Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are well-known for their psychedelic effects, which can induce an altered perception of space and time, spiritual awakening, and visual distortions. While these mushrooms have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating mental health disorders, there are also concerns about their safety. The discussion surrounding the effects of psychedelic mushrooms often raises questions about their impact on the liver. Cases of mushroom poisoning have resulted in severe liver damage and even fatalities, emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with ingesting certain types of mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of psychedelic mushrooms | Psilocybin, Amanita phalloides (death cap mushroom), Amanita ocreata, Lepiota brunneoincarnata, Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), Amanita muscaria var. guessowii, Amanita pantherina, Ibotenic acid group |
| Effects of psychedelic mushrooms | Euphoria, spiritual awakening, visual distortions, peacefulness, derealization, depersonalization, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, unstable emotions, impaired concentration, distorted thinking, confusion, paranoia, frightening hallucinations, abdominal pain, palpitations, diarrhea, multi-organ failure, brain swelling, bleeding disorders |
| Liver damage | Acute liver injury, acute liver failure, hepatocellular damage, hepatotoxicity |
| Diagnosis | Positive history of recent wild mushroom intake, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain), exclusion of other causes of acute liver injury, elevated liver enzymes, coagulopathy, bilirubin concentration, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) |
| Treatment | Liver transplantation, activated charcoal, N-acetylcysteine |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Magic' mushrooms can cause liver failure and death
- The potency of 'magic' mushrooms depends on origin, species, growing conditions, harvest period, and whether fresh or dried
- 'Magic' mushrooms are a Schedule I controlled substance with no medical use and a high abuse potential
- 'Magic' mushroom spores can be purchased online to grow at home, but this is illegal
- 'Magic' mushrooms can cause adverse reactions such as nausea, panic attacks, and vomiting
'Magic' mushrooms can cause liver failure and death
While magic mushrooms have been associated with several physical and psychological side effects, there is limited evidence of their direct link to liver failure and death. Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin, which alter an individual's perception, cognition, and mood by activating serotonin receptors in the brain.
Although magic mushrooms themselves may not directly cause liver damage, the ingestion of certain wild or toxic mushrooms has been associated with severe liver injury and even failure. For example, the Amanita phalloides mushroom, commonly known as the "death cap," can cause severe liver damage within 72 hours of ingestion and often leads to fatal outcomes. In such cases, prompt identification of the ingested mushroom is crucial, although it is seldom achieved due to the similarity between edible and poisonous mushrooms.
The consumption of toxic mushrooms can lead to mild gastroenteritis or, in more severe cases, acute liver failure and hepatic necrosis. In some instances, individuals have required liver transplantation due to mushroom poisoning. However, it is important to note that cases of mistaken ingestion of toxic mushrooms for psychedelic mushrooms are highly unusual. Additionally, clinical studies examining the long-term side effects of magic mushrooms have observed very few adverse outcomes, and there is no established link between magic mushrooms and long-term mental health conditions or addictive behaviours.
While magic mushrooms are not directly implicated in liver failure, they can still pose serious risks, especially when consumed in unsafe environments or without professional supervision. The altered sense of reality induced by magic mushrooms has been associated with accidental self-harm and psychosis, underscoring the importance of controlled settings for their use. Furthermore, the temporary physical side effects of magic mushrooms, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, may be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
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The potency of 'magic' mushrooms depends on origin, species, growing conditions, harvest period, and whether fresh or dried
The potency of magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, depends on a variety of factors, including their origin, species, growing conditions, harvest period, and whether they are consumed fresh or dried.
Firstly, the origin and species of the mushroom play a crucial role in determining potency. Psilocybe cubensis, for instance, is the most popular species, with approximately 1.2% of psilocybin and psilocin combined. However, there is significant variation within this species, with the 'Penis Envy' strain considered to be more potent than other strains of P. cubensis. The most potent species overall are members of the genus Psilocybe, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens, which have the highest levels of psilocybin.
Growing conditions also influence the potency of magic mushrooms. When growing mushrooms commercially, factors such as air circulation, humidity, temperature, and the growing medium must be carefully controlled. Oyster mushrooms, for example, thrive on straw, while shiitake mushrooms require a longer incubation period of 6-18 months. The density of the substrate and species of mushroom impact the rate at which spawn run occurs, with oyster mushrooms growing faster than shiitake.
The harvest period is another key factor affecting potency. Magic mushrooms are typically harvested in a humidified 'fruiting chamber' after the inoculation, incubation, and initiation stages. The timing of the harvest can influence the concentration of psilocybin and psilocin, the primary psychoactive compounds responsible for the psychedelic effects.
Lastly, the potency of magic mushrooms differs depending on whether they are consumed fresh or dried. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms are typically between 1.0 and 3.5–5.0 g of dried mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms. A microdose, or approximately 10% of a recreational dose, may be between 0.1 and 0.3 g of dried mushrooms, taken up to three times per week.
