Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a common sight in gardens, but are the mushrooms in your garden psychedelic? The answer is maybe. While most garden mushrooms are likely to be toxic, certain species of psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe allenii, and Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, are known to thrive in landscaped urban environments, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. These mushrooms contain a potent psychedelic compound called psilocybin, which can induce a psychedelic experience when consumed. However, it is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms without proper identification can be extremely dangerous, and even life-threatening. Therefore, unless you are absolutely certain of the mushroom's identity, it is best to avoid consuming any mushrooms found in your garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of psychedelic mushrooms | Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe allenii, Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata |
| Geographic origin | The Pacific Northwest, California, Oregon, Washington, Ohio |
| Identification | When crushed or bruised, they turn a deep purplish blue |
| Consumption | Eating a few mushrooms is enough to cause a psychedelic reaction |
| Occurrence | Winter and spring, after rain, cool nights, and sun |
| Benefits | Help process toxins, aid in decomposition, and provide nutrients for plants |
| Risks | Toxicity, permanent organ damage, prolonged gastrointestinal distress |
| Recommendations | Do not eat wild mushrooms unless absolutely certain of their identification |
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What You'll Learn
Common psychedelic mushrooms
There are more than 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with the majority belonging to the genus Psilocybe. These mushrooms are commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms and are often used as recreational drugs. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica, but most species are found in tropical and subtropical forests and are especially common in Mexico. Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe allenii, and Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata are some of the most well-known psychedelic mushrooms. They are often found growing in urban environments, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world for healing, divination, and spiritual rites. In the 1950s to 1970s, prominent academics such as Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert publicized the consciousness-expanding properties of these mushrooms. However, due to their widespread recreational use, they are now strictly controlled in many places.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly subjective and can vary depending on the type of mushroom, dosage, and individual user. Some common effects include hallucinations, distorted and heightened sensory impressions, hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, and dilated pupils. It is important to note that negative psychological consequences can also occur, such as panic reactions and psychosis, especially with large doses.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried whole mushrooms, extracts, edibles, or tea. The psychedelic effects typically appear around 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. It is worth mentioning that psilocybin mushrooms have not been found to cause physical or psychological dependence, and their active components are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders.
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How to identify them
If you're wondering whether the mushrooms in your garden are psychedelic, it's important to be able to identify them safely and accurately. Here's a detailed guide on how to do that:
Where to Look
Psychedelic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, favour cool to warm and damp climates with high humidity. They typically grow in shaded, moist areas such as mossy forests, overgrown grasslands, and prairie fields. They can also be found in urban environments, often in landscaped areas, office parks, and apartment complexes. These mushrooms grow in various substrates, including decaying trees, soil, compost, animal dung, and decaying plants.
When to Look
The best time to forage for psychedelic mushrooms is typically during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, as the increased moisture provides ideal conditions for their growth. Fall and spring are the optimal seasons for harvesting these mushrooms.
What to Look For
There are several key characteristics to look out for when identifying psychedelic mushrooms:
- Cap Shape and Size: Magic mushroom caps are often shaped like bells or cones.
- Gill Colour: The colour of the gills under the cap can be a distinguishing feature.
- Bruising Reaction: One notable feature of some magic mushrooms is their blue bruising. When damaged, these mushrooms turn a bluish colour due to the exposure of psilocybin to oxygen. However, it's important to note that other types of mushrooms, including poisonous ones, may also display this bruising.
- Spore Prints: Creating a spore print is one of the most reliable methods of identification. Remove the stem of a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap and place it gills-down on a piece of foil. Cover it and let it sit for at least six hours. Look for a purplish colour ranging from dark purple to almost black.
Safety Considerations
It is crucial to accurately identify psychedelic mushrooms to avoid consuming toxic substances. Some look-alike mushrooms can be poisonous, so multiple means of identification should be used. Additionally, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies by location, so it's essential to be aware of local laws and consult experts before consuming or foraging for them.
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Where they grow
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybe mushrooms are widely distributed, having been documented in most of the United States, throughout Europe, in South Africa, and in New Zealand and Australia. They are particularly prevalent in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington. Here, they thrive in landscaped urban environments, often growing in gardens, office buildings, and apartment complexes.
The geographic origins of Psilocybe mushrooms are somewhat mysterious. P. cyanescens, for example, was first described in a 1946 paper by mycologist Elsie Wakefield, who discovered them in Kew Gardens in Great Britain. However, it is believed that their ancestral home is either the Pacific Northwest or Australia, and their spread is closely linked to human activity.
