Mushrooms: Weeds Or Wonder?

While mushrooms growing on your lawn may be undesirable, they do not harm your turf. However, they can be dangerous if ingested, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol. Mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic and can cause both good and bad trips. They are often associated with counterculture and have been used for spiritual and medical purposes for thousands of years. When compared to weed, the effects of mushrooms can be more unpredictable, and they affect your perception of the world to a greater degree.

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Mushrooms are illegal or decriminalised in many places, whereas cannabis is legal in 17 US states

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are illegal in many places worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means that they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical use. However, psilocybin mushrooms have been used medicinally and religiously by numerous cultures throughout history, and some argue that they have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs. While the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different countries and jurisdictions. For example, in some places, psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. In other places, such as the US states of California, Georgia, and Idaho, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores are specifically prohibited. The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is often considered drug manufacture and can be severely penalised. However, some countries and one US state (New Mexico) have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.

On the other hand, cannabis has been legalised in many places for medical and recreational use. In the United States, cannabis is legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Despite this, federal law is generally not enforced in states that have legalised cannabis possession, cultivation, or intrastate distribution. Additionally, seven states have decriminalised cannabis use, and commercial distribution has been legalised in all jurisdictions where possession is legal, except for Virginia and Washington, D.C. The recreational use of cannabis has been legalised in three US territories and Washington, D.C., with personal cultivation allowed in most of these jurisdictions except for Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington state. The legal status of cannabis varies across different states and territories, with specific limits and regulations in place. For example, CBD oil may only be legal up to a certain percentage of THC content, and marijuana possession may be limited to a specific amount.

The differences in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and cannabis can be attributed to various factors. One reason may be the historical and cultural associations of each substance. Before legalisation and decriminalisation measures were implemented, both cannabis and mushrooms were prominent in counterculture, appearing in psychedelic art, music, and movies. Additionally, the chemical properties and overall impact of these substances on the brain differ significantly. While both can lead to hallucinations and psychosis, there is more research pointing towards the possible benefits of cannabis when it is controlled by medical personnel. The side effects of psilocybin mushrooms can also be more unpredictable than those of cannabis, and they are considered to have a higher potential for abuse and negative consequences when combined with other substances.

It is important to note that the legal landscape regarding psilocybin mushrooms and cannabis is constantly evolving. For example, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which allows for the possession and non-profit gifting or distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms. These changes reflect a shifting attitude towards the regulation and legalisation of substances that were once widely prohibited. As public opinion, research, and understanding of these substances evolve, it is likely that we will continue to see changes in their legal status across different jurisdictions.

Mushrooms are foul-smelling, poisonous and undesirable on lawns, but they don't damage turf

Mushrooms on lawns can be unsightly and even dangerous if ingested. Some mushrooms are foul-smelling, poisonous, and generally undesirable on lawns. However, it is important to note that they do not damage the turf. If you have mushrooms on your lawn, you can simply remove them by hand, with a stiff rake, or by mowing over them.

There are a few common causes for mushroom growth on lawns. The first is buried organic matter, such as tree stumps, timber, or old tree roots, which create an environment where fungi break down the organic matter. Once the organic matter has finished breaking down, the fungi and mushrooms will disappear. However, this process can take a long time, so you can speed it up by carefully digging up and removing the rotting organic material.

Another cause of mushroom growth is damp lawn conditions. Overwatering, poor drainage, or excessive rain can create an ideal environment for mushrooms to thrive.

While mushrooms may not harm your turf, they can be a nuisance and a potential hazard. If you are concerned about mushrooms on your lawn, it is best to consult a lawn care professional or your local garden centre for advice.

It is important to distinguish between mushrooms that grow in lawns and the so-called "magic mushrooms", which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Magic mushrooms have been used for spiritual and medical purposes for thousands of years and are often ingested for their mind-altering effects. However, they are illegal in many places and can cause significant shifts in consciousness and personality.

Magic mushrooms are associated with Christianity, according to John Marco Allegro

Mushrooms are not weeds. They are fungi that grow in certain conditions and environments. However, in popular culture, the term "shrooms" often refers to magic mushrooms, a psychedelic drug.

In his book, *The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross*, British archaeologist John Marco Allegro put forth a bold and unconventional theory that linked the origins of Christianity to the consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Allegro argued that Jesus was not a historical figure but rather a mythological creation of early Christians who were under the influence of psychoactive mushroom extracts, specifically psilocybin, found in the Amanita muscaria or fly agaric mushroom.

Allegro's theory suggests that early Christian practices were influenced by fertility cults, which involved ingesting visionary plants to perceive the mind of God. He believed that the roots of Christianity, and many other religions, lay in these cultic practices, which persisted into the early Christian era and beyond. Allegro's hypothesis was not without criticism and ridicule, with some scholars deeming his work eccentric and sensationalized.

