John Miller
Synthetic psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, is a term used to describe lab-made versions of the naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. While synthetic psilocybin is commonly used in clinical studies and drug trials, it is now showing up in illicit magic mushroom edibles, raising concerns about its safety. Local experts warn that these synthetic mushrooms may contain hazardous chemicals and are not subject to the same safety regulations as legal products. Additionally, inaccurate labeling and the inclusion of potentially dangerous or illegal ingredients, such as kratom or prescription medications, further complicate the matter. As a result, consumers are urged to exercise caution when considering synthetic mushroom products, as their safety cannot be guaranteed without proper regulation and oversight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Synthetic mushrooms safety | There is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of synthetic mushrooms. While experts argue that there is a difference between synthetic psilocybin and natural mushrooms, critics claim that there isn't enough evidence to support this claim. Synthetic psilocybin is used in clinical studies and drug trials, but its presence in illicit "magic mushroom" edibles has led to hospitalizations and deaths due to hazardous chemicals and inaccurate labeling. |
| Natural mushrooms safety | Natural psychedelics have been ingested safely by humans for thousands of years, indicating they are well-tolerated and safe for therapeutic use. They contain a host of secondary metabolites that may contribute to their therapeutic benefits, known as the "entourage effect." |
| Legality | Australian federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, selling, or driving under the influence of magic mushrooms. |
| Risks and side effects | The effects of psychoactive drugs like magic mushrooms depend on an individual's mood and environment. Feelings of stress or anxiety before consumption may result in a bad trip. There aren't many known withdrawal effects, but mild psychological effects and fatigue may occur. |
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What You'll Learn
Synthetic psilocybin in illegal edibles
The use of synthetic psilocybin in illegal edibles is a growing concern, with reports of adverse effects and hospitalizations. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, and it is a Schedule I substance, considered illegal and highly prone to abuse. Synthetic psilocybin is now showing up in illicit "magic mushroom" edibles, causing illnesses and negative reactions in consumers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against products made by Diamond Shruumz, which contain a synthetic psychedelic similar to psilocybin, as well as other undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. These products have been linked to seizures, blackouts, heart problems, nausea, and even deaths. The presence of synthetic psilocybin in illegal edibles underscores the dangers of unregulated and untested substances.
The issue of synthetic psilocybin in illegal edibles extends beyond the United States, with local experts in Colorado estimating a high likelihood of finding 4-AcO-DMT, a synthetic tryptamine, in edibles marketed as containing psilocybin. The lack of regulation and oversight in the underground manufacturing of these products raises serious safety concerns. The hazardous chemicals used in the synthesis process can pose risks to consumers, and the potential for harmful interactions with other substances cannot be overlooked.
While pure 4-AcO-DMT may be non-toxic due to its similarity to natural psilocybin, the absence of extensive studies leaves uncertainty about its risks when ingested. The unregulated nature of these products means consumers cannot be certain about the substances they are ingesting, and the potential for adverse reactions is high. The effects of psilocybin can vary depending on an individual's mood, previous experiences, and the environment in which it is consumed. Taking magic mushrooms in a calm and familiar setting can contribute to a positive experience, while a crowded and noisy place may lead to a negative trip.
In conclusion, the presence of synthetic psilocybin in illegal edibles poses significant risks to consumers. The unregulated nature of these products, coupled with the potential for harmful interactions and adverse reactions, underscores the importance of public awareness and caution when encountering such substances. While natural psilocybin has a relatively low risk of overdose and addiction, the lack of oversight in underground manufacturing processes can introduce hazardous chemicals and unknown substances, compromising consumer safety.
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The 'entourage effect'
The safety of synthetic mushrooms is a topic of ongoing debate. While some argue that synthetic psilocybin differs from natural mushrooms, critics assert that there isn't enough evidence to support this claim. The emergence of synthetic versions of "magic" mushrooms has attracted significant interest from psychedelic startups, with companies investing millions in researching the potential benefits. However, critics argue that this pursuit may be driven more by the potential for securing patent rights and profits rather than a genuine desire to find safer alternatives.
The concept of the entourage effect is relevant to the discussion of synthetic mushrooms and their potential effects. The entourage effect is a hypothesis that suggests the presence of multiple compounds in cannabis, beyond just tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), that work synergistically to modulate the overall psychoactive effects of the plant. This idea has also been applied to psilocybin mushrooms, suggesting that various compounds besides psilocybin contribute to the overall effects.
The entourage effect was first introduced in 1998-1999 as a way to understand the cooperative effects of multiple endogenous chemical species in eliciting a cellular response. Over time, the term evolved to describe the polypharmacy effects of combined cannabis phytochemicals or whole plant extracts. The phrase is commonly used to describe how different compounds in cannabis work together to create a unique overall impact, often referred to as "the sum of all the parts that leads to the magic or power of cannabis."
While some proponents of the entourage effect believe it explains the enhanced effects of cannabis and mushrooms, the evidence remains inconclusive. A 2020 review of research found no entourage effect in most studies, and other reports showed mixed results, including the possibility of increased adverse effects. Additionally, the term "entourage effect" has been criticized as a marketing tactic used by the cannabis industry to promote different varieties of marijuana based on potency and effects. More research is needed to substantiate the entourage effect, particularly due to the challenges of conducting clinical trials on these substances and the legal hurdles involved.
