family who had consumed them. In 1955, Valentina Pavlovna Wasson and R. Gordon Wasson became the first known European Americans to actively participate in an indigenous mushroom ceremony, publicizing their experience in an article published in 1957.
In 1958, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first identified psilocybin and psilocin as the active compounds in Psilocybe mushrooms. Psilocybin is typically consumed orally, either in the form of fresh or dried psilocybin-containing mushrooms, as an herbal tea, or combined with other foods to mask its bitter taste. Synthetic psilocybin, which appears as a white crystalline powder, can also be processed into tablets or capsules or dissolved in water.
Psilocybin has been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been outlawed in most countries. However, psilocybin is being studied for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also being investigated for its potential in treating cluster headaches and other conditions.
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How do people use magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, 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 key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted in the body to psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. 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.
Magic mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 to 45 minutes when eaten, or within 5 to 10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The early effects typically include nausea and excessive yawning. After these initial effects, the "trip" begins. A trip might be mild, leaving a person feeling drowsy or relaxed. However, higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The person may also experience a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can have risks. While it rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to negative experiences such as a "'bad trip'" or delayed headaches that usually last less than a day. Additionally, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing if a frightening experience is recalled. Tolerance to the effects of magic mushrooms also develops rapidly with continued use, and discontinuing use for about a week is recommended to return to normal tolerance levels.
Furthermore, magic mushrooms can be difficult to identify, as they closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms that can cause severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms before consumption and seek medical assistance if any adverse effects are experienced.
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What are the effects of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, type of mushroom, mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations. Perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there or are distorted), are commonly reported. Magic mushrooms can also distort a person's sense of reality, mixing up their senses (for example, they may believe they can see music or hear colours).
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes when eaten, or within 5 to 10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, with different concentrations of active ingredients in each mushroom. 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.
While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to a "bad trip". This may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, and impaired judgment, which may lead to risk-taking behaviour and, in some cases, traumatic injuries or even death. In addition, consuming magic mushrooms with other substances, such as ice, speed, ecstasy, cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol, or certain psychiatric medications, can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic or a relapse or worsening of the condition.
Regular use of magic mushrooms may also cause people to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin, and cross-tolerance may occur with other drugs, including LSD and mescaline. Furthermore, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, or "flashback-type reactions", involving a previous magic mushroom experience. These usually involve visual distortions and changes in emotions or perception and can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise. While the risk of addiction is low, there is a potential for mild psychological withdrawal effects.
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What are the risks of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. While some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug, it is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has a high potential for misuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
Poisoning: Magic mushrooms look similar to poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness, organ damage, or even death. It is difficult to predict the strength of magic mushrooms, and they can be contaminated or mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of poisoning.
Hallucinations and distorted senses: Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, sensory distortion, and perceptual changes. While some people may experience mild hallucinations, others may have disturbing or frightening hallucinations that can lead to feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or panic.
Bad trips: The risk of a bad trip may increase with higher doses or feelings of anxiety before taking magic mushrooms. A bad trip can include negative effects such as delusions, paranoia, and panic.
Flashbacks: Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, even weeks, months, or years after the drug was last taken. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled.
Tolerance and overdose: With regular use, tolerance to the effects of psilocybin can develop, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect. Consuming large amounts of magic mushrooms can result in overdose symptoms, which, while not fatal, can be dangerous.
Seizures: In some cases, magic mushroom ingestion has been known to cause seizures.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in most places and can carry risks. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and while adverse side effects are often mild or moderate, some people may require medical treatment.
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What are the potential benefits of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, a psychedelic chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, from mild trips with feelings of relaxation to frightening experiences marked by hallucinations, delusions, and panic. However, despite the risks associated with their use, magic mushrooms have been reported to offer several potential benefits.
One potential benefit of magic mushrooms is their ability to provide a sense of euphoria, connection, and a distorted sense of time. Many people who use magic mushrooms seek these unique psychological effects, which can lead to altered and unusual perceptions. Additionally, some people believe that magic mushrooms are sacred herbs that enable them to attain superior spiritual states.
Magic mushrooms have also been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating various medical conditions. For example, research has shown that magic mushrooms can be effective in relieving the emotional distress associated with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. Furthermore, psilocybin may have the potential to rewire the brain to ease depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, and more. The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University is actively investigating the therapeutic applications of psilocybin and other psychedelics.
Another potential benefit of magic mushrooms is the practice of microdosing, which involves taking very small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms several times a week. Proponents of microdosing believe that this technique can help maintain brain health and a creative perspective on life while minimizing unwanted side effects. While scientific studies have not yet confirmed the benefits of microdosing, surveys of microdosers have reported significantly positive outcomes.
While magic mushrooms have shown potential in various applications, it is important to approach their use with caution. Magic mushrooms can have unpredictable effects, and their consumption carries risks, including the possibility of poisoning, accidental ingestion of toxic species, and triggering mental and emotional problems. Therefore, the exploration of the benefits of magic mushrooms should be conducted in controlled research and medical settings under the supervision of trained professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, 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.
Yes, magic mushrooms are psychoactive. The psilocybin found in magic mushrooms is converted to psilocin in the body and is believed to influence serotonin in the brain, leading to altered and unusual perceptions.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 20 to 40 minutes when eaten, or within 5 to 10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a distorted sense of time, euphoria, and connection.