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'Magic' mushrooms are a Schedule I controlled substance with no medical use and a high abuse potential
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin, are considered a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognized medical uses. They are illicit drugs that are claimed to have no known therapeutic benefit. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes that psilocybin has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose.
However, this is a contested view, with some researchers arguing that psilocybin should be reclassified as a Schedule IV drug, akin to prescription sleep aids, if it clears phase III clinical trials. The ambiguity surrounding the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is further complicated by the fact that spores of these mushrooms, which do not contain psilocybin, are legal to possess in many areas.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, with some users experiencing euphoria, spiritual awakening, and visual distortions, while others may undergo disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The risk of a bad trip increases with higher doses or if the user has feelings of anxiety before consumption. Additionally, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms depend on the potency and amount consumed, which in turn depends on factors such as the origin and species of the mushroom, growing conditions, and harvest period.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance, where even high amounts of the drug will no longer produce the desired effect. Furthermore, the potential risks of consuming magic mushrooms include poisoning from mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, and adverse side effects that may require medical treatment.
Despite the risks, there is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms, particularly in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use.
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'Magic' mushroom spores can be purchased online to grow at home, but this is illegal
Consuming certain types of mushrooms can lead to psychedelic effects, such as euphoria, spiritual awakening, visual distortions, and hallucinations. These "magic mushrooms" contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin, which, when ingested, activates serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex, affecting perception, cognition, and mood.
While magic mushrooms can be found growing in the wild, they may also be cultivated by individuals or drug manufacturers. Indeed, psilocybin mushroom spores can be purchased online, allowing people to grow their own mushrooms. However, this practice is illegal, as psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This classification indicates that psilocybin has no medical use and a high potential for abuse, making the cultivation, possession, or sale of psilocybin-containing substances illegal under federal law in the United States.
Despite the illegality, there is a thriving online market for psilocybin spores, with a significant number of websites offering them for sale. This has sparked concerns about facilitating the illicit use of this potent psychoactive substance. It is important to note that the legal status of psilocybin spores has been a subject of debate, with recent clarifications from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stating that spores are not prohibited under federal law as long as they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, the intent to use spores to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms is illegal, and individuals risk facing legal consequences for possessing and cultivating these controlled substances.
The potential consequences of ingesting magic mushrooms go beyond legal repercussions. Picking and consuming wild mushrooms can be dangerous, as it is easy to mistake poisonous mushrooms for edible ones. For example, the death cap mushroom, one of the deadliest varieties, can cause severe liver damage and even death within 72 hours of ingestion. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when encountering mushrooms in the wild and to seek medical attention if accidental ingestion is suspected.
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'Magic' mushrooms can cause adverse reactions such as nausea, panic attacks, and vomiting
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin, can cause a range of effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. While some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug, it is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating its high potential for abuse and lack of legitimate medical purpose.
Magic mushrooms can indeed trigger adverse reactions, and nausea is one of the commonly reported symptoms. Users may experience nausea alongside other physical symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, dilated pupils, and vomiting. In some cases, individuals may vomit soon after consuming magic mushrooms.
The psychological effects of psilocybin can also lead to adverse reactions, including panic attacks. Panic reactions, anxiety, and paranoia are frequently reported symptoms among those seeking emergency medical treatment after consuming magic mushrooms. These psychological effects can be intense and may lead to dangerous behavior, accidents, self-harm, and even suicidality.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin vary widely between individuals, influenced by factors such as dosage, mental state, personality, and environment. While the risk of addiction to magic mushrooms is considered low, regular use can lead to tolerance, and there is a potential for poisoning from mistakenly consuming poisonous mushrooms. Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms with other substances can elevate the risk of serious side effects and adverse events.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex, affecting perception, cognition, and mood. The potency and effects depend on the origin and species of the mushroom, the growing conditions, the harvest period, and whether they are consumed fresh or dried.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms can vary but often include altered perception of space and time, euphoria, spiritual awakening, visual distortions, peacefulness, derealization, and depersonalization. Physical effects may include muscle weakness, loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, dilated pupils, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, psychedelic mushrooms can lead to accidental self-harm or serious bodily injury if individuals are not in a safe and supervised environment.
While there is limited research on the long-term side effects of psychedelic mushrooms, acute liver failure due to ingestion of certain toxic mushrooms is a significant medical problem. Mushrooms containing cyclopeptides, such as Amanita phalloides (death cap mushrooms), can cause severe hepatotoxicity and fulminant hepatic failure, often requiring liver transplantation. In some cases, ingestion of toxic mushrooms may lead to severe hepatic necrosis and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify ingested mushrooms and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of mushroom poisoning occur.
