John Miller
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. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups in Mexico and Central America for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes. While the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly subjective, they can include hallucinations, an inability to discern fantasy from reality, panic reactions, and psychosis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active compounds | Psilocybin, Psilocin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Inability to discern fantasy from reality, Panic reactions, Psychosis, Heightened senses, Altered thinking, Altered sense of time, Altered emotions, Hilarity, Lack of concentration, Muscular relaxation, Dilated pupils, Nausea, Vomiting, Euphoria, Muscle weakness, Drowsiness, Lack of coordination |
| Use | Recreational drug, Spiritual and religious use, Treatment for chronic mental disorders (anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD) |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Decriminalized in Oregon |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain 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 several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for thousands of years in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. 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 approximately 6,000 years ago.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are primarily due to the presence of psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver through a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in the formation of psilocin. Psilocin is the compound responsible for the psychedelic effects, as it activates serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT2a) receptor. The psychedelic effects typically appear within 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours.
The psychological consequences of consuming psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, an altered sense of time, hilarity, lack of concentration, and muscular relaxation, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions, extreme fear, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis may occur, especially with higher doses or in individuals who enter the experience in an anxious state of mind. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary significantly among different users. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning if non-psilocybin-containing mushrooms are consumed by mistake.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried mushrooms, extracts, tea, food products, or capsules. Microdosing, which involves taking a very small amount of psilocybin, has become a popular technique for those seeking a less intense experience or potential therapeutic benefits for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, it is important to note that the safety of psilocybin use during pregnancy is unknown, and individuals should consult their healthcare provider before taking any drugs during pregnancy.
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They contain psilocybin and psilocin
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This is converted into the psychedelic psilocin when ingested. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from several other genera, such as Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin and psilocin are the two primary psychoactive compounds responsible for the mind-altering effects of magic mushrooms. They induce sensory, emotional, and neural changes in users, resulting in a range of distorted and heightened sensory impressions. These impressions can include witnessing objects morphing into other forms, perceiving sounds as more complex, and seeing vivid colours or auras around people and objects. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly with large doses.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly subjective and depend on several factors, including the type of mushroom, preparation methods, dosage, and the "set and setting" of the user. The "set" refers to the psychological state of the user, encompassing their mood, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations. The "setting" refers to the environment in which the mushrooms are ingested, including physical surroundings, company, and the user's level of comfort and familiarity with the setting. A negative environment or anxious state of mind can contribute to a "bad trip," while a comfortable and familiar setting can enhance the likelihood of a pleasant experience.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried mushrooms, extracts, edibles, or mushroom tea. They have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups worldwide, particularly in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes. In the modern era, they have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the active components of psilocybin mushrooms may offer promising therapeutic effects, it is crucial to exercise caution as their interaction with other substances can be unpredictable and dangerous.
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They're also known as 'magic mushrooms'
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This prodrug 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 isolated from over a dozen other genera, including Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Magic mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups in Mexico and Central America for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes. They are also used recreationally and may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. The effects of magic mushrooms are highly subjective and can vary depending on the type of mushroom, preparation, dosage, and the user's psychological state and environment. These factors are known as the "set" and "setting," which can influence the intensity and nature of the psychedelic experience.
The psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms typically appear around 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Psychological consequences can include hallucinations, an inability to discern fantasy from reality, panic reactions, and psychosis, especially with larger doses. It is important to note that magic mushrooms can have unpredictable and dangerous effects when combined with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
In recent years, psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While they show initial promise, more research is needed to understand their effects on the brain and determine who may benefit or be harmed by their use.
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They're used for recreational and medicinal purposes
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world. They have been and continue to be used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. Rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
In the 21st century, psilocybin mushrooms have been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been testing psilocybin and psilocin in an effort to reduce veterans' mental health problems and suicide rates. While scientists still seek to understand the ways in which these mushrooms alter brain functions, some results suggest that their active components may have the ability to break old neural connections.
The effects of psilocybin and psilocin are highly subjective, depending on the type of mushroom, how it is prepared, the dose used in a session, and what is known as the "set" and the "setting." The set involves the psychological state of the user, including their mood, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and expectations of what's going to happen. The setting refers to the environment of the session, including the physical surroundings, the people present, whether it is indoors or outdoors, the type of music, and the lighting. For example, using magic mushrooms in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment with trusted friends can lead to a pleasant experience, while being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.
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They're illegal in Australia
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. There are approximately 30 species of psilocybin mushrooms in Australia, with the most common ones being golden tops, blue meanies, and liberty caps. These mushrooms can often be mistaken for poisonous varieties, which can cause serious health issues or even death.
In Australia, the cultivation, manufacture, possession, use, selling, or supply of psilocybin or magic mushrooms is illegal. Australian federal and state laws provide penalties for these offences, including imprisonment or fines. However, as of July 1, 2023, magic mushrooms can be prescribed by specially authorised psychiatrists for treating certain mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These prescriptions are strictly controlled and limited to psychiatrists approved under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reviewing the potential rescheduling of psilocybin from Schedule 9 to Schedule 8, which would make it a controlled medicine. Advocacy groups are pushing for this rescheduling due to the proven effectiveness of psilocybin in treating chronic anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While psilocybin has shown promising results in clinical trials, it is still considered a prohibited substance for any use outside of approved clinical trials and psychedelic-assisted therapies.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary widely among individuals. While they can cause hallucinations, euphoria, and an altered sense of time and emotions, they may also lead to negative experiences such as nausea, vomiting, panic, and psychosis. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and legal implications associated with the use of psilocybin mushrooms in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms or magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms include sensory, emotional, and neural changes. Users may experience hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, hallucinations, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. The effects are highly subjective and can vary depending on the type of mushroom, dosage, and the user's psychological state and environment.
Yes, there are risks associated with consuming psychedelic mushrooms. The mushrooms may cause physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing a "'bad trip,' especially in a negative environment or if the user is in an anxious state of mind. Consuming psychedelic mushrooms with other drugs can also be unpredictable and dangerous.
The legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies by jurisdiction. In some places, they are strictly controlled and illegal to possess, use, or sell. However, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, which may lead to deregulation for medical purposes.
