Emma Wilson
With the increasing accessibility and acceptance of cannabis and mushrooms, it is important to understand their effects and risks. Both substances can induce hallucinations and alter one's perception of reality, but they have distinct differences in terms of potency and impact on the individual. While the use of these substances separately or together can spark creativity and new perspectives, there are potential health risks and negative consequences to consider. This comparison between mushrooms and weed highlights the need to make informed decisions and practice responsible adult use, especially given the varying degrees of research conducted on each substance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of Use | Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, including in religious rituals. Weed has been popular since the 1960s and 1970s. |
| Legality | Weed has been legalized in many states and countries. Oregon voted to approve the use of psilocybin mushrooms in therapeutic settings. Australia has approved psilocybin for medicinal use. |
| Effects | Both can cause hallucinations and alter perception of reality. Weed can cause a high feeling, while mushrooms can induce mystical experiences, with users feeling one with the universe. |
| Risks | Mushrooms can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and cause agitation, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. Weed can cause anxiety and paranoia. Combining the two can lead to an uncomfortably intense experience. |
| Addiction | Physical addiction to both is rare, but psychological addiction is possible. |
| Treatment | In 2016, 0.2% of mushroom users needed medical treatment, compared to 1% for LSD users. |
| Therapeutic Potential | Both are being studied for their potential to treat mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. |
Explore related products
Hallucinogenic effects
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States and some other countries due to their potential for abuse and limited accepted medical use. They contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, a hallucinogen that can cause altered perception, visual distortions, a sense of interconnectedness, and profound introspection. Shrooms typically produce hallucinogenic effects, which can last several hours, often ranging from 4 to 6 hours or longer. They have a long history of use in various cultures for their hallucinogenic properties and are associated with spiritual healing and religious ceremonies.
On the other hand, weed, also known as marijuana or cannabis, contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive compound responsible for its effects. While weed can also produce hallucinogenic effects, altering perception, it has a range of other effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and altered time perception. The experience of weed's effects typically peaks at around 1 hour and dissipates within 2 hours.
When comparing the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms and weed, it is important to note that specific strains and types can significantly influence the experience. While both substances can alter perception, the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms are considered more intense and profound, often resulting in visual distortions and a sense of interconnectedness. In contrast, the hallucinogenic effects of weed may be less intense and are more likely to be accompanied by feelings of relaxation and altered time perception.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that combining mushrooms and weed can lead to intensified and unpredictable effects, including \"bad trips,\" anxiety, paranoia, and negative psychological consequences. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to mix these substances, as the combination can be uncomfortably intense and challenging to manage.
Mushroom Consumption: Can It Make You Smarter?
You may want to see also
Potential health risks
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in certain types of mushrooms, can cause a person to see colours, shapes, or scenes, hear things that aren't real, or lose their sense of time and space. It can also cause a person to have a mystical experience, entering a dreamlike, euphoric state, perhaps having visions or reliving memories. However, some people who take psilocybin may experience persistent, distressing alterations to how they see the world, in the form of visual flashbacks, or traumatic recall of an intensely upsetting experience. This is called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and is rare.
There are several risks associated with the consumption of mushrooms. Firstly, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming a toxic mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin. Poisonous mushrooms can cause mushroom poisoning, with symptoms including muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, which may require immediate medical attention. Additionally, psilocybin typically raises blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with heart conditions. Other side effects may include agitation, confusion, vomiting, or nausea.
The use of mushrooms can also lead to psychological addiction, and physical addiction, though this is rare. People with a history of mental health conditions should also proceed with caution, as mushrooms can worsen symptoms. A bad reaction may include anxiety and paranoia, which hallucinations may make worse.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, with an estimated 61.9 million users in 2022. It directly affects brain function, impacting memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time. Cannabis use has been linked to social anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, although the relationship between cannabis use and these mental health disorders is not yet fully understood. Cannabis use can also negatively impact athletic performance, affecting timing, movement, and coordination.
