Mushrooms: Are They Safe To Eat?

Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be a nutritious part of a healthy diet. However, not all mushrooms are safe for consumption. Some mushrooms, such as psilocybin mushrooms or magic mushrooms, contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin and can cause a range of physical and psychological effects. While some advocate for the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms in treating mental health disorders, they are largely illegal and can lead to adverse experiences and health risks. To ensure food safety, it is important to select, store, clean, and prepare mushrooms properly to avoid food poisoning.

Are Mushrooms Safe?

Explore related products

Mushrooming Without Fear: The Beginner's Guide to Collecting Safe and Delicious Mushrooms

$7.62 $14.95

Peterson Field Guide To Mushrooms Of North America, Second Edition: A Comprehensive Guide to Foraging, Cooking, and Understanding Fungi Across North America

$14.39 $25.99

Mushrooms (Nature Observation North America)

$8.34 $8.95

All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms

$13.18 $17.99

Mushrooms Demystified

$24.12 $42

Mushrooming with Confidence: A Guide to Collecting Edible and Tasty Mushrooms

$9.3 $14.95

Safe storage and preparation of edible mushrooms

Safe storage and preparation are crucial when dealing with edible mushrooms, especially those containing psilocybin, commonly known as "magic mushrooms." Improper handling can lead to reduced efficacy, potency, and safety concerns. Here are some detailed guidelines for safe storage and preparation:

Safe Storage Practices

The primary goal of mushroom storage is to prevent moisture accumulation and absorption. Mushrooms have a high water content, and moisture is their enemy. To keep them dry and fresh, follow these steps:

• Use a brown paper bag: Place whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag. The paper bag will help absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh.
• Paper Towel Method: If you don't have a brown paper bag, wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator.
• Refrigeration: The refrigerator is ideal for short-term storage. Place the paper bag or bowl with mushrooms in the refrigerator, preferably in a dry, cool, and dark spot. Fresh psilocybin mushrooms can last from several weeks to a couple of months, depending on refrigeration.
• Airtight Containers: For long-term storage, use airtight containers such as glass jars or vacuum-sealed plastic bags. Ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly dried before sealing to prevent mold growth.
• Freezing: Freezing is another option for long-term storage. Briefly cook the mushrooms first to preserve their quality and flavor. Lightly sauté them in butter or steam them, then place them in a freezer-safe bag once cooled. Frozen mushrooms can be stored for up to 12 months.
• Drying: Drying mushrooms is a popular method that preserves their quality and flavor while indefinitely extending their shelf life. Use a dehydrator or air-drying techniques, then store the dried mushrooms in airtight glass jars.

Safe Preparation Techniques

When preparing edible mushrooms, especially psilocybin mushrooms, it is essential to consider the following:

• Dosage: One of the main dangers of cooking with psilocybin mushrooms is dosage. Microdosers consume tiny amounts at a time. When preparing a large batch, ensure even distribution of mushrooms throughout the dish to prevent unexpectedly intense experiences.
• Research and Guidance: Before consuming psilocybin mushrooms, conduct thorough research on safe dosages and preparation methods. Consult guides or experts to identify the right dosage for your specific needs and intended effects.
• Environment and State of Mind: The setting and your state of mind can influence your experience. Consume psilocybin mushrooms in a calm, quiet, and familiar environment with trusted friends to reduce the risk of a "bad trip."
• Gradual Consumption: Start with a small amount and gradually increase your consumption if needed. As advised by experts, "go slow—you can always have more if you want to."
• Labeling and Tracking: Always label and date your mushroom containers to keep track of their freshness and potency. Regularly inspect the mushrooms for any signs of mold or degradation.

Magic mushrooms as a treatment for mental health disorders

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are mostly illegal in the United States. However, they have a wide range of health benefits, including potential positive effects on mental health.

Psilocybin is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in magic mushrooms. It is a naturally occurring psychedelic that can cause hallucinations and distort a person's senses, thinking, sense of time, and emotions. While the use of magic mushrooms can have risks, a growing body of research has shown that psilocybin has significant potential in the treatment of a number of mental and behavioral health disorders.

Psilocybin therapy has been shown to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health disorders. It has also been effective in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer. In addition, psilocybin has shown positive results in smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment studies.

When taken under supported conditions, psilocybin can cause self-described "spiritual" experiences that generally result in positive changes in a person's attitude, mood, and behavior. It appears to elevate a personality quality known as "openness," which encompasses sensitivity, imagination, and an appreciation for the values and viewpoints of others.

However, it is important to note that taking psilocybin outside of a controlled setting can be risky, and it is illegal under federal and state law in the United States. Some people who take psilocybin may experience undesirable or harmful effects, such as panic reactions, confusion, or even psychosis in those predisposed to it. In addition, psilocybin can cause physical side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional guidance and supervision when considering the use of psilocybin for mental health treatment.