In the context of synthetic mushrooms, the entourage effect suggests that the combination of various compounds in natural mushrooms contributes to their overall impact. However, it is important to note that the evidence for the entourage effect in mushrooms is currently thin, and more research is required to understand the complex interactions between different molecules and their effects on the human brain.
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Natural vs synthetic psilocybin
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. Synthetic psilocybin, on the other hand, is a lab-derived substance created to mimic the effects of its natural counterpart.
Natural Psilocybin
Natural psilocybin has been used by humans for thousands of years and is generally well tolerated by the human body. It contains a host of secondary metabolites, which are thought to contribute to its therapeutic benefits, a concept known as the "entourage effect". The potency of natural psilocybin can vary depending on the mushroom and the harvest, even when cultivated in controlled conditions. This variability can be problematic for recreational users, as it can be difficult to anticipate the strength of the psilocybin.
Synthetic Psilocybin
Synthetic psilocybin is often used in clinical studies and drug trials to ensure consistent and reliable doses. It solves the problem of varying potency in natural psilocybin by providing standardized doses with controlled potency levels. However, synthetic psilocybin may be missing the additional benefits provided by the secondary metabolites found in natural psilocybin.
Safety Considerations
The use of unregulated synthetic psilocybin products has been linked to illnesses and even deaths. Inaccurate labelling and the inclusion of undisclosed, dangerous, or illegal ingredients have been identified as issues within the mushroom edibles market. However, it is important to note that natural psilocybin mushrooms can also be poisonous, and emergency services should be contacted if poisoning is suspected.
User Experience
Some users have reported that synthetic psilocybin feels less natural and provides an inferior experience compared to organic forms. The preference for natural substances may be due to the "entourage effect" associated with natural sources, which is lost in pure synthetic formulations.
Legality
It is important to note that the possession, use, and sale of magic mushrooms are illegal in some places, and driving under their influence can also result in penalties.
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Psychoactive effects
Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic chemical that occurs in certain mushroom varieties. It 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 is important to note that there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms.
When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychoactive and psychedelic effects. These effects can include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. People may see colors, shapes, or scenes; hear things that aren't real; or lose their sense of time and space. The onset of action of psilocybin taken orally is 0.5 to 0.8 hours on average, with peak psychoactive effects occurring at about 1.0 to 2.2 hours. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, type of mushroom, and individual body type.
The quantity of the drug consumed, past experiences, and expectations can all influence an individual's reaction to psilocybin. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. Additionally, the environment in which someone takes the drug, such as being in a noisy, crowded place, can contribute to a negative experience.
While the potential risks and benefits of psilocybin are still being studied, it is known that magic mushrooms can cause adverse side effects, including nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, people have intravenously injected mushroom extracts, resulting in serious medical complications such as systemic mycological infection and hospitalization. It is important to note that magic mushrooms sold illegally may be in the form of dried whole mushrooms, powder, tablets, or capsules, and these drugs may contain other dangerous substances.
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Legality and penalties
The legality of synthetic mushrooms varies across different regions and countries. Psilocybin, the psychedelic substance found in "magic" mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical value. Under federal law, the possession, use, cultivation, and sale of psilocybin mushrooms are generally illegal and can carry significant penalties, including large fines and prison sentences. However, the enforcement and penalties for psilocybin-related offences vary across different states, with some states decriminalising or legalising its use for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.
In the United States, federal law classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal to possess, use, cultivate, or sell. Offenders may face large fines and prison sentences, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for cultivation. However, smaller-scale offences are often handled at the state level, and penalties can vary widely from state to state. Some states, like California, Oregon, and Washington, have reduced penalties for simple possession, classifying it as a misdemeanour with possible jail time ranging from 180 to 364 days. Additionally, states like Oregon and Colorado have legalised psilocybin for mental health treatment and therapeutic use, respectively.
Outside of the United States, the legality of synthetic mushrooms also varies. In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. Similarly, Australia has approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. In contrast, countries like Germany and the United Kingdom have stricter regulations, with laws prohibiting the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms.
It is important to note that the legal landscape surrounding synthetic mushrooms is evolving, with ongoing research into their therapeutic benefits and potential for decriminalisation or legalisation in various jurisdictions. However, as of now, the possession, use, cultivation, and sale of synthetic mushrooms remain illegal in many places, and individuals considering their use should carefully research the specific laws and regulations in their region to avoid legal consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Synthetic mushrooms are created in a laboratory setting and are used in clinical studies and drug trials. Synthetic psilocybin is also showing up in illicit "magic mushroom" edibles.
Synthetic psilocybin is considered safe in clinical studies and drug trials. However, synthetic psilocybin found in illicit "magic mushroom" edibles has been linked to illnesses and hospitalizations. Experts say that in theory, synthetic psilocybin should be safe, but there are inherent dangers when buying unregulated products that contain it.
Synthetic mushrooms solve the problem of varying potency between different natural psychedelic growths. However, synthetic variants could be missing the potential additional benefits of natural psychedelics. Natural psychedelics have been ingested safely for thousands of years and are well tolerated by the human body.
