Emma Wilson
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, a bright red and white hallucinogenic mushroom called Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is also known to induce psychedelic effects. Ingesting these mushrooms can lead to a range of effects, from euphoria and muscular relaxation to hallucinations and sensory distortion. The experience, often referred to as a trip, is influenced by both internal and external factors, including one's state of mind and the surrounding environment. While psilocybin has been used recreationally and spiritually, it is also being investigated for its therapeutic potential in treating various health disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms, Fly agaric |
| Colors | Red, White, Brown, Tan |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Euphoria, Anxiety, Panic, Nausea, Muscle weakness, Drowsiness, Lack of coordination, Hilarity, Lack of concentration, Muscular relaxation, Dilated pupils, Distorted sense of reality, Mixing up senses, Paranoia, Loss of boundaries, Distorted sense of self |
| Risks | Poisoning, Misidentification, Addiction, Bad trip, Flashbacks, Psychosis, Suicidality, Physical or psychological dependence |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Illegal in Canada, Illegal in the United States |
| Therapeutic Potential | Substance use disorders, Tobacco use disorder, Depression, Anxiety disorders, Cancer-related anxiety and depression |
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What You'll Learn
Amanita muscaria, or 'fly agaric', is a red-and-white psychedelic mushroom
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a red-and-white psychedelic mushroom. It is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world. It is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere, but it has also been introduced to the Southern Hemisphere, where it has spread invasively in some regions.
The name 'fly agaric' comes from the traditional use of the mushroom as an insecticide. It contains psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare. In the “old world”, the mushroom has been closely associated with northern European and Asiatic shamans and their rituals. It has been used in pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations and ceremonies, where it was collected, dried, and strung near the hearth.
The use of Amanita muscaria as a hallucinogen has been documented in various cultures throughout history. For example, it has been suggested that the Sami shamans of Scandinavia ingested the mushroom and went on vision quests with flying reindeer as guides. In Siberia, it was used as a mind-altering drug, and it also spread to North America and Mesoamerica, although its use declined in favour of liberty cap mushrooms, which produced more intense experiences.
Amanita muscaria is considered a deceptive mushroom due to its distinctive appearance, which can sometimes lead to accidental poisoning when it is mistaken for edible species. It is highly poisonous and can cause severe intoxication, with symptoms affecting the central nervous system, including confusion, dizziness, tiredness, and visual and auditory perceptual changes. However, rapid identification and treatment can lead to successful recovery from poisoning.
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The effects of red psychedelic mushrooms
While there are many different types of magic mushrooms, one variety of psychedelic mushrooms is Amanita muscaria, which is red with white spots. These mushrooms are commonly known as fly agaric.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, including fly agaric, which is converted in the body to psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and an altered perception of time and space. They can also cause euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually occur within 15-45 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours. The experience, or "trip," is strongly dependent on set and setting. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip, while a comfortable and familiar environment can contribute to a pleasant experience.
Magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, and there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses. However, they can cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, and there is a risk of poisoning from picking the wrong types of mushrooms. The strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and they may be sold illegally in the form of dried whole mushrooms, powder, or capsules.
In some cultures, magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. For example, in Mexican and Central American cultures, psilocybin mushrooms have been used in various rituals.
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The legality of red psychedelic mushrooms
While red mushrooms such as the Amanita muscaria (or fly agaric) are indeed psychedelic, the legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies across the world. Psilocybin, the substance that gives magic mushrooms their hallucinogenic properties, is classified as a Schedule I drug 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, the legality of unauthorized actions involving psilocybin mushrooms differs worldwide, with some countries and states decriminalizing or legalizing their use.
In the United States, for example, psilocybin is federally illegal and classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, some states have passed legislation to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin mushrooms. For instance, Oregon voters passed a ballot measure in 2020 that made Oregon the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use. Colorado followed suit in 2022, and cities like Denver, Somerville, Cambridge, Olympia, and Tacoma have also decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms.
Similarly, in Canada, psilocybin is regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, Health Canada has authorized certain clinics and hospitals to possess and administer psilocybin for specific therapeutic purposes. Additionally, in 2023, the Canadian government proposed regulatory changes that would allow healthcare professionals to request access to psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 prohibits psilocybin and psilocin. Meanwhile, in Germany, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores have been illegal since 1998. On the other hand, countries like Peru and Bolivia have legalized psilocybin, and it is legal for medicinal use in countries including Australia, Canada, and Denmark.
