Emily Johnson
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring fungi that are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are classified as psychedelic drugs, which can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. While the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, the key question remains: are they uppers or downers? Uppers, or stimulants, increase alertness, energy, and focus, while downers, or depressants, have the opposite effect, slowing down brain activity and causing relaxation or sedation. Magic mushrooms don't seem to fit neatly into either category, as they can induce both stimulating and sedating effects, depending on various factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of drug | Hallucinogen, psychedelic |
| Key ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Converted in the body to | Psilocin |
| Effects | Altered thinking, sense of time, emotions, hallucinations, sedation, stimulation, euphoria, energy, motivation, perceptual changes, flashbacks, paranoia, psychotic episodes, agitation, confusion |
| Effects based on | Mood, environment |
| Negative effects | Bad trip, delayed headaches, flashbacks, respiratory depression, psychotic episodes, accidental overdose, addiction, long-term brain and body damage |
| Dangerous combinations | Ice, speed, ecstasy, cocaine, alcohol, benzodiazepines |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are psychedelics, not uppers or downers
While some people classify drugs as "uppers" or "downers", this binary classification is not always applicable. Psilocybin or magic mushrooms are a prime example of this, as they are considered psychedelics and possess unique characteristics that set them apart from the typical effects associated with stimulants or depressants.
Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring substances that are consumed for their hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects. They contain psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body, resulting in altered thinking, sense of time, emotions, and sensory experiences. These effects can include visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted perceptions, and changes in emotions. The experience is often referred to as a "trip", and it can be influenced by the individual's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelics, expectations, and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed.
The effects of magic mushrooms do not align neatly with the typical characteristics of uppers or downers. Uppers, or stimulants, are known to increase alertness, energy, and focus, leading to elevated moods and enhanced physical or mental performance. On the other hand, downers, or depressants, slow down brain activity, causing relaxation and sedation. While magic mushrooms can induce a surge of energy and euphoria, they also have the potential to cause sedation and altered perceptions of time and reality, making them distinct from traditional stimulants or depressants.
Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual physiology, and the specific type of mushroom consumed. Some people report feeling mentally stimulated while physically relaxed, blurring the lines between the effects of uppers and downers. This paradoxical sensation challenges the binary classification and highlights the unique nature of psychedelic substances.
In summary, mushrooms, specifically psilocybin or magic mushrooms, are psychedelics that induce a range of effects beyond the scope of traditional uppers or downers. Their ability to alter perceptions, induce hallucinations, and influence emotions places them in a category of their own, underscoring the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of different substances rather than relying solely on broad classifications.
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Effects of magic mushrooms
Whether magic mushrooms are uppers or downers is a complex question. Some people classify them as psychedelics, which cannot be simply categorised as uppers or downers. However, others have described the effect of magic mushrooms as a paradoxical sensation of stimulation and sedation.
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. They are considered psychoactive substances and are controlled internationally. The effects of magic mushrooms are variable and can differ based on the individual, the dose, and the type of mushroom. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or 5-10 minutes when taken as a tea or soup, and they typically last for 4 to 6 hours.
The main effects of magic mushrooms include hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Users may experience perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and distortions in their sense of reality. They may also experience synesthesia, or a mixing of the senses, such as seeing music or hearing colours.
In addition to the perceptual effects, magic mushrooms can induce euphoria and affect mood, cognition, and perception. They can also lead to impaired judgment, which may result in risk-taking behaviour. Some users may experience negative effects or a "bad trip," which can include feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. It is important to note that the risk of a bad trip is higher when magic mushrooms are combined with other substances, such as alcohol or certain medications.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, tolerance can develop with continued use, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time. There is also a risk of poisoning from consuming the wrong types of mushrooms, and regular users may experience flashbacks or hallucinations weeks, months, or even years after last taking the drug.
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Mixing mushrooms with other drugs
While mushrooms are largely considered safe, they are significantly more dangerous when taken alongside other substances, both illicit and prescribed. The effects of taking mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Mixing mushrooms with stimulants, for example, can be particularly harmful, as both can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Combining mushrooms with depressants like alcohol and opioids can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Alcohol may also increase the likelihood of a bad trip on mushrooms or a psilocybin overdose. Moreover, both alcohol and mushrooms can cause nausea and vomiting, and combining the two, especially in high quantities, can lead to dehydration.
Mushrooms should also not be taken with any other substance that acts on serotonin, such as other hallucinogens and antidepressants, as this could lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Antidepressant users who have taken more mushrooms because they initially didn't feel much of an effect are at particular risk of serotonin syndrome.
Mixing mushrooms with psychiatric medications is also not recommended, as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition.
Some people mix mushrooms with MDMA, also known as hippie flipping, which can result in a euphoric and psychedelic experience. However, this can also increase the risk of a bad trip and lead to panic. Taking multiple mind-altering substances also comes with the risk of making poor decisions or feeling overwhelmed or afraid.
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Addiction, overdose, and long-term damage
While psilocybin mushrooms are not considered to be as addictive as opioids or stimulants, some people may continue to use them to attain pleasurable feelings. This can lead to problematic and compulsive patterns of use. However, there is no significant physiological dependence associated with the drug, and withdrawal is not likely. Repeated use of mushrooms can quickly lead to significant tolerance. If a person has a tolerance to psilocybin, they may also have a tolerance to similar hallucinogens, such as LSD. This is known as cross-tolerance.
There is some evidence that classic hallucinogens such as psilocybin may trigger or worsen certain mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, manic episodes, or depression. Additionally, people who use mushrooms or other drugs are also more likely to struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder. Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving a previous magic mushroom experience. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled. They can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise, and they usually last a minute or two.
Magic mushroom overdoses have been associated with nausea, dizziness, shivering, and abdominal pain. However, some of these symptoms are believed to be either psychosomatic or induced by phenylethylamine found in some species of mushrooms. The risk of overdose can be increased by variations in mushroom potency between species, growing conditions, and preservation, which can make estimating dosage difficult.
While there is currently no medication to treat addiction to mushrooms or other hallucinogens, psilocybin combined with therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. Some experts say that people should not be taking the drug outside of legitimate research studies or without medical supervision.
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Effects of mushrooms vary by dose and strain
The effects of psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms vary depending on the dosage, strain, and individual user. Mushrooms are classified as psychedelics, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perception of reality.
Dosage
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms depend on the dosage, with higher doses leading to more intense and prolonged effects. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically range from 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 grams of dried mushrooms, with doses above 5.0 grams considered "heroic." Microdosing has become a popular technique, involving taking less than 1.0 gram of dried mushrooms for a milder, non-hallucinogenic experience.
Strains
Different strains of psilocybin mushrooms also vary in their potency and specific effects. For example, the Penis Envy strain is considered more potent than other strains, while the Mazatapec strain is known for its mild yet euphoric effects and ability to induce deep meditative states. The Amazonian strain is native to the Amazon rainforest and is known for its intense visual effects and sense of connection to nature.
Individual Factors
The effects of mushrooms can also vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, mood, and environment. Set and setting are important considerations, with a person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations influencing their experience. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before taking mushrooms may increase the likelihood of a "bad trip." Additionally, the effects of mushrooms can be unpredictable and dangerous when combined with other drugs or medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are psychedelics, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perceptions. They do not fall into the category of "upper" or "downer".
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person. Some people experience hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. Some people report feeling motivated to clean and do activities. Others report feeling relaxed and sedated.
The use of magic mushrooms can lead to negative experiences, also known as a "bad trip". Flashbacks involving a previous magic mushroom experience may occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous.
