Emily Johnson
Ketamine and magic mushrooms (psilocybin) are both hallucinogenic substances that have been used for medicinal purposes, particularly in treating depression and other mental health disorders. While ketamine is a synthetic compound often used for medical anesthesia, magic mushrooms are natural fungi that contain psilocybin, leading to profound, sometimes spiritual experiences. Both substances have been the subject of clinical studies exploring their potential as fast-acting antidepressants, with some trials indicating that they can increase dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA extracellular levels in the frontal cortex. However, it is crucial to understand the differences between the two, including their pharmacological effects, side effects, and legal status, to make an informed decision about their use in treating mental health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Ketamine is legal in the US; "magic mushrooms" are illegal in most of the world, but some cities and states are considering legalizing them for medical use. |
| Medical use | Ketamine is used medically for anesthesia and to treat depression; magic mushrooms are used to treat a host of conditions and ailments, including mental health problems. |
| Duration of effects | Ketamine experiences last 60-90 minutes; mushroom experiences last about 6 hours. |
| Toxicity | Psilocybin has low toxicity levels compared to other compounds. |
| Addiction | Psilocybin is not naturally addictive; ketamine has the potential for abuse. |
| Side effects | Ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure; mushroom effects mainly affect the mind, but may also cause nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. |
| Overdose treatment | Ketamine overdose treatment focuses on supporting vital functions; mushroom overdose treatment involves managing anxiety, paranoia, or dangerous behavior. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ketamine is a synthetic compound, whereas mushrooms are natural fungi
- Ketamine is primarily an anesthetic, while mushrooms are hallucinogenic
- Ketamine experiences last 60-90 minutes, while mushrooms can last 6 hours
- Ketamine is legal in the US, mushrooms are not
- Ketamine and mushrooms both show potential in treating depression
Ketamine is a synthetic compound, whereas mushrooms are natural fungi
Ketamine and psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms", are both considered psychedelics. However, they are fundamentally different. Ketamine is a synthetic compound, whereas mushrooms are natural fungi. Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 by Calvin L. Stevens. It is primarily used as an anesthetic, but subanesthetic doses can produce psychedelic effects. It is also used to treat depression, with the ketamine-derived nasal spray Spravato licensed for treatment-resistant depression by the FDA in 2019.
On the other hand, psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic produced by over 200 species of mushrooms, including Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe mexicana. Psilocybin has a strong history of recreational, mystical, and clinical use. It has been used in various studies, including the classic "Good Friday" experiment, a landmark smoking cessation study, and the mystical experience and psychedelics study. Psilocybin acts most directly on the 5HT2A serotonin receptor in the brain. It has low toxicity levels and low potential for dependency to form.
The experiences induced by ketamine and psilocybin also differ. Ketamine experiences typically last 60-90 minutes, followed by a rest and comedown period. They can induce feelings of dissociation and euphoria but may also lead to confusion, hallucinations, and severe anxiety or panic attacks. Psilocybin experiences, or "magic mushroom" trips, tend to last about 6 hours. They can create out-of-body sensations and distorted sensations of time and space, leading to profound, sometimes spiritual experiences.
In terms of therapeutic potential, both substances have gained attention for their possible benefits in mental health treatment. Ketamine has proven efficacy and safe use for depression, especially for those who do not respond to traditional antidepressants. Psilocybin has also shown promise in treating a range of mental health conditions, and its decriminalization and legalization for medical use are currently being considered in several places.
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Ketamine is primarily an anesthetic, while mushrooms are hallucinogenic
Ketamine and psilocybin, also known as "magic mushrooms", are both classified as psychedelics. However, ketamine is primarily used as an anesthetic, while psilocybin is known for its hallucinogenic properties.
Ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 and is a synthetic compound. It is often used medically for anesthesia but has also been used to treat depression and other mental health disorders. Ketamine functions differently from standard antidepressants, which are known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, whereas ketamine appears to derive its antidepressant action from the blockade of neuronal receptors called NMDA receptors. Ketamine can induce feelings of dissociation and euphoria, but it can also lead to confusion, hallucinations, and, in some cases, severe anxiety or panic attacks.
On the other hand, psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic produced by over 200 species of mushrooms. Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe mexicana are some of the mushrooms that contain psilocybin. Psilocybin has a strong recreational, mystical, and clinical history. It has been used in various studies, including the "Good Friday" experiment, a landmark smoking cessation study, and the mystical experience and psychedelics study. Psilocybin is known to create out-of-body sensations and distorted sensations of time and space. It is also characterized by its low toxicity levels and low potential for dependency.
The main difference between ketamine and psilocybin lies in their effects and duration. Ketamine experiences typically last 60-90 minutes, followed by a rest and comedown period. Psilocybin experiences, on the other hand, tend to run about 6 hours. Additionally, psilocybin does not always provide the same level of dissociation as ketamine.
In terms of legality, ketamine is legal throughout the United States, while psilocybin is illegal in most of the world. However, some cities and states are considering legalizing psilocybin for medical use. Oregon, for example, approved a ballot measure in 2020 to allow psilocybin-assisted therapy in 2023, becoming the first state to legalize the use of this psychedelic substance.
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Ketamine experiences last 60-90 minutes, while mushrooms can last 6 hours
Ketamine and psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, are both psychedelic substances with therapeutic potential. However, they differ significantly in terms of duration and overall experience.