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The history of red psychedelic mushrooms
Red psychedelic mushrooms, specifically the Amanita muscaria species, have a long and intriguing history. Also known as fly agaric, these mushrooms are easily identifiable by their bright red caps with white spots. While their hallucinogenic properties have been well-established, the history of their use and cultural significance varies across different regions and periods.
One of the most well-known theories associates the Amanita muscaria mushrooms with the indigenous Sami people of northern Scandinavia. According to this theory, Sami shamans consumed these mushrooms during the winter solstice, believing they brought spiritual transformation and divine connection. The mushrooms were also said to induce visions of flying reindeer, which may have contributed to the idea of flying sleighs in modern Christmas folklore. However, this theory has been criticized by some Sami descendants as a romanticized misinterpretation of their cultural traditions.
Beyond the Sami connection, red psychedelic mushrooms have a significant history in Siberia, where they were used by shamans for their mind-altering properties. Additionally, ancient rock art and cave paintings from Algeria and Spain suggest that the use of psychedelic mushrooms may predate recorded history, indicating their importance in prehistoric cultures.
In the Americas, the use of psychedelic mushrooms, particularly the Psilocybe genus, has a long history among the native peoples of Mesoamerica. They were used for religious, divinatory, and healing purposes, with representations found in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the region. The Aztecs, for example, reportedly consumed mushrooms during ceremonial occasions, including the coronation of the emperor Moctezuma II in 1502. However, after the Spanish conquest, these traditional practices were forbidden and driven underground.
Today, red psychedelic mushrooms continue to be a subject of interest, with ongoing research into their psychological effects and potential therapeutic benefits. Their history, spanning ancient civilizations to modern times, showcases the enduring fascination and cultural significance that these mushrooms have held for humanity.
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The risks of red psychedelic mushrooms
While red psychedelic mushrooms do exist, such as the fly agaric mushroom, the risks of consuming any psychedelic mushrooms are significant and should be carefully considered.
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that alter a person's senses, thinking, sense of time, and emotions. They can cause hallucinations, where a person sees or hears things that are not real or are distorted. The effects of these mushrooms are subjective and can vary among individuals. Factors such as the quantity consumed, past experiences, and expectations can influence a person's reaction to the drug.
The risks associated with consuming psychedelic mushrooms are varied and can be severe. One of the most significant dangers is the possibility of a ""bad trip,"" which can be influenced by factors such as dosage, anxiety, stress, and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. A negative environment or state of mind can contribute to a bad trip, leading to heightened anxiety, panic reactions, and psychosis. Additionally, consuming mushrooms with other drugs or certain medications can lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences, including an increased risk of a bad trip.
Another risk associated with psychedelic mushrooms is the possibility of poisoning. Magic mushrooms closely resemble poisonous mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake them for each other. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can result in symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, requiring immediate medical attention.
Furthermore, some individuals who consume psilocybin mushrooms may experience persistent, distressing alterations in their perception, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. This rare condition can manifest as visual flashbacks or traumatic recalls of intensely upsetting experiences, lasting from weeks to years after using the hallucinogen.
In addition to the immediate risks, there are potential long-term consequences associated with psychedelic mushroom use. Pre-existing mental health conditions may increase the risk of adverse psychological effects, including extreme anxiety and short-term psychosis. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin can vary widely, and while adverse side effects are often mild or moderate, some individuals may require medical treatment.
Overall, while red psychedelic mushrooms exist and have been used in various cultural contexts, consuming them carries significant risks that should not be taken lightly. It is essential to be well-informed about the potential dangers and to seek professional guidance if considering their consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are some psychedelic red mushrooms, such as the Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric. This variety is associated with the Sámi people of Scandinavia, who are reindeer herders. However, there is little evidence that they used the mushrooms in their rituals.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms vary from person to person. Some common effects include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, euphoria, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches. The effects usually last for four to six hours and can vary depending on the dose and type of mushroom.
Psychedelic mushrooms, such as those containing psilocybin, can cause adverse side effects, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and a distorted sense of self. There is also a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming poisonous varieties, which can be dangerous. Additionally, combining psychedelic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis or alcohol, can elevate the risk of serious side effects.
Researchers are currently investigating the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic mushrooms, particularly in treating substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders. Clinical trials have shown promising results, but there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin.
