John Miller
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are mostly illegal in the U.S., but some cities have decriminalized possession of psilocybin mushrooms. They have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts, and rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict their use. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary widely, and adverse side effects may occur, such as disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, or paranoia, known as a bad trip. However, there is ongoing research into psilocybin as a potential clinical treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Psilocybin mushrooms, magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybe |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin, which turns into psilocin when ingested |
| Effects | Euphoria, sensory distortion, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, lack of coordination, dilated pupils |
| Legality | Illegal in the U.S. (classified as Schedule I substance), though some cities have decriminalized possession |
| Medical uses | Potential treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses |
| History | Used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious contexts; rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE in Algeria may depict psychedelic mushrooms |
| Addictiveness | Not considered addictive, but regular use may cause increased tolerance |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
What are the effects of psilocybin mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and shifts in how a person perceives reality. They may see colours, shapes, or scenes; hear things that aren't real; or lose their sense of time and space. Some users may experience a sense of "oceanic self-boundlessness", feeling one with the universe. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychedelic effects usually occur within 20 to 30 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 4 to 6 hours.
The experience or "trip" is heavily influenced by the user's mindset and environment. A comfortable and familiar setting with trusted friends can contribute to a positive experience, while a negative environment or anxious state of mind may lead to a "bad trip". Psilocybin mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, and there are no known physical withdrawal symptoms. However, regular users may develop tolerance to the effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in various cultures for thousands of years, often in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. Today, some people use them for unique, spiritual, or enlightening experiences, while others practice microdosing, taking small amounts regularly to enhance their mental state and productivity. Researchers are also exploring the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin in treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Mellow Mushroom's Milkshakes: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Are psychedelic mushrooms safe?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a naturally occurring group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, euphoria, muscular relaxation, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
Magic mushrooms are the safest "recreational" drug to take, according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey. Out of almost 10,000 people who took them, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment. However, there are risks associated with their use. The experience, or "trip," is strongly dependent on set and setting. A person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what's going to happen can all impact the experience. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends and in a safe, familiar environment can reduce the risk of having a bad trip.
In addition, there is a risk of accidentally consuming the wrong type of mushroom, as many species look alike. Some mushrooms, such as Amanita muscaria, are toxic and can cause serious harm or even death. Mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can also be unpredictable and dangerous. There have been fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis as a result of over-consumption of psilocybin mushrooms.
While magic mushrooms are considered the safest recreational drug, they are still illegal in many places and should be used with caution. There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Mushroom Mystery: Poisonous or Not?
You may want to see also
What are the risks of a bad trip?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. 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 risks of a bad trip on psychedelic mushrooms are varied and depend on several factors. Firstly, the "set and setting" are crucial. The "set" refers to the individual's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations. If an individual enters a trip in an anxious or stressed state of mind, they are more likely to experience heightened negative emotions during their trip. The "setting" refers to the environment in which the drug is taken. A negative or unfamiliar environment can contribute to a bad trip, whereas a comfortable, calm, and peaceful setting with trusted friends can help create a positive experience.
Additionally, the combination of magic mushrooms with certain other substances can increase the chances of a bad trip. For example, mixing magic mushrooms with drugs like ice, speed, or ecstasy can lead to panic. Consuming magic mushrooms with alcohol or cannabis can also change the experience in unpredictable ways. Furthermore, individuals taking psychiatric medications should avoid magic mushrooms as they can cause a relapse or worsening of the condition.
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly subjective and can vary considerably between users. Some people may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom trips, which can be disturbing, especially if they recall frightening hallucinations or emotions. In rare cases, fatal events have been associated with trip-induced psychosis and emotional distress resulting from over-consumption of psilocybin mushrooms.
To reduce the risks of a bad trip, it is recommended to be in a positive state of mind, choose a safe and familiar environment, and have trusted companions who can provide support if needed. It is also important to know the source of the mushrooms and to be aware of potential interactions with any medications one may be taking.
Weed and Shrooms: Mixing Magic and Relaxation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How do people consume psychedelic mushrooms?
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 mostly illegal in the US, but some cities have decriminalized them. In addition, Australian federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. They may also have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, and they are more certainly represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be consumed in their whole form, either fresh or dried. They can also be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom tea or mushroom edibles. Some people who consume these mushrooms fresh cover them with chocolate to mask their bitter taste. Manufacturers can also crush dried mushrooms into a powder and prepare them in capsule form.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. The experience, or "trip," is strongly dependent upon set and setting. The set refers to a person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what's going to happen. The setting refers to the environment in which the drug is taken, including whether it is a known and familiar place, who the person is with, whether they are indoors or outdoors, and the type of music and lighting. For example, using magic mushrooms in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience. Many users find it preferable to ingest the mushrooms with friends or people familiar with "tripping."
The psychedelic effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically appear around 20 minutes to half an hour after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Psychological consequences include hallucinations, an inability to discern fantasy from reality, panic reactions, and psychosis (particularly with large doses). However, psilocybin mushrooms have not been found to cause physical or psychological dependence.
Lenin's Transformation: Mushroom Revolution
You may want to see also
What is the legality of psychedelic mushrooms?
The legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies across the world and is subject to change over time. In general, the possession and use of psilocybin, the psychedelic substance found in magic mushrooms, are prohibited under most national drug laws. However, there are exceptions and ongoing reforms to legalise or decriminalise the use of psychedelic mushrooms for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.
In the United States, psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 first subjected psilocybin and psilocin to federal regulation. While federal law prohibits the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin, there are variations in state laws. Some US states, such as Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, have taken steps towards decriminalisation or legalisation for supervised adult use or medicinal purposes. For example, Oregon voters passed a ballot measure in 2020 to decriminalise psilocybin and legalise its supervised use, but much of this measure was repealed in 2024. Similarly, Colorado decriminalised psilocybin mushrooms in 2022, and in 2025, state regulators issued the first sets of licenses for medical-assisted use.
Other US states, including California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. However, there is ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in many state laws, and spores are legal to possess in some areas due to their lack of psilocybin and psilocin content.
Outside of the US, Canada has also made moves towards regulating and allowing the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in certain provinces, such as Alberta. In Australia, psilocybin has been approved for use in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. Additionally, in the District of Columbia, the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020 was passed, decriminalising psilocybin drugs, including magic mushrooms.
While the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the convention did not specifically include psychedelic mushrooms due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, there is ongoing ambiguity and selective enforcement regarding the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms globally.
Mushroom Safety for Pet Birds: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
Yes, psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms vary widely and depend on factors such as the user's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and the environment they are in. Common effects include euphoria, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and paranoia.
Psilocybin mushrooms are not considered addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use. However, there are risks associated with consuming psychedelic mushrooms, including the risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming a toxic mushroom. Additionally, adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and panic reactions may occur, and in rare cases, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis can occur as a result of overconsumption.
Psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I substance in the United States, which means they are illegal to possess, sell, or distribute. However, there is advocacy for decriminalization, and some cities have already decriminalized the possession of psilocybin mushrooms in small amounts.
