John Miller
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes when eaten and can last approximately four to six hours. The biggest danger of consuming magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming a poisonous mushroom, as some poisonous mushrooms look very similar to magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, but Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use in 2020.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, amani, liberty cap, mushies, liberties, happies, magics |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Drug class | Hallucinogen, psychedelic |
| Common side effects | Nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, psychosis |
| Effects | Perceptual changes, mystical experiences, euphoria, connection, distorted sense of time, anxiety, frightening hallucinations, confusion, sweating, distorted lights and sounds |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, tea, liquid, smoked |
| Legality | Illegal in most places, including the US, UK, and Australia. Decriminalized in Oregon and Colorado, US. |
| Treatment | Drug treatment facilities, rehab centers, National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline |
| Risks | Poisoning, misidentification with poisonous mushrooms, toxic commercial products, bad trips, long-term changes in personality, flashbacks, negative psychological effects |
| Benefits | Therapeutic potential for treating substance use disorders, depression, PTSD, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are considered one of the most well-known psychedelics. While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples of America and Europe, they are illegal in most places today.
The legality of magic mushrooms varies across the world. In the United States, psilocybin is federally illegal and classified as a Schedule I drug, indicating that it has a high potential for misuse and no accepted medical use. However, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms has been ambiguous in many US state courts, and some states, such as Oregon, Colorado, and the District of Columbia, have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin for therapeutic or medicinal use. In other countries, such as Germany, California, Georgia, and Idaho, the possession and sale of psilocybin mushroom spores are specifically prohibited.
Outside of the United States, the legal status of magic mushrooms also varies. Some countries, like Peru, Bolivia, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Jamaica, have legalized or decriminalized psilocybin for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. In contrast, countries like Russia, India, and South Africa have made psilocybin illegal.
The varying legal status of magic mushrooms across different jurisdictions highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the potential benefits and risks associated with their use. While some advocate for the therapeutic and spiritual value of psilocybin, others emphasize the potential for misuse and the importance of regulation. As research progresses on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, the legal landscape surrounding magic mushrooms may continue to evolve.
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They can be eaten, brewed into tea, or smoked
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are usually eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. However, they can also be smoked or mixed with food. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes when eaten and can last for approximately four to six hours. During this time, users may experience perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and distorted senses of time and euphoria.
It is important to note that the use of any drug carries risks, and magic mushrooms are no exception. One of the main risks associated with magic mushrooms is the possibility of consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake, as they can look very similar. Accidental ingestion and adverse reactions are risks related to the recreational use of magic mushrooms. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on a person's state of mind and the environment they are in, with feelings of stress or anxiety potentially leading to a "'bad trip".
Magic mushrooms have a long history of use, dating back to Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, and they have been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of America and Europe for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Today, they are widely used as a recreational drug and have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. However, it is important to note that psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, indicating a high potential for misuse and no currently accepted medical use.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, the laws regarding their cultivation, possession, and sale vary from country to country. For example, Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use in 2020, while Colorado has recently legalized its consumption, growing, and sharing for personal use. Nevertheless, it is always essential to be cautious and informed about the local laws and risks associated with magic mushroom consumption.
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They can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and panic
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in magic mushrooms, can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and panic. Magic mushrooms are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects and are considered psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perception of reality.
The effects of magic mushrooms 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 hallucinations caused by magic mushrooms can be frightening and disturbing, and may include visual and auditory components, such as seeing or hearing things that are not real or are distorted. The quantity of the drug consumed, the person's past experiences, expectations, personality, age, unique biology, sex, and history of drug use can all influence their reaction to psilocybin and the intensity of hallucinations.
In addition to hallucinations, magic mushrooms can also cause paranoia and panic. Paranoia is a common side effect of magic mushroom consumption and can be a disturbing and unwanted experience for the user. Panic or fear is another potential consequence of ingesting magic mushrooms. These negative psychological effects can be exacerbated by a person's expectations, mood, and environment at the time of taking the drug, as well as their history of drug use and biological factors.
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples, they can also lead to negative experiences and "bad trips." The risk of a bad trip increases when magic mushrooms are combined with other substances or when a person consumes a large amount or a strong batch. Hospital admissions related to magic mushroom use are often connected to bad trips, which can be frightening and distressing for the user. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with magic mushroom consumption.
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Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms" and are often eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. While the use of any drug carries risks, magic mushrooms are not physically addictive in the same way that other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, are.
There is no significant physiological dependence associated with magic mushrooms, and withdrawal symptoms are not likely to occur. However, it is important to note that tolerance develops rapidly with continued use, and discontinuing use for a week or so will return people to their normal tolerance level. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, yawning, feeling drowsy, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis. In rare cases, classic hallucinogens like psilocybin may trigger or worsen certain mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, manic episodes, or depression.
While magic mushrooms may not be physically addictive, they can lead to problematic or compulsive patterns of use. Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences, usually involving visual distortions and changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken and can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled.
The availability of magic mushrooms from wild and cultivated sources has made them one of the most widely used psychedelic drugs. They have been used for centuries by indigenous populations for religious and social rites and have more recently been sought out for their peaceful high and mood-enhancing effects. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal in most places and can carry risks, including the potential for negative experiences or "bad trips."
Overall, while magic mushrooms may not be physically addictive, they can still have significant effects on the body and mind, and it is important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
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They are being researched for therapeutic potential
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in Central and South America, as well as in Africa and Europe. In modern times, they are among the most commonly used complementary and alternative therapies, especially in oncology and in Asian countries.
In Western countries, the application of mushrooms in medical therapies is still limited, especially in conventional medical institutions. However, there is a growing interest in mycotherapy, and researchers are conducting clinical trials to propose supplements of safe origin and genetic purity.
Research has shown that mushrooms have important health benefits and exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities.
Psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic "magic mushrooms," is being studied for its potential to treat mental health disorders like substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In a small study, Johns Hopkins researchers found that two doses of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms in adults with major depression. Another small study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that a single large dose of psilocybin helped longtime smokers quit in the context of a cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment program.
In 2020, Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use. In 2022, Colorado legalized its consumption, growing, and sharing for personal use.
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