John Miller
Shrooms and mushrooms are often used interchangeably, but the terms can have different connotations depending on the context. Shrooms typically refers to psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds alter a person's sense of reality, inducing visual and auditory hallucinations, euphoria, and shifts in perception. On the other hand, mushrooms can refer to a broader category of fungi, including both the psychedelic variety and those used for culinary or medicinal purposes. While shrooms specifically connotes the psychoactive species, it can occasionally be used humorously or casually to refer to non-hallucinogenic mushrooms, playing on the association with their psychedelic counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shrooms | Psilocybin mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms, magic mushrooms |
| Mushrooms | Can refer to normal mushrooms or shrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Shrooms are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom
"Shrooms" is a colloquial term for psilocybin mushrooms, a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are also known as "magic mushrooms" and have been used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples in Central and South America for spiritual and medicinal purposes. In modern times, they are often consumed recreationally for their mind-altering effects, but there is also growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits.
Psilocybin mushrooms are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute. However, this has not deterred their use, and according to a 2021 survey, about 7% of respondents (approximately 500 people) reported using psilocybin mushrooms in the past year.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the dose and the type of mushroom, with some species being more potent than others. A typical recreational dose is between 1.0 and 5.0 grams of dried mushrooms, with higher doses sometimes referred to as a "heroic dose." The effects can include hallucinations, an altered sense of reality, euphoria, and a distorted sense of self. The experience, often referred to as a trip, can be positive or negative, with a comfortable and familiar environment contributing to a more pleasant experience.
While the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms are being explored, it is important to note that there are also health risks associated with their use. Unsupervised consumption can lead to impaired judgment and risk-taking behaviour, which may result in physical harm or even death. Additionally, there is a potential for negative experiences, known as bad trips, which can include paranoia, anxiety, and fear. Therefore, while shrooms may offer potential benefits in controlled settings, they should be approached with caution and consumed responsibly.
In summary, shrooms are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that has been used for various purposes throughout history. While they may offer potential therapeutic benefits, their illegal status and associated health risks underscore the importance of responsible and supervised consumption.
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Shrooms are also known as magic mushrooms
"Shrooms" are also known as magic mushrooms. They 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. Psilocybin is part of a group of drugs called psychedelics or hallucinogens that have the potential to alter a person's sense of reality, leading them to see, hear, and feel things that are not happening in real life, or to experience reality in a different way. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can vary greatly. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species.
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been using "shrooms" for ceremonial and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In Central America, Aztec and Mazateca cultures believed these mushrooms had divine properties and used them during coronations and other important events until at least the 1500s. There is also evidence that indigenous people in Central America used them for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 B.C. Today, people still use shrooms for a variety of purposes, including recreational and spiritual experiences, as well as for self-treating medical disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Psilocybin mushrooms are typically consumed dried or powdered, and the effects are usually felt within 30 minutes and last for about 3 to 6 hours. A 5.0 g dose of dried mushroom is often referred to as a "heroic dose". The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. Additionally, people may experience unpleasant physical effects such as anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, such as Canada and the United States.
Despite the risks, there is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Researchers are testing psilocybin's potential to treat mental health disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, additional research is needed to support the outcome. It is also important to note that consuming magic mushrooms in an unsupervised environment can lead to risky behaviour, as individuals may be less aware of their physical surroundings and have impaired judgment.
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Shrooms are mostly illegal in the US
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are often consumed dried or powdered and can cause a person to see, hear, and feel things that are not happening in real life. Shrooms have been used for thousands of years, including in religious and spiritual rituals.
In the United States, shrooms are considered illegal at the federal level and are designated as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that they are believed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, there have been recent changes and reforms in some states and cities regarding the legal status of shrooms. For instance, Denver, Colorado, became the first city to decriminalize shrooms in 2019, and it is now legal to purchase, possess, and cultivate them in Oregon and Colorado.
The legal status of shrooms varies across the US, with some states specifically prohibiting the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, while other states, like New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance. Despite these varying legal statuses, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is generally considered drug manufacture and can result in severe penalties.
While the legal landscape surrounding shrooms is evolving, it is important to note that the use of shrooms comes with health risks. Studies have shown that unsupervised consumption can lead to dangerous behavior, impaired thinking, and adverse psychological consequences such as hallucinations, panic reactions, and psychosis.
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Shrooms can cause hallucinations and distort reality
Shrooms, or magic mushrooms, 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. Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, it has a low level of toxicity, meaning there is a low potential for causing fatal events like breathing problems or a heart attack.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, and it can cause hallucinations and distort reality. The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion and can last between four and six hours. In some people, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can last longer. The quantity of the drug consumed, the user's past experiences, and their expectations of the experience will affect their reaction to psilocybin.
Psilocybin can cause a person to see, hear, and feel things that are not happening in real life, or to experience reality in a different way. Users may see colours, shapes, or scenes, hear things that aren't real, or lose their sense of time and space. They may also have a distorted sense of self, feeling that they have no personal boundaries and are one with the universe, a state that some researchers have called "oceanic self-boundlessness". This experience can be blissful, but it may also be frightening, causing fear or panic.
The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. Psilocybin use may also lead to unpredictable, potentially dangerous behaviour, and users may put themselves or others at risk of physical harm. For example, users may drive dangerously or walk into traffic, as they are less aware of their physical surroundings and have impaired ability to think clearly.
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Shrooms may have health benefits
The term "shrooms" typically refers to "magic mushrooms", a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin turns into the psychedelic compound psilocin, which can alter a person's sense of reality, inducing hallucinations and shifts in perception, mood, and thoughts.
While shrooms are often associated with recreational use, there is growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Psilocybin therapy, conducted in a meticulously controlled environment, has been explored as a possible treatment for various mental health disorders, including:
- Depression: Psilocybin therapy has been designated as a "breakthrough therapy" by the FDA for the treatment of depression, with research indicating its potential to significantly improve symptoms.
- Anxiety: Shrooms may help alleviate anxiety, particularly in individuals who are terminally ill.
- Substance Use Disorders: Studies suggest that psilocybin can aid in treating substance use disorders, including nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine addiction.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Research indicates that psilocybin may hold promise in treating OCD.
- End-of-Life Distress: Shrooms may help alleviate psychological distress associated with end-of-life situations, including in individuals with terminal illnesses.
- Cluster Headaches: Psilocybin therapy is being investigated as a potential treatment for cluster headaches.
It is important to note that while psilocybin has a low toxicity level, there are risks associated with its use. Negative side effects can occur, particularly in individuals with certain pre-existing conditions or physical health issues. Additionally, unsupervised consumption of shrooms can lead to impaired judgment and an increased risk of harm to oneself or others.
While shrooms may have potential therapeutic benefits, more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy. As of now, psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration, indicating they have "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." However, there is a growing movement to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms and further explore their potential medicinal value.
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Frequently asked questions
Shrooms is a common term for psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms. They are mostly illegal in the US but are being studied for their potential health benefits.
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin. They can cause hallucinations, euphoria, and an altered state of consciousness. They have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes.
While the term "shrooms" typically refers specifically to psilocybin or magic mushrooms, it can also be used to refer to regular mushrooms in certain contexts, especially if it's already established that the conversation is about non-hallucinogenic mushrooms.
