Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic. They are often consumed as a brewed tea or prepared with food to mask their bitter taste. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are influenced by the user's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations, as well as the environment in which they are consumed. While some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug, it is classified as a Schedule I substance in the US due to its high potential for abuse and lack of legitimate medical purpose. However, there is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, with clinical trials showing promising results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours, up to 8 hours depending on dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism |
| Legality | Illegal to possess, use, sell, or drive under the influence in Australia and Canada. |
| Therapeutic uses | Clinical trials have shown promising results, but no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin exist in Canada or elsewhere. |
| History | Used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago in Spain and by native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing since pre-Columbian times. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to identify and differentiate from poisonous mushrooms
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. Ingesting a wild mushroom without a mycologist's opinion could be deadly and produce adverse health consequences. While only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, they can closely resemble psilocybin species in shape and colour.
Psilocybin mushrooms are relatively rare, urban-proximate mushrooms that have psychedelic properties when ingested. They typically feature a white stem and brown cap, with dark purple spores. They often grow in clusters and display gelatinous caps after rainfall. They are classified under the genus Psilocybe, with famous species like Psilocybe cubensis, which is noted for its golden-brown cap, and Psilocybe semilanceata, or "Liberty Caps," which have wavy caps and a nipple-like protrusion at the centre.
To differentiate between psilocybin mushrooms and poisonous varieties, you can look for the following characteristics:
- Bruising: Many psilocybin mushrooms exhibit bruising when you gently press the stem or cap. A blue to greenish discolouration indicates the presence of psilocin, the compound responsible for psychedelic effects.
- Spore colour: A quick spore print can reveal a completely different spore colour, signalling that the mushroom is unsafe.
- Gill colour: Look for stark white gills and bulbous bases.
- Habitat: Psilocybin mushrooms particularly favour cool to warm and damp climates, ranging from 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity. They typically grow in moist, shaded areas such as mossy forests, overgrown grasslands, and near bodies of water. They can also be found in coastal dune grasses and along creeks.
Remember, never consume a mushroom unless you are absolutely certain of its identity. Growing magic mushrooms at home using kits is a safer and more reliable option than foraging, as it ensures controlled conditions and better species identification.
Lime's Power: Can It Control Mushrooms?
You may want to see also
History of use in religious rituals
The use of psychedelic mushrooms in religious rituals has a long and complex history. Archaeological evidence suggests that the use of these mushrooms in religious and healing rituals dates back thousands of years. Rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to around 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
In Mesoamerica, specifically among the Aztecs, psilocybin mushrooms were known as "teonanácatl," or "flesh of the gods," reflecting their sacred status. These mushrooms were consumed during religious ceremonies and psychedelic tea ceremonies, with the intention of inducing visionary states for divination, healing, and communing with the gods. Aztec priests and spiritual leaders believed that through the ritualistic consumption of these mushrooms, they could communicate with deities, seek guidance, and explore realms beyond the physical world.
The Codex Vindobonensis Mexicanus 1, a pictographic manuscript created by the Mixtec people of Mexico, portrays an ancient, pre-colonial mushroom ritual. This ritual is believed to be associated with a calendrical adjustment during the sacred times before the first dawn. Iconography found in these codices and other ritual paraphernalia and sculptures also depict mushroom rituals, including the gods and sacred entities associated with them.
Despite attempts by colonizing Spaniards to suppress these traditions, the use of psychedelic mushrooms in ceremonies persisted in secret, passed down through generations by indigenous shamans and healers. In the 20th century, ethnopharmacologists were intrigued by references to "teonanacatl" in the extensive writings of a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan friar and historian, leading to a search for the identity of this mysterious substance. This ultimately resulted in a 1957 photo essay that introduced the Western world to the use of these mushrooms.
In 1955, American R. Gordon Wasson visited a village in Mexico where the ritual use of hallucinogenic mushrooms had survived Spanish prohibition. Inspired by Wasson's article, Timothy Leary traveled to Mexico to experience psilocybin mushrooms himself. Upon his return to Harvard in 1960, he and Richard Alpert initiated the Harvard Psilocybin Project, promoting psychological and religious studies of psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs.
Mushroom Tax Laws: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Legality and penalties
The legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies across the world. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a "high potential for abuse" and "no recognized medical uses". However, psilocybin mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in various cultures throughout history, and some consider them to have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
United States
In the United States, psilocybin is federally illegal and classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This classification deems that psilocybin has no medicinal benefit and a high potential for abuse and addiction. However, the legal status of psilocybin-assisted therapy is ambiguous, and it remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level. Some US states have passed legislation to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin for therapeutic or medicinal purposes, including Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico. In Oregon, psilocybin has been legalized for mental health treatment in supervised settings. California is also in the process of reviewing a similar bill. On the other hand, some jurisdictions, including California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
Other Countries
In Canada, psilocybin is regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and it is legal for medicinal use. In the United Kingdom, it is regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Psilocybin is illegal in several countries, including Russia, India, and South Africa. Conversely, it is legal in countries like Peru, Bolivia, Australia, and Denmark, with Australia providing penalties for possession, use, or sale of psilocybin mushrooms.
