Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a group of fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic. They are mostly illegal in the US, but have been used by humans for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, with some people experiencing euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion, while others may have a bad trip involving feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks. The duration of a trip is typically between 4 to 6 hours, with the first effects felt within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion. During this time, individuals may experience physical sensations, changes in perception, nausea, and an increased heart rate. While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, there are risks associated with their use, including the possibility of developing mental or emotional dependence, as well as experiencing a bad trip or long-term negative impacts on mental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| First effects | Physical sensations, changes in perception, nausea, increased heart rate |
| Peak effects | Intense visuals, dreamy, detached feeling, distorted time perception |
| After-effects | Improved mood, clarity of thought, sense of well-being, fatigue, emotional drain |
| Long-term effects | Outlook and behaviour changes, flashbacks, potential long-term mental health impact |
| Benefits | Euphoric feelings, potential relief for mental health conditions, medicinal properties |
| Risks | Bad trip, nausea, paranoia, psychosis, poisoning, accidental ingestion, physical and mental health impact |
| Legality | Illegal in most of the US and many places worldwide |
| Addiction | Not physically addictive, but risk of developing addictive habits and mental/emotional dependence |
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What You'll Learn
The duration of a mushroom trip
After the peak, the trip enters a plateau phase, which can last for another 1 to 2 hours. As the trip starts to wind down, individuals may experience an "afterglow" or residual effects, which can last for a few hours. During this phase, users often report an improved mood, clarity of thought, and a sense of well-being. While the trip is temporary, some individuals report lasting changes in their outlook or behaviours. It's important to note that the physical environment and one's state of mind before and during the trip can significantly impact the experience and its duration.
The method of consumption also affects the duration of the trip. Mushrooms can be consumed raw, dried, ground, or made into tea. When dried ground mushrooms are soaked in lime or lime juice before consumption, the effects occur much faster. Additionally, the dosage plays a significant role in the trip's duration. Microdosing involves taking a very small quantity of mushrooms, while macrodosing involves consuming a large amount to induce an intense psychedelic experience. Macrodosing typically results in a longer trip of six hours or more.
It's worth mentioning that tolerance to magic mushrooms can be built if the same types are used repeatedly. While tolerance doesn't affect the trip's length, it does influence the intensity. Consuming too high of a dose can lead to serious risks, such as navigating a challenging trip or experiencing unwanted effects. It's crucial to start with a low dose, educate yourself on the effects of different strains and dosage levels, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment when taking magic mushrooms.
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The risks of a bad trip
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, can provide an intense psychedelic experience with both short- and long-term effects on the mind and body. While some people may view them as a recreational substance, they can have serious negative effects, including the risk of a bad trip.
A bad trip on magic mushrooms is a scary and stressful experience that can have long-lasting mental health impacts, especially if you are predisposed to certain conditions. The key feature of a bad trip is a feeling of losing oneself or going crazy, or ego dissolution. The effects of a bad trip can be mitigated and sometimes transformed into valuable experiences, but it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions.
The risk of a bad trip can be influenced by various factors, including individual mindset, environment, dosage, and the specific mushroom species. Feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. Being in a noisy, crowded place or consuming mushrooms in an unfamiliar setting can also contribute to a negative experience. It is important to choose a safe, peaceful, and comfortable environment and be in a good state of mind before taking magic mushrooms to reduce the risk of a bad trip.
Additionally, it is crucial to start with a low dose, as the effects of mushrooms can be unpredictable and vary depending on individual metabolism and sensitivity. Consuming an especially large or strong batch of mushrooms can lead to unwanted effects and increase the risk of a bad trip. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can also have unpredictable and dangerous consequences.
While it may not always be possible to stop a bad trip once it has started, there are some strategies that can help. Moving away from noise and stimulation is important, as these can intensify a bad trip. Having a sober trip guide who can provide reassurance and help mediate the experience can be beneficial for some people. In severe cases, seeking medical attention and certain medications may be necessary to manage a bad trip.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, and it is illegal to possess, sell, or grow magic mushrooms under federal law. However, there has been a growing movement for decriminalization, with some states and cities enacting reforms. Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised use in 2020. Colorado followed suit in 2022, and cities like Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Somerville have also decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms. These reforms often involve making the enforcement of psychedelics a low priority for law enforcement or allowing for supervised adult use in specific settings.
While these local reforms have been significant, it is important to note that they conflict with federal law. Compliance with state or local laws does not shield individuals from possible federal prosecution. Additionally, cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is generally considered drug manufacturing, which can carry felony penalties in many jurisdictions. However, some states, like California and New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" under their drug laws.
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The short-term effects of mushrooms
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes and can last for four to six hours. The specific duration and intensity of these effects depend on factors such as the type and potency of the mushroom, the dosage, and the individual's body type.
Common short-term effects of magic mushrooms include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, intensified emotions, an altered sense of time, and spiritual experiences. These experiences can vary from person to person, with some individuals reporting feelings of euphoria and sensory distortion, while others may have negative experiences, including anxiety, paranoia, panic, and short-term psychosis.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and even dangerous when combined with other drugs, including alcohol, ice, speed, or certain psychiatric medications. Consuming mushrooms with other psychoactive substances may increase the likelihood of a "bad trip" and lead to panic or a relapse of a psychiatric condition. Additionally, individuals with cardiac diseases should be cautious as the short-term effects of increased blood pressure and heart rate could be harmful.
While the development of tolerance to the effects of magic mushrooms can occur rapidly, discontinuing use for a week or so typically returns individuals to their normal tolerance levels.
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The long-term effects of mushrooms
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, there is still a lot unknown about their long-term effects. The biggest risk associated with their use is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, as they look very similar.
Magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, and there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on them. However, there is a risk of developing addictive habits, misuse, and dependence. It is possible to become tolerant to the drug's effects with regular use, and there may be mild psychological withdrawal effects, such as feeling tired.
Long-term use of magic mushrooms has been associated with alterations in brain chemistry, specifically affecting the serotonin system, which regulates mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. This can lead to the development of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which involves perceptual changes that can persist for weeks or months after use, such as recurring visual disturbances.
There is increasing interest in the therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms, particularly for treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research has shown that a single high dose of psilocybin can alter emotions and brain function for up to one month, leading to positive changes in mood, attitude, and well-being. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of magic mushroom use on mental health.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a group of fungi that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic. They are mostly illegal in the US but have been used for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
The effects of magic mushrooms are wide-ranging and can include euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, nausea, increased heart rate, and distorted time perception. The experience can be positive, with feelings of unity, joy, and transcendence of the ego. However, it can also lead to a "bad trip" with feelings of paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
A typical magic mushroom trip lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, but the effects tend to come in waves. The first effects are usually felt within 20 to 40 minutes, with the peak effects lasting around 2 to 3 hours. After the peak, the trip enters a plateau phase, lasting for another 1 to 2 hours.
Current research suggests that magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, and there are no known withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use. However, mental or emotional dependence can occur, and regular use may lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