One piece of evidence that Allegro may have used to support his theory is the fresco in the Plaincourault Chapel. He interpreted this artwork as an accurate depiction of a eucharistic ritual involving the ingestion of Amanita muscaria mushrooms. Additionally, Allegro's handwritten notes reveal his interest in the mystical and religious qualities of magic mushrooms, as described in Puharich's book, *The Sacred Mushroom: Key to the Door of Eternity*.

While the idea that magic mushrooms played a role in the development of Christianity remains speculative, it has gained some support from scholars like Professor of Anthropology John A. Rush, who highlights the presence of mushrooms in Christian art as potential evidence. The impact of Allegro's theory extended beyond academia, influencing popular culture and sparking debates about the true nature of religious experiences and the role of hallucinogenic substances in shaping human spirituality.

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Psilocybin mushrooms are used to treat drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD and autism

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been found to have therapeutic benefits for people suffering from various mental health issues. While the use of psilocybin mushrooms is still illegal in most of the United States, Oregon has legalized their use for medical and mental health treatment.

Treating Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Psilocybin has been found to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking. In the largest clinical trial of its kind, 93 men and women aged 25 to 65 were given two doses of psilocybin pills along with psychotherapy. The results showed that the treatment helped reduce drinking for at least eight months after the first treatment. However, it is important to note that psilocybin alone is not an effective treatment, and the therapy component plays a crucial role in the positive outcomes.

Treating Depression

Research has shown that psilocybin treatment can be effective in treating major depression for up to a year for most patients. In one study, participants with a long-term history of depression showed significant improvements in their depressive symptoms after receiving two doses of psilocybin. The treatment led to stable rates of response and remission of symptoms, with 75% response and 58% remission at 12 months.

Treating Anxiety

Psilocybin mushrooms have also been found to have potential benefits in reducing anxiety. A 2016 study found that after a single dose of psilocybin, participants with cancer experienced improvements in anxiety symptoms, and these benefits continued for up to 80% of participants when followed up after six months and even three years later.

Treating PTSD

There is early evidence that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An open-label study found that PAP reduced PTSD symptoms, attachment anxiety, and demoralization in traumatized individuals. Several PAP trials have shown that this approach can help with confronting traumatic memories, decreasing emotional avoidance, and improving self-compassion and forgiveness.

Treating Autism

The PSILAUT protocol is an experimental medicine study that aims to explore the effects of psilocybin on autistic differences in brain serotonin targets. The study will involve autistic and non-autistic adults without intellectual disabilities and will use low doses of psilocybin to limit the likelihood of marked psychedelic experiences. The overarching goal is to assess whether psilocybin causes a 'shift' in brain function in autistic and non-autistic individuals.

Combining mushrooms and weed doesn't pose serious health risks, but it could lead to an uncomfortable time

While there are some similarities between the effects of shrooms and weed, such as hallucinations, psychosis, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, the two drugs differ in their chemical properties and overall impact on the brain. The main difference between the two substances is the amount of research that has been conducted on each. There is more research pointing towards the possible benefits of marijuana when it is controlled by medical personnel.

Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a type of psychedelic that falls into the psilocybin drug class, which is the natural psychoactive compound that causes hallucinogenic side effects. Psilocybin is addictive and can cause extremely uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing symptoms. As a hallucinogen, shrooms can trigger mental and emotional side effects that increase the risk of accidents under the influence.

Mushrooms are usually dried and then eaten, steeped as tea, or ground into powder and cooked into chocolates or baked goods. They can also be placed in capsules and ingested in pill form. They take around an hour to kick in, and the experience typically lasts 4 to 6 hours.

Cannabis, on the other hand, can be smoked or vaporized, in which case the effects kick in within minutes, peak at around 1 hour, and dissipate within 2 hours. Some people feel more focused and productive after consuming cannabis, while others feel more relaxed.

Combining mushrooms and weed does not appear to pose serious health risks, but it could lead to an uncomfortable time. When used around the time the mushroom's effects are peaking (around 2 hours after initial consumption), cannabis can add to the overall intensity of the experience. When used 3 to 4 hours in (when the effects of mushrooms begin to fade), cannabis can slightly prolong the experience and help to contextualize it. However, the interactions between the two substances have not been extensively studied. The biggest concern is having an uncomfortable experience, especially if one does not have much experience with either substance. Mixing weed and mushrooms may lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, cognitive impairment, and unpredictable reactions. Some people may experience new or worsening anxiety, paranoia, panic, and "bad trips."

The effects of combining the two substances may be more significant in people with a history of mental illness or pre-existing heart conditions. It is important to be mindful of your set and setting before consuming these substances, and to educate yourself about the benefits and risks of using them.

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