The penalties for unauthorized actions with psilocybin mushrooms vary worldwide, and there is ambiguity in the legal status of these substances in many jurisdictions. Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is often considered drug manufacture and can result in severe penalties. However, some places, like New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not constitute "manufacturing" a controlled substance. Additionally, the spores of psilocybin mushrooms are generally legal to possess in many areas since they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.
Mushroom Mystery: Unveiling Contamination in Conventional Fungi
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Short-term effects
The short-term effects of psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, set, and setting. Psilocybin, one of the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, is a classic psychedelic compound that induces a variety of effects on perception, cognition, and emotions. These effects are typically temporary and can be powerful and profound.
One of the most common short-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms is a sense of euphoria and intensified emotions. Users may experience an increased positive mood and reduced negative mood, as well as altered perception and thought processes. Visual and auditory hallucinations are also frequently reported, along with an altered sense of time and spiritual experiences. Physical effects can include dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate, although these are generally considered mild.
The strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and the effects can depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. It is important to note that the mushrooms themselves are not addictive, but individuals may develop a psychological dependence on the psychedelic experience, feeling compelled to use them to recreate desired experiences or cope with emotional challenges.
While magic mushrooms are considered one of the least toxic drugs known, with recorded cases of death solely attributed to their use in humans being extremely rare, they can still lead to adverse short-term health outcomes. "Bad trips" may occur, particularly at high doses, which can be frightening and include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Impaired judgment during these episodes may lead to risk-taking behavior, which could result in traumatic injuries or even death. Additionally, using magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, can elevate the risks of serious side effects and adverse events.
There is also a risk of mistakenly consuming poisonous mushrooms, as many species look alike. It is crucial to be well-informed about proper dosage, effects, and potential risks before consuming magic mushrooms. Starting with low doses and gradually increasing if necessary, in a safe and comfortable environment, is recommended.
Mushroom Magic: Unveiling Mycorrhizal Connections
You may want to see also
Long-term effects
Although psychedelic mushrooms are considered to be one of the least toxic drugs, with human deaths from typical doses being extremely rare, there are still long-term effects associated with their use. The risks associated with psychedelic mushrooms are mostly psychological rather than physical. One of the recognised long-term effects of psychedelic mushroom use is the development of a condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). HPPD involves perceptual changes that can persist for weeks or even months following the use of psychedelic mushrooms. Although relatively rare, individuals with HPPD may experience recurring visual disturbances, such as seeing trails, halos around objects, or geometric patterns, even when not under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms.
Another long-term effect of psychedelic mushroom use is the occurrence of flashbacks, also known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). These experiences involve the sudden reoccurrence of intense sensory perceptions or emotions, often associated with past psychedelic experiences. While flashbacks can be distressing and disruptive, they are relatively rare and not experienced by everyone.
Long-term psychedelic mushroom use has also been associated with potential alterations in brain chemistry. Studies suggest that regular consumption of psychedelic mushrooms can affect the serotonin system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these changes, it is important to consider the potential implications for long-term mental health.
There is also evidence to suggest that psychedelic mushrooms can lead to enduring changes in personality, attitudes, depression, spirituality, anxiety, well-being, substance misuse, meditative practices, and mindfulness. These long-term changes in psychological functioning have been linked to mystical experiences, connectedness, emotional breakthroughs, and increased neural entropy.
Additionally, while it is generally believed that psychedelic mushrooms are less habit-forming than other recreational drugs, it is possible to develop a dependence on them with repeated use. Signs of dependence may include compulsive use, neglecting responsibilities, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. However, it is important to note that the long-term effects of psychedelic mushrooms are not fully understood, and ongoing research is investigating their potential therapeutic uses in the treatment of various mental health disorders.
Mushroom Coffee: Reducing Inflammation, Fact or Fiction?
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. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms can vary widely and depend on factors such as dosage, environment, and individual differences. Common effects include hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and an altered state of consciousness.
Psychedelic mushrooms are generally not considered addictive, and there is a low risk of poisoning from picking the wrong types of mushrooms. However, they can cause unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, leading to injuries or even death. Additionally, regular users may experience flashbacks, which are disturbing visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception that can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last drug use.
Psychedelic mushrooms are controlled substances under international law and are illegal in some countries, including Canada and Australia. However, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses, and clinical trials with psilocybin are ongoing.
Psychedelic mushrooms can be consumed fresh or dried. They are often eaten directly, mixed with food to mask their bitter taste, or brewed into tea. Microdosing has become a popular technique, involving the consumption of less than 1.0 gram of dried mushrooms for a non-hallucinogenic and recreationally enjoyable experience.
