Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, also known as 'shrooms', are hallucinogenic when ingested. The effects of magic mushrooms vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and dosage. Some people report having deep conversations with the mushroom spirit, while others describe non-verbal communication with the mushrooms. While the effects of magic mushrooms are primarily associated with hallucinations and distorted senses, there is ongoing research into whether mushrooms can communicate with each other through electrical impulses, and whether this could be considered a form of language.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Distorted sense of time, place and reality, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, laughter, fixation on certain things, emotionality, psychosis |
| How it is consumed | Raw, dried, brewed in tea, mixed with food |
| Legality | Illegal in many places, possession can lead to prison sentence, heavy fines, driving ban |
| Risks | Can worsen mental health issues, may cause death in rare cases, may cause flashbacks, may lead to addiction |
| Communication | Some people report non-verbal communication with mushrooms, others report auditory hallucinations |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinations and distorted senses
Some people have reported having deep conversations with a mushroom spirit or a female entity, while others have described non-verbal communication with the mushrooms themselves. These experiences can involve insights about oneself or one's life, or they can take a darker turn, with the mushrooms warning users not to "fuck with mushrooms".
While the effects of magic mushrooms are often associated with hallucinations and distorted senses, it's important to remember that they are a powerful psychedelic drug. As with any drug, there are risks involved, and it is illegal to possess, give away, or sell magic mushrooms in many places. Mixing drugs is always risky, and magic mushrooms can be particularly dangerous if mixed with other substances. Additionally, if you have any mental health issues, magic mushrooms can exacerbate them.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and not everyone will experience hallucinations or distorted senses in the same way. Some people may become fixated on certain things, laugh a lot, or become emotional, while others may have a bad trip characterised by paranoia or fear. It's important to be in a safe and comfortable environment when taking magic mushrooms and to have supportive people around you who can help if needed.
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Communication with the mushroom spirit
Magic mushrooms, also known as 'shrooms', have hallucinogenic effects when consumed. The biggest danger to one's health when taking magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming a poisonous mushroom. The strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and where they grow. The effects of magic mushrooms on a person depend on the amount consumed, their surroundings, their mood, and who they are with. People who take larger doses of mushrooms may act unpredictably, laughing a lot, becoming fixated on certain things, being emotional, or getting paranoid.
Many people believe that an intelligent, living spirit resides inside the flesh of the sacred mushrooms. This spirit is believed to speak to people under the influence of mushrooms in their native tongue. A substantial number of people claim to have held compelling conversations with this ancient mushroom entity, which, some say, claims to be extraterrestrial in origin, the voice of the Earth, or the mind of God. The late ethnobotanist Terence McKenna built his career on the idea that psilocybin mushrooms are not only a chemical message from another star system but that they can also serve as a portal for telepathic communication with extraterrestrial beings.
Some people who have consumed magic mushrooms have reported communication with various forms of non-human intelligence, resembling experiences with DMT (dimethyltryptamine). These experiences include reports of communication with futuristic biomechanical beings in faraway star systems, while others report contact with bygone ancestors, animal, and plant spirits. Irish and Celtic literature suggest that some people have also long reported encounters with “fairies” or “elves” while under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Some people have reported having deep conversations with the mushroom spirit, lasting for several hours. During these conversations, the mushroom spirit explains the way mushrooms live and how they relish every moment of existence without worrying about the past or the future. The mushroom spirit is also believed to help people understand things about themselves, allowing their subconscious to talk to them. Some people have also reported that the mushroom spirit communicates through female entities like fairies, while the mushroom presence itself feels androgynous and vague.
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The unpredictability of a trip
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly unpredictable. They vary based on the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and individual factors such as the user's mood, personality, expectations, and surroundings. While some trips may be enjoyable, others can lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The biggest danger to one's health when consuming magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms.
During a trip, individuals may experience distorted senses of time, place, and reality. They may also experience hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The effects typically begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Early effects often include nausea and excessive yawning, followed by the onset of the "trip."
The setting and surroundings during the trip also contribute to its unpredictability. The people one is with, the comfort level with them, and the physical environment can all influence how the trip unfolds. For example, being in a safe and comfortable space with trusted friends can enhance the likelihood of a positive experience, while being in an unfamiliar or stressful environment may increase the chances of a challenging trip.
Furthermore, the personality and mental state of the individual taking mushrooms can introduce an element of unpredictability. Pre-existing mental health issues or underlying psychological vulnerabilities can be amplified or manifest in unexpected ways during the trip. This can lead to intense emotions, paranoia, or even psychosis in rare cases. It is essential to approach magic mushrooms with caution and be mindful of potential risks, especially if one has any mental health concerns.