There is also a risk of physical dependency and addiction associated with cannabis use, with approximately 1 in 10 users becoming addicted, rising to 1 in 6 if use starts before the age of 18. Cannabis use during pregnancy can also be harmful to the baby's health, potentially causing fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development. Furthermore, cannabis use can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases, as it can cause an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
In conclusion, both mushrooms and cannabis carry potential health risks, and it is important for individuals to educate themselves about these risks before deciding to consume either substance.
Mushrooms and Blood Work: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Therapeutic uses
Mushrooms have been used for their therapeutic properties for thousands of years. In ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine employed the "mushroom of immortality", Ganoderma lucidum (ling zhi or reishi), to promote well-being and longevity. This mushroom is now listed in pharmacopoeias and therapeutics compendia worldwide and is used as an adjuvant in cancer treatment. Medicinal mushrooms are known to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, antiviral, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties. Research suggests that consuming mushrooms may lower the risk of cancer and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Additionally, mushrooms are a source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Cannabis, also known as weed or marijuana, has a long history as a medicinal plant, dating back millennia. It was once a licensed medicine in the United States and has seen a renewed interest in its therapeutic effects in recent decades. The non-intoxicating component of marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD), has been reported to provide relief from insomnia, anxiety, spasticity, and pain. It has also shown promising results in treating epilepsy, especially a CBD-dominant strain called Charlotte's Web, which is effective against Dravet syndrome, a form of childhood epilepsy. Marijuana is also said to be a muscle relaxant and can lessen tremors in Parkinson's disease. It is used to manage nausea, weight loss, glaucoma, and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, it has been reported to help veterans suffering from PTSD. The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control, especially for chronic pain and nerve pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
Poaching Mushrooms: A Simple Guide to Deliciousness
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Addiction
Physical addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is rare, but psychological addiction is possible. While psilocybin mushrooms do not exhibit the same addictive properties as commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants, regular users may continue to use mushrooms to attain pleasurable feelings, which can lead to problematic, compulsive patterns of use.
In a 2021 survey of 7,000 people, 7% (around 500 people) reported having used psilocybin mushrooms in the past year. The consequences of mushroom abuse can vary depending on how much and how often the drug is used. Treatment and rehabilitation for mushroom abuse may include individual counselling or group therapy, which can help individuals understand their triggers and develop coping skills to manage cravings.
Physical addiction to cannabis is also rare, but it can cause physiological dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction. About 14.2 million people aged 12 or older struggled with marijuana addiction in 2020, and the risk of addiction is higher for those who start using the drug before the age of 18. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with nearly 18% of people aged 12 or older (around 49.6 million Americans) having used it in the year prior to the 2020 NSDUH survey.
The risk of cannabis addiction is lower than the risk associated with alcohol, tobacco, or opioids, and a cannabis overdose is non-fatal. However, problematic cannabis use can lead to uncontrollable drug use that impacts normal functioning, such as failure to fulfill responsibilities at home or work. Treatment for cannabis addiction may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify negative thoughts or behaviours contributing to drug use.
Boiling Mushrooms: Does It Affect Their Potency?
You may want to see also
Legality
The legality of both mushrooms and weed varies by location and is evolving. In the United States, cannabis (also known as weed or marijuana) has been approved to some degree in South Dakota, Mississippi, Arizona, Montana, and New Jersey. In Oregon, voters approved the use of psilocybin-producing mushrooms (magic mushrooms) in therapeutic settings.
Outside of the United States, Australia has approved the use of psilocybin to treat depression and PTSD in patients where traditional treatment options have been exhausted. This makes Australia one of the first countries to legalise the drug for medicinal purposes.
The evolving legal status of both substances reflects the increasing accessibility and popularity of mushrooms and weed. This trend has made it more important than ever to understand the effects, consequences, and risks of both substances.
While the legal status of mushrooms and weed is changing, it is important to note that the use of these substances may still be restricted or prohibited in many places. As such, it is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations that apply in your location.
Mushrooms: Nutritional Powerhouses or Empty Calories?
You may want to see also
