Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms are considered the safest recreational drug to take, according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey. However, they are illegal in many places, and there are risks associated with consuming them. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance that affects the senses, alters thinking, and changes emotions. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, and can last approximately four to six hours. The risks of taking magic mushrooms include accidental poisoning from mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, a 'bad trip', and unpredictable, potentially dangerous behaviour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Magic mushrooms are the safest "recreational" drug to take, according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey. However, they are illegal in the US and the UK. |
| Addiction | Magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction. |
| Poisoning | There is a risk of accidental poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even be fatal. |
| Effects | Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. They can also cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations. |
| Duration | The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea and can last approximately 4 to 6 hours. |
| Bad trips | The risk of a bad trip may be influenced by factors such as dose, environment, and feelings of anxiety before taking the mushrooms. |
| Medical treatment | In the 2017 Global Drug Survey, only 0.2% of respondents needed emergency medical treatment after taking magic mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in many places
While magic mushrooms are considered safe when taken in controlled settings, they are illegal in many places. The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. 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".
In the United States, psilocybin is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act and carries the same legal penalties as heroin. While still illegal in most of the U.S., Denver and Colorado have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms, and Oregon has made them legal for mental health treatment. In addition, Florida stands out because of a decision in 1978 in Fiske v Florida, which ruled that wild-picked psilocybin mushrooms are presumptively legal to possess. However, the federal government still considers the mushroom a ""container" of illicit drugs, and possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances.
In other countries, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is also ambiguous. For example, in Germany and some U.S. states, including California, Georgia, and Idaho, it is illegal to possess psilocybin mushroom spores. In Canada, the province of Alberta has recently allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, and Australia has approved psilocybin for prescription medications for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
The reasons for the illegality of magic mushrooms vary. Some argue that it is due to censorship and the government's desire to maintain control by preventing people from thinking outside the box and challenging social norms. Others point out that psychedelic mushrooms fall into the same category as other illegal substances like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, which are known to impair judgement and allow for anarchic behaviour.
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Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal
While there are many health benefits associated with consuming psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal, and it is not always easy to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties.
There are about 100,000 known species of fungi, and around 100 of these are poisonous to humans. Some poisonous mushrooms bear a striking resemblance to edible mushrooms, making them especially dangerous. For example, the destroying angel (Amanita verna) is a highly toxic fungus that looks very similar to edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms. Similarly, the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) is considered one of the deadliest mushrooms and is often mistaken for edible straw mushrooms or Caesar's mushrooms. Consuming just one death cap mushroom can be enough poison to kill an average-sized adult, and death can occur within 48 hours.
It is important to note that even professionals sometimes mistake poisonous mushrooms for edible ones. Therefore, unless you are an expert, it is strongly advised not to pick and consume wild mushrooms. If you suspect that you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as this can be life-threatening.
Some of the symptoms of mushroom poisoning include violent abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, liver and kidney failure, and even death. It is worth noting that cooking, peeling, drying, or soaking a poisonous mushroom will not make it edible. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consumption and to only eat mushrooms purchased from reputable sources, such as supermarkets or greengrocers.
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The effects of magic mushrooms vary
The effects of magic mushrooms can differ based on the individual, the dose, and the type of mushroom. They can also depend on a person's mood, state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of the experience. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before taking magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. The environment in which the mushrooms are taken can also have a significant impact on the overall experience. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, whereas a noisy, crowded place may lead to a negative experience.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes when eaten, and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted senses, and an altered state of consciousness. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, taking a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to negative consequences.
In addition, magic mushrooms can have delayed effects, such as headaches that may last up to a day, and flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences. These flashbacks can be disturbing and are usually triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise. They can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms can be dangerous when taken with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Combining magic mushrooms with certain substances, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, can elevate the risks of serious side effects and adverse events. Additionally, individuals with existing psychiatric conditions may have an elevated risk of side effects, and those with cardiac diseases should be cautious due to potential short-term effects on blood pressure and heart rate.
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Magic mushrooms are not habit-forming
While magic mushrooms have been used for centuries by indigenous populations for religious and social rites, they are illegal in most parts of the world. In the United States, psilocybin, the compound in mushrooms that gives them their hallucinogenic quality, is a Schedule I substance, carrying the same legal penalties as heroin.
Despite their illegal status, magic mushrooms are increasingly being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. Researchers are investigating the use of psilocybin to treat conditions such as depression and addiction. For example, studies have shown that psilocybin can disrupt negative feedback networks in the brain, which may be useful for treating depression. In addition, psilocybin may help addicts by causing the brain to communicate with itself in new ways and breaking negative linkages.
However, it is important to note that the use of any drug carries risks. Magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently, and while they rarely cause life-threatening symptoms, consuming a large amount or a strong batch can lead to negative experiences, known as "bad trips". Factors that can influence the effects of magic mushrooms include the amount consumed, the environment in which they are taken, and the individual's state of mind and previous encounters with psychedelic drugs.
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 patterns of addiction. While magic mushrooms are not considered habit-forming, they can lead to somewhat problematic, compulsive patterns of use as individuals may continue to use them to attain the pleasurable feelings associated with their use. Additionally, individuals who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, typically visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception, that can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise.
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Magic mushrooms can be used to treat depression
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that can induce mind-altering effects. While they are illegal in most of the US, several cities have decriminalised their use. This is because research has shown that psilocybin mushrooms have many benefits to physical and mental health, particularly in the treatment of depression.
Psychedelics like psilocybin have been shown to affect a person's mental state, altering their thinking, sense of time, and emotions. They can also induce hallucinations, causing a person to see or hear things that are not there or are distorted.
Recent studies have found that psilocybin can boost mood and improve functioning in as little as eight days. In one study, participants with a long-term history of depression were given two doses of psilocybin approximately two weeks apart. The results showed that psilocybin treatment led to significant and immediate effects on depression, with improvements lasting for up to a year for most patients. The GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a standard depression assessment tool, showed that scores decreased from 22.8 at pre-treatment to 7.7 at 12 months after treatment.
Another study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that cancer patients who were gravely ill experienced a substantial decrease in depression and anxiety after taking psilocybin. These outcomes were encouraging, with the positive effects enduring for at least six months.
While the FDA has not yet approved psilocybin for clinical use, it has designated psilocybin-based drugs as "breakthrough therapy," indicating that they show substantial improvement over currently available therapies. However, it is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries risks, as they may have adverse effects, and they closely resemble poisonous mushrooms, which can be dangerous or even fatal if consumed.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are not safe to take. They are illegal in the US and the UK and are considered a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, carrying the same legal penalties as heroin. They are also toxic to the kidneys and can be fatal. In addition, it is difficult to identify the right kind of mushroom, and many poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms.
However, according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, magic mushrooms are the safest "recreational" drug to take, and those who take them are the most sensible and well-prepared.
The biggest risk of taking magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can make you very sick and even kill you. Even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types. Poisoning symptoms include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
Another risk is having a ""bad trip""", which can lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The risk of a bad trip is higher if you take a higher dose or have feelings of anxiety beforehand.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause you to see or hear things that are not there or are distorted. They can also alter your thinking, sense of time, emotions, and thought patterns. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately 4-6 hours.
