Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin, can have a range of side effects. These vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, mood, personality, and expectations. While some users report positive changes, such as increased creativity and a greater sense of spirituality, others may experience negative effects, such as heightened anxiety, paranoia, and disturbing hallucinations. The risk of a 'bad trip' increases with higher doses or stronger mushrooms, and there is also a risk of accidental poisoning from consuming the wrong types of mushrooms. Although psilocybin is considered to have a low potential for addiction, psychological dependence can develop, and there is limited research on the long-term effects of magic mushroom use.
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What You'll Learn
Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal
While mushrooms have been explored for their potential therapeutic benefits, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers associated with consuming certain types of mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal, and it is important to exercise caution when identifying and consuming mushrooms.
There are approximately 100,000 known fungi species worldwide, and about 100 of them are poisonous to humans. While the majority of mushroom poisonings are not fatal, certain types of mushrooms can lead to severe illness and even death. One of the most well-known poisonous mushrooms is the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which is considered to be one of the deadliest mushrooms in the world. It closely resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms, making it easily mistaken for safe consumption. Consumption of the death cap mushroom can cause violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea, leading to rapid fluid loss and intense thirst. It also affects the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, with symptoms appearing within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion.
Other poisonous mushrooms include the destroying angel (Amanita verna), which is native to Asia and has been responsible for fatalities in Japan and Korea. It resembles edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms, making it easily mistaken for consumption. The toxic compounds in this mushroom can lead to vomiting, delirium, convulsions, diarrhoea, liver and kidney failure, and even death. Galerina marginata, also known as the autumn skullcap mushroom, is another poisonous mushroom that has been mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to fatalities. It contains amatoxins, the same poison found in the deadly Amanita species.
It is important to note that the physical effects of consuming poisonous mushrooms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of mushroom poisoning include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In some cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to liver and kidney failure, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you or someone you know has consumed poisonous mushrooms. Unless you are an expert, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources such as supermarkets or greengrocers.
While psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, have psychological side effects, they are considered one of the least toxic drugs known. Lethal doses have been determined in animal studies, but recorded cases of human deaths solely attributed to typical doses of psilocybin mushrooms are extremely rare. However, it is important to be cautious when consuming any type of mushroom and to seek support if you experience any negative side effects.
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Short-term side effects
Consuming mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to a variety of short-term side effects. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms". While some people use psilocybin mushrooms as a recreational drug, the substance is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose.
The short-term side effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as individual differences, dosage, and frequency of use. Common physical reactions include dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate, which are usually mild and considered side effects of emotional intensification. Other physical symptoms like nausea, increased perspiration, numbing, and tremors can occur, and may make psychological symptoms more pronounced. These psychological symptoms can include anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, mood swings, and disturbing hallucinations. Consuming higher doses or stronger mushrooms can increase the likelihood and intensity of these side effects, and may lead to a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. This can result in terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death, commonly referred to as a "'bad trip'".
The risk of experiencing a bad trip may be influenced by factors such as dosage, individual mood, personality, and expectations. Additionally, consuming multiple doses of mushrooms in one session can increase the risk of a bad trip. It is important to note that the effects of a bad trip cannot be ended prematurely and may last for hours. While rare, consuming very high doses of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death.
In addition to the immediate short-term side effects, some individuals may experience persistent, distressing alterations in their perception and cognition. These can manifest as flashbacks, which are visual distortions or traumatic recalls of previous mushroom experiences. Flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to years after the initial use and are characteristic of a rare condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
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Long-term side effects
While long-term physical side effects directly attributed to the pharmacology of psilocybin mushrooms are rare, there are a variety of long-term psychological effects that have been observed.
Some people who take psilocybin may experience persistent, distressing alterations to how they see the world. These may take the form of visual flashbacks, traumatic recalls of intensely upsetting experiences, or hallucinations. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people can continue to experience flashbacks anywhere from weeks to years after using the hallucinogen. This condition is called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and is rare.
The long-term psychological effects of psilocybin mushrooms encompass a wide range of potential consequences for an individual’s mental well-being. While psilocybin has been explored for its potential therapeutic benefits, it is crucial to understand the possible negative impact on emotional well-being and mental health. Some users may experience negative effects, such as heightened impulsivity or difficulties in social functioning. The impact can vary depending on individual differences, dosage, and frequency of use.
In addition, some sources suggest that psilocybin can cause long-term heart damage and increase the risk of heart disease over time. However, the physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms are generally considered minor and can vary from person to person. Common short-term physical reactions, such as dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate, are usually mild and considered side effects of emotional intensification.
It is important to note that the risks associated with psilocybin mushrooms are mostly psychological rather than physical. Lethal doses have been determined in experiments using animal models, but recorded cases of death solely attributed to typical doses of psilocybin mushrooms in humans are extremely rare.
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Addiction and tolerance
Addiction to magic mushrooms is quite common worldwide. An individual addicted to magic mushrooms may invest an unusual amount of time and energy into obtaining the substance. They may also use the substance as a means to cope with daily stress and continue to use it despite being aware of the harm it is causing to their personal and professional lives.
Magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use. However, regular use may lead to tolerance, where individuals need higher doses to achieve the same effects. Tolerance to psilocybin can also lead to cross-tolerance with other drugs, such as LSD and mescaline. While physical dependence is rare, psychological dependence can occur, with individuals developing compulsive use patterns and neglecting responsibilities.
Mushroom abuse can lead to negative emotional and psychological effects during recovery. Additionally, magic mushrooms are often used in conjunction with other drugs of abuse, such as alcohol, which can increase the risk of adverse effects and make treatment more challenging.
It is important to recognize the signs of addiction and seek professional help if needed. Treatment centers offer personalized care to address the mental and physical toll of addiction and help individuals achieve long-lasting recovery.
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Legality
The legality of magic mushrooms varies by location. In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug, meaning it is illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. Significant legal penalties are imposed on both the possession and selling of mushrooms. However, there is advocacy to change this, and some cities have decriminalized the possession of psilocybin mushrooms, allowing residents to possess a limited amount without facing criminal charges.
In Canada, psilocybin and psilocin are listed as controlled illegal drugs, and there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. While the safety and efficacy of psilocybin products have not been assessed or authorized for sale in Canada, clinical trials are ongoing to investigate its potential in treating various mental health disorders.
It is important to note that the legality of magic mushrooms can vary by region, and local laws should be consulted for specific information. The potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin are being explored globally, and research is ongoing to understand its effects and potential applications fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Some users have reported positive changes such as increased openness, creativity, and a greater sense of spirituality.
The negative side effects of consuming mushrooms, often referred to as a "bad trip", include heightened anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, disturbing hallucinations, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
Common short-term physical side effects include dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, increased perspiration, numbing, and tremors.
Mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, but psychological dependence can develop. Individuals may feel compelled to use mushrooms to recreate desired experiences or cope with emotional challenges.
Some people experience flashbacks, which are visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception, that can occur weeks, months, or even years after consuming mushrooms.