Legality of magic mushrooms

The legality of magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, 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 no recognised medical use. However, magic mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in various cultures throughout history, and some argue that they have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.

In the United States, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal under federal law, and it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. However, there have been recent efforts to decriminalise and legalise psilocybin in certain states and cities, such as Oregon, Colorado, Denver, Oakland, and Washington, DC. In Oregon, voters passed a ballot measure in 2020 to decriminalise psilocybin and legalise its supervised non-medical use, but much of this measure was repealed in 2024. In Colorado, a similar medical use and decriminalisation measure was passed in 2022, and the state issued the first sets of licenses for medical-assisted use in 2025.

In Canada, magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and activities involving these substances are illegal unless authorised by Health Canada. However, there are reports of shops selling magic mushrooms openly in Vancouver, BC, and mushroom spore kits can be purchased legally as they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.

In the United Kingdom, magic mushrooms are illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, in the British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory with an independent legal system, the use and possession of magic mushrooms are legal.

In other countries, the legality of magic mushrooms varies. For example, in Jamaica and Nepal, psychedelics such as psilocybin are not specifically regulated by law. Switzerland has had an exceptional use program for psychedelic therapy in place since the 1980s, and Australia has allowed authorised psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression since 2023. On the other hand, countries like Germany and some US states have specifically criminalised the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.

As research on the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelics grows, the legal and political support for the decriminalisation and legalisation of magic mushrooms is also increasing globally. However, some caution that more research is needed to understand the potential risks and consequences of unrestricted use.

Explore related products

Psilocybin Growing Bible: The Complete Psilocybin Mushroom Cultivation Guide Step by Step to Grow Indoor and Outdoor Your Magic Psychedelic Mushrooms with Safety Measure.

$12.69

Magic Mushroom Cultivation Guide for New Growers: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Psilocybin Mushrooms Safely and Successfully

$11.97

Mushrooms: Practical Guide to Harvesting and Preservation - Techniques, Safety and Recipes: A Complete Field Guide to Foraging, Identifying, Preserving, and Cooking Edible Wild Mushrooms for Beginner

$17.99

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides)

$81.78

Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States: A Field-to-Kitchen Guide (Field-To-Kitchen Guides)

$23.2 $24.95

A Field Guide to Mushrooms: North America (Peterson Field Guides)

$28.98

Avoiding poisonous mushrooms

Mushrooms are the fleshy part of a fungus and usually grow on composted materials and nutrient sources such as tree logs. There are many types of edible mushrooms, including white button mushrooms, portabella mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. However, there are also many types of poisonous mushrooms, and consuming them can make you very sick or even result in death.

• Learn about the different types of poisonous mushrooms in your region. For example, if you live in BC, you should familiarize yourself with the various poisonous mushrooms commonly found there, such as Amanita pantherinoides, Amanita muscaria, and False Chanterelles.
• Stick to well-known edible mushrooms like chanterelles (Cantharellus) and oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus), which are easy to identify.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Do not eat any mushroom that you cannot identify conclusively. It is recommended to get to know a mushroom for a year before consuming it.
• Avoid mushrooms that are bruised or show signs of spoilage.
• Choose prepackaged, fresh mushrooms covered in plastic wrapping or film with holes to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Wash your hands and follow proper cleaning techniques to avoid cross-contamination and prevent the spread of food poisoning. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean all utensils, countertops, and cutting boards before and after handling mushrooms.
• Avoid wild mushrooms that resemble the Amanita genus, often characterized by gills, a ring, and a volva (a sack or bulb at the base of the stem).
• Be cautious of "false morels" (Gyromitra spp.), which are deadly poisonous if eaten raw due to the presence of a toxin called gyromitrin.
• Avoid consuming mushrooms with a history of causing gastric upset or indigestion in many people, such as Gompus floccosus (the scaly chanterelle) and Ramaria gelatinosa.
• Refrain from mixing alcohol with the Coprinus species, including Coprinopsis atramentaria, as they contain a toxin called coprine, which can cause adverse effects similar to a hangover when combined with alcohol.

Effects of magic mushrooms

The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance that occurs naturally in certain types of mushrooms. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties.

Magic mushrooms are typically eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 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, and an altered state of consciousness. Some people may also experience euphoria, sensory distortion, paranoia, and short-term psychosis.

It is important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and there is a risk of poisoning from picking the wrong types of mushrooms, as they may look similar to poisonous mushrooms. Additionally, the use of magic mushrooms with other drugs, including some over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. For individuals with cardiac diseases, the short-term effects of increased blood pressure and heart rate could be harmful.

Regular use of magic mushrooms may lead to tolerance, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time. While there is a low risk of addiction, some people may experience flashbacks or "bad trips". These experiences may be frightening and may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self, which may lead to risk-taking behaviour and, in rare cases, traumatic injuries or even death.

Frequently asked questions