Ketamine experiences typically last between 60 and 90 minutes, followed by a rest and comedown period. On the other hand, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can persist for up to 6 hours, providing an extended journey for introspection and emotional exploration. This longer duration is one of the reasons why psilocybin is often favoured in psychedelic therapy protocols over other substances like LSD, which can have experiences lasting upwards of 10 hours.
The distinct durations of these substances are crucial considerations when weighing their therapeutic benefits and side effects. Ketamine, a synthetic compound, is primarily used medically as an anaesthetic but has also found success in treating depression and other mental health disorders. It can induce feelings of dissociation and euphoria but may also lead to confusion, hallucinations, and severe anxiety or panic attacks in some cases. Additionally, ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, posing potential risks for individuals with heart conditions.
In contrast, psilocybin mushrooms offer a more extended experience, often characterised by spiritual and out-of-body sensations, distorted perceptions of time and space, and sensory distortions. While psilocybin is currently illegal in most parts of the world, it has a low toxicity level and a low potential for dependency formation. Mushrooms primarily affect the mind, but physical side effects may include nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination.
The decision between ketamine and psilocybin mushrooms depends on individual needs and objectives. Both substances have unique impacts and offer distinct advantages in the realm of mental health treatment.
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Ketamine is legal in the US, mushrooms are not
Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades in the United States for various medical purposes, including as an anesthetic during surgical procedures. In recent years, ketamine has also gained attention for its role in managing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Ketamine is a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. It is illegal to use ketamine recreationally, but it is legal in the US when prescribed by licensed medical professionals.
Psilocybin, often referred to as magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic produced by over 200 species of mushrooms. Psilocybin has a strong recreational, mystical, and clinical history, and its efficacy in treating a host of conditions and ailments has been documented since psychedelic therapy studies first began. It is often favored over other compounds like LSD in psychedelic therapy protocols due to the shorter length of the experience. Psilocybin is also known for its low toxicity levels and low potential for dependencies to form.
While the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin in the United States are illegal under federal law, it has been decriminalized in several US cities and states, including Oregon, Colorado, Denver, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. In Oregon, voters passed a 2020 ballot measure making it the first state to both decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use. Colorado followed with a similar measure in 2022, and in 2025 the state issued the first sets of licenses for medical-assisted use of psilocybin. However, in 2024, much of the measure decriminalizing psilocybin in Oregon was repealed, effectively recriminalizing it.
Despite the growing movement to decriminalize psilocybin, it remains illegal under federal law except for clinical research. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it is considered to have "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." In contrast, ketamine is legal in the US for medical purposes when prescribed by a licensed practitioner, making it accessible for those seeking treatment for mental health conditions or requiring anesthesia for surgical procedures.
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Ketamine and mushrooms both show potential in treating depression
Ketamine and psilocybin, often known as "magic mushrooms", are both psychedelic compounds that have gained attention for their potential in treating mental health conditions, particularly depression. While they share some similarities, there are also key distinctions between the two substances in terms of their pharmacological effects, legality, mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and therapeutic settings.
Ketamine is a synthetic compound that has been used medically as an anesthetic but has also found a place in treating depression. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist and acts on the glutamate system in the brain, rather than increasing serotonin levels. Ketamine's antidepressant effects are rapid and almost immediate, providing relief for major depression and suicidal ideation within minutes. However, it may not be effective for all individuals with treatment-resistant depression, and repeated clinical visits are often necessary to prolong the antidepressant effect. Ketamine can be administered legally in clinics across the United States and other countries, generally as an IV infusion or intramuscular injection, under medical supervision. Some potential side effects of ketamine include increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination, feelings of dissociation and euphoria, confusion, hallucinations, and severe anxiety or panic attacks.
On the other hand, psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic produced by over 200 species of mushrooms. Psilocybin has a long history of use in spiritual and healing rituals and has gained recognition for its therapeutic potential, particularly in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression. While the exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, evidence suggests that psilocybin works at the serotonergic receptor, increasing serotonin levels in the brain, similar to standard antidepressants like SSRIs. Psilocybin experiences typically last between 4 to 6 hours, and the psychological effects require careful supervision as they can sometimes lead to anxiety or challenging experiences. Psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal outside of tightly controlled research trials or specialized therapy sessions in jurisdictions where it has been decriminalized or permitted for medical use. However, several cities and states are considering legalizing psilocybin for medical use due to its potential as a safe and effective treatment. Mushrooms, being psychedelic, mainly affect the mind, but physical side effects such as nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination may also occur.
In conclusion, both ketamine and psilocybin have shown potential in treating depression, but they differ in various ways, including their legality, duration of effects, and side effect profiles. When considering the use of these substances, it is crucial to understand the specific needs, objectives, and support network available to ensure a positive and secure experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", are natural fungi that contain psilocybin, leading to profound, sometimes spiritual experiences. Ketamine, on the other hand, is a synthetic compound often used medically for anesthesia but has also been used to treat depression.
The physical effects of mushrooms are mainly nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. However, being psychedelic, they can also affect the mind. Ketamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a lack of coordination. Psychologically, ketamine can induce feelings of dissociation and euphoria, but it can also lead to confusion, hallucinations, and, in some cases, severe anxiety or panic attacks.
In the case of a ketamine overdose, medical professionals focus on supporting vital functions like breathing and heart rate. There is no specific antidote for ketamine, so treatment involves managing symptoms. Overdosing on mushrooms usually requires managing anxiety, paranoia, or potentially dangerous behavior.
