Emma Wilson
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are used as recreational drugs. They have been used for thousands of years and have been depicted in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin, which are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. When consumed, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, depending on the dose and type of mushroom used. While some people may have enjoyable experiences, others may have terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It's important to note that the use of magic mushrooms comes with risks, and they are regulated or prohibited in many jurisdictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Recreational use, medicinal use, religious use |
| History | Used for thousands of years, depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs in the Americas |
| Species | Over 200 species, including Psilocybe cubensis, P. semilanceata, P. ingeli, and P. maluti |
| Distribution | Found on all continents, with the majority of species in subtropical humid forests; common in Mexico (53 species), Canada and the US (22), Europe (16), Asia (15), Africa (4), Australia and associated islands (19) |
| Legal Status | Varies worldwide, with some countries prohibiting psilocybin under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances; some jurisdictions specifically prohibit the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores |
| Dosage | Recreational dose: typically between 1.0 and 3.5–5.0 g of dry mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms; microdose: <1.0 g of dried mushrooms |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, heightened emotions and senses, perceptual changes, nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, paranoia, panic attacks, fear of death, flashbacks |
| Risks | Poisoning, accidental consumption of poisonous mushrooms, severe side effects, bad trips, delayed headaches, mild psychological withdrawal effects |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic. They are psychedelic drugs that can cause hallucinations and alter a person's thinking, emotions, sense of time, and sense of reality. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical that produces psychoactive effects.
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and are found on all continents, with the majority of species occurring in subtropical humid forests. There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms, and they can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. The length and intensity of the "trip" can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, and expectations, as well as the strength and dosage of the mushrooms.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance, with higher doses needed to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing \"bad trips," which can include terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and flashbacks. It is also possible to mistake poisonous mushrooms for magic mushrooms, which can have dangerous and even fatal consequences.
The legal status of magic mushrooms varies worldwide. While they are considered Schedule I drugs under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, some jurisdictions have decriminalized or regulated their use for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.
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They are often consumed as a recreational drug
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are often consumed as a recreational drug. They are naturally occurring and contain the hallucinogenic ingredients psilocybin and psilocin, which create a psychedelic effect. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary from person to person and can be unpredictable. They can include heightened emotions and senses, laughter, and a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, they can also lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. Psilocybin mushrooms are also regulated or prohibited by many individual countries and jurisdictions, with varying levels of enforcement. For example, in the United States, the possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances and carry severe legal penalties. On the other hand, some jurisdictions, such as the US state of New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 to 45 minutes when eaten fresh and can last approximately four to six hours. The length and intensity of the "trip" depend on the strength of the mushrooms, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as the user's mood, personality, and expectations. While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence, regular use can lead to tolerance, with higher amounts of the drug needed to achieve the desired effect.
Microdosing is a popular technique where individuals consume less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms to achieve a milder experience that is still recreationally enjoyable. This practice may also be potentially alleviating for symptoms of depression. It is important to note that the use of any drug, including magic mushrooms, carries risks, and one should be careful when taking them. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs or activities such as driving can be dangerous and lead to accidents.
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There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are naturally occurring fungi that have been consumed for their psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects for thousands of years. There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms, with new species still being discovered and categorised. The majority of these species are found in subtropical humid forests, with 53 species in Mexico alone. Other species are distributed throughout Canada and the US (22 species), Europe (16), Asia (15), Africa (4), Australia and its associated islands (19), and South America.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are the chemicals psilocybin and psilocin, which are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects. Other compounds that may be present in magic mushrooms include norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin, which can modify the effects of the mushrooms.
Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically range from 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 g of dry mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms. A dose of 5.0 g of dried mushroom is often referred to as a "heroic dose". Microdosing has become a popular technique, where individuals consume less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for a less intense experience that is still recreationally enjoyable.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and distorted senses. These effects usually appear within 15-45 minutes and can last for four to six hours. It is important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary, and consuming a large amount or a strong batch can lead to negative experiences, such as a "'bad trip'", which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
Due to the similarity in appearance between magic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms, it is crucial to accurately identify the species before consumption to avoid potential health risks.
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The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and senses. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical that causes psychoactive effects.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes when ingested, and can last for approximately four to six hours. However, when taken as a soup or tea, the effects may appear as early as 5 to 10 minutes. Early effects often include nausea and excessive yawning, followed by perceptual changes such as visual and auditory hallucinations.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can lead to short-term mental and physical effects. While it is rare for the consumption of magic mushrooms to result in life-threatening symptoms, taking a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can have severe consequences, including death in very rare cases. Additionally, some individuals may experience negative effects, commonly known as a ""bad trip," which can be frightening and include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
Furthermore, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, typically consisting of visual distortions and changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur without warning and may happen days, months, or even years after the last consumption. Overall, the effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and unpredictable, making it essential for individuals to approach their usage with caution and awareness of the potential risks involved.
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The legal status of magic mushrooms varies by jurisdiction
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are used as recreational drugs. They are psychedelic and can cause hallucinations, alter a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. Magic mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea.
In the United States, magic mushrooms are illegal under federal law and classified as a Schedule I substance with no medicinal benefit and high abuse and addiction potential. However, some states, like Oregon, Colorado, and California, have legalized certain uses or deprioritized enforcement of drug laws prohibiting magic mushrooms. In Oregon, for instance, "psilocybin service centers" are licensed for persons 21 and older to consume magic mushrooms in a supervised setting. On the other hand, some jurisdictions, like California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
Outside of the United States, the legal status of magic mushrooms also varies. Psilocybin is illegal in countries like Russia, India, and South Africa. In contrast, it is legal for medicinal use in countries like Canada, Australia, and Denmark. The Canadian province of Alberta has recently allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, and Australia has approved psilocybin for prescription medications to treat PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
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Frequently asked questions
Recreational mushrooms, also known as psilocybin or magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and senses. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties.
The effects of recreational mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. The effects usually begin within 30-45 minutes when eaten or within 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately 4 to 6 hours. The effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and a distorted sense of reality. A ""bad trip"" may occur, particularly at high doses, which can be frightening and include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
The use of recreational mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, but there are risks associated with their consumption. It is possible to accidentally consume poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. Additionally, taking a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects, including death in very rare cases. There is also a potential for short-term mental and physical effects, such as flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing. While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, it is possible to become tolerant to their effects with regular use.