Psilocybe mushrooms grow most reliably in damp, chilly conditions with abundant wood chips or excess carbon deposits. They can be found in both wild and cultivated settings but are more commonly associated with urban-proximate spaces. In the wild, they often grow near cattle due to the ideal conditions provided by these environments.
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Are they harmful?
While psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms, is being studied as a possible treatment for PTSD and depression, it is important to note that it is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. The risks associated with consuming magic mushrooms are significant and can result in adverse effects ranging from mild to severe.
Accidental consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms, especially by children, can lead to minor gastrointestinal illness, with severe cases requiring medical attention. Additionally, the effects of psilocybin vary widely, and users may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, or flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences. These flashbacks can be triggered by various factors and can be extremely disturbing, especially if they recall frightening hallucinations or experiences.
Magic mushrooms can also increase the risk of a "bad trip," which may be influenced by factors such as dosage, environment, and pre-existing anxiety. During a bad trip, individuals may engage in unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, leading to injuries. Combining magic mushrooms with certain other drugs, including psychiatric medications, can have dangerous and unpredictable consequences, and may even lead to a relapse or worsening of mental health conditions.
Furthermore, it is challenging to distinguish between hallucinogenic mushrooms and poisonous varieties, and incorrect identification can lead to poisoning. Experimenting with unverified mushrooms in uncontrolled doses can be extremely dangerous and may lead to unforeseen consequences. While research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, regular users may experience challenges such as tolerance development and psychological symptoms that require treatment.
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What to do if you find them
If you find mushrooms growing in your garden, it is important to identify them accurately to distinguish between psychedelic and poisonous varieties. Here are some steps you can take:
Consult a Local Mycologist or Use Identification Tools:
Reach out to a professional mycologist in your area to help identify the mushrooms. Alternatively, you can utilise tools such as field guides, magnifying glasses, cameras, and even specialised identification apps to aid in accurate identification.
Examine Physical Characteristics:
Psychedelic mushrooms often exhibit distinct physical traits. They may have caps shaped like bells or cones, with colours ranging from golden brown to wavy caps with a nipple-like protrusion at the centre. The gills are typically thin and delicate, ranging in colour from off-white to deep brown. The stems can be white and vary in length from 4-15 cm tall. Some mushrooms, when crushed or bruised, exhibit blue bruising due to the presence of psilocybin and psilocin, which is a key indicator of psychedelic properties.
Spore Prints:
Creating a spore print is another reliable method of identification. Remove the stem of a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap and place it gills-down on a piece of foil. Cover it and let it sit for at least six hours. Look for a purplish colour ranging from dark purple to almost black in the spore print.
Environmental Factors:
Consider the environment in which the mushrooms are growing. Psilocybe mushrooms often grow in clusters, displaying gelatinous caps after rainfall. They are commonly found in landscaped urban environments, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
Safety Precautions:
Even with accurate identification, it is important to exercise caution. Magic mushrooms can induce psychedelic experiences, including altered perception of time, visual and auditory changes, and in some cases, severe panic attacks, extreme fear, and adverse emotional effects that may persist long-term. Always be mindful of legal restrictions and health risks associated with mushroom consumption.
Remember, if you are unsure about the identity of the mushrooms, it is best to leave them alone or seek expert advice to ensure your safety.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unlikely that the mushrooms in your garden are psychedelic, but it is possible. Some psychedelic mushrooms, like Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe allenii, and Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, are known to grow in urban gardens in the Pacific Northwest, California, Oregon, and Washington. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a local mycological society or a trained expert for identification.
Psychedelic mushrooms, such as Psilocybe species, typically grow in woodchip beds and landscaped areas. They often have distinctive features, like turning a deep purplish blue when crushed or bruised. However, accurate identification requires knowledge and expertise.
No, mushrooms that pop up in your garden are more likely to be toxic. Do not consume them unless you are absolutely certain of their edibility. Even if animals or squirrels seem to be eating them, it does not guarantee their safety for human consumption.
Consuming unidentified mushrooms can be dangerous and even deadly. Some mushrooms can cause immediate sickness, while others can lead to permanent internal organ damage. It is crucial to have a positive identification before considering consumption.
It is generally recommended to leave them alone and enjoy their natural beauty. Mushrooms are part of a larger fungal network that contributes to the health of your garden ecosystem. They help process toxins, aid in decomposition, and provide nutrients for other plants. However, if you are concerned about their presence or want to identify a specific species, consult a local mycological society or a gardening expert.