While the effects of magic mushrooms are notoriously unpredictable, some common themes have emerged from user reports. Many individuals report experiencing a heightened appreciation for nature and a sense of connectedness with the world around them. Some describe the mushrooms as having a "personality" or a "spirit," with a sense of humour and insight. These experiences often involve non-verbal communication, with the mushrooms conveying messages or insights in a way that feels separate from the individual's conscious thoughts. However, it is important to note that these experiences are highly subjective and may vary significantly from person to person.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are hallucinogenic when ingested. They are often eaten raw, made into tea, or extracted to create liquid psilocybin. The strength of magic mushrooms is highly unpredictable and depends on factors such as freshness, season, and origin. While some people experience mild hallucinations, others may act unpredictably, exhibiting behaviours such as fixating on certain things, laughing uncontrollably, or becoming emotional or paranoid.
In the United States, federal law and most states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, there are exceptions and ongoing changes to the legal status of magic mushrooms in certain states and cities. For example, Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses, and cities like Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Washington, D.C., have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms to varying degrees. Oregon has also licensed "psilocybin service centers" where adults can legally consume magic mushrooms in a supervised setting.
Outside of the United States, there are varying approaches to the legality of magic mushrooms. For instance, Germany and certain U.S. states, including California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically criminalized the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. On the other hand, New Mexico courts have ruled that growing magic mushrooms does not constitute "manufacturing" a controlled substance. Additionally, the District of Columbia passed an initiative in 2020 that decriminalized psilocybin drugs, including magic mushrooms, making arrests for possession or use a low priority for police.
It is important to note that the legality of magic mushrooms is subject to change and ongoing reform efforts. As of August 2024, decriminalization efforts in the United States have not included synthetic psychedelics such as LSD and MDMA. While some jurisdictions are moving towards decriminalization or regulated use, magic mushrooms remain illegal in many places, and possession or use can result in severe legal penalties.
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The potential for negative mental health effects
While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, they can have several negative mental health effects. The effects of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance in magic mushrooms, vary between people. Factors such as the user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment may affect their response. A 2020 analysis suggests that higher doses of psilocybin may increase the risk of negative experiences. A pre-existing mental health condition may also increase the risk of negative mental health effects.
One of the primary negative mental health effects of magic mushrooms is psychological distress, which can manifest as extreme anxiety or short-term psychosis. This distress can be compounded by the presence of psychedelic integration coaches, who may have a dogmatic worldview that promotes the belief that psychedelics are all-knowing and benevolent. Additionally, magic mushrooms can alter one's sense of reality, leading to accidental self-harm, especially if the user is not in a safe environment. This altered sense of reality can also lead to dangerous behaviours, such as believing one can fly and jumping from high structures.
Another potential negative mental health effect of magic mushrooms is the occurrence of flashbacks, which can be distressing and disruptive to one's daily life. In some cases, flashbacks can persist for years, causing ongoing impairments and difficulties. Furthermore, the altered state of consciousness induced by magic mushrooms can lead to unpredictable behaviour. Users may experience paranoia, fixation on certain things, emotional outbursts, or laughter. These effects can be particularly challenging for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, potentially exacerbating their symptoms or triggering adverse reactions.
It is important to note that the negative mental health effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as mental health history, setting, quantity consumed, and expectations. While some people may experience positive effects such as euphoria and sensory distortions, others may encounter disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and ensure a safe and supportive environment to mitigate potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people talk while on mushrooms. However, the way they communicate varies from person to person. Some people report having deep conversations with the mushroom spirit, while others report that the mushrooms communicate with them non-verbally. The effects of mushrooms are unpredictable and vary depending on factors such as dosage, mood, personality, and expectations.
Magic mushrooms, also known as 'shrooms', have hallucinogenic effects when ingested. They can distort a person's sense of time, place, and reality. The effects can range from mild, leaving a person feeling drowsy or relaxed, to intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It is important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal in many places and can have severe health risks, including long-term mental health conditions such as psychosis.
While it may sound like something out of a science fiction story, recent studies suggest that mushrooms may indeed have a form of communication. Andrew Adamatzky, a computer scientist, observed electrical impulses from mushrooms that may correlate to a language. However, more research is needed to confirm whether these electrical signals represent a form of language or simply a way for fungi to communicate about resources and environmental changes.
