Laura Smith
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties. Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause a person to see or hear things that do not exist or are distorted. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary depending on the dosage, which typically ranges from 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 g of dry mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms. While psilocybin is not considered addictive, it can lead to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. There are potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin that are being studied, but it is important to be aware of the health risks associated with unsupervised consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms, Mushies, Blue Meanies, Golden Tops, Liberty Caps |
| Composition | Psilocybin, Psilocin, Norpsilocin, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Distorted Senses, Heightened Emotions, Laughter, Mental Clarity, Increased Heart Rate, Nausea |
| Use | Recreational, Traditional Ceremonies, Potential Therapeutic Treatment for Mental Health Disorders |
| Dosage | 1.0-3.5 to 5.0 g of dried mushrooms, 10-50 g of fresh mushrooms |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Canada, Penalties for Possession, Use, Sale, and Driving Under Influence |
| Dependence | No Significant Evidence of Physical or Psychological Dependence, Low Potential for Addiction |
| Withdrawal | Mild Psychological Effects or Feeling Tired |
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What You'll Learn
Legality
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognised medical uses. However, psilocybin mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history and have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
Psilocybin mushrooms are not regulated by UN treaties, but many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Australian Poisons Standard (October 2015), and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002. The possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited under almost all circumstances and often carry severe legal penalties.
In many national, state, and provincial drug laws, there is ambiguity about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, as well as selective enforcement in some places. Most US state courts have considered the mushroom a "container" of illicit drugs, and therefore illegal. However, a loophole complicates the legal situation: the spores of psilocybin mushrooms do not contain the drugs and are legal to possess in many areas. Some jurisdictions have specifically criminalised the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, including Germany, California, Georgia, and Idaho in the United States.
There have been some recent moves towards decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin mushrooms in certain places. For example, in Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative that made "magic mushrooms" legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings from February 2021. A similar bill is pending in the California State Legislature, and the District of Columbia passed a similar initiative in November 2020. These changes reflect a growing body of scientific research on the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelics, which has garnered increasing legal and political support.
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Health risks
Psilocybin, the active compound in certain types of mushrooms, commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms', can pose several health risks. The mushrooms have hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects, leading to euphoria, sensory distortion, intensified emotions, and altered perception and consciousness. While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, there are several associated health risks.
Firstly, psilocybin mushrooms can be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness and even death. Poisonous mushrooms may have similar physical characteristics to psilocybin mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes struggle to distinguish between the two. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to mushroom poisoning. Therefore, if there is any doubt about the identity of a mushroom, it should not be consumed.
Secondly, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to adverse side effects, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, and chills. These physical symptoms may be particularly dangerous for individuals with cardiac diseases, as short-term effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate could be harmful. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions may experience an elevated risk of side effects, including psychological distress, extreme anxiety, and short-term psychosis.
Thirdly, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms may lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour. Individuals may engage in activities that put themselves or others at risk of physical harm, such as driving dangerously or walking into traffic, due to impaired thinking and reduced awareness of their physical surroundings.
Furthermore, higher doses of psilocybin and pre-existing mental health conditions may increase the risk of negative experiences, including extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and a ""bad trip". While the risk of mental health problems in supervised clinical settings is low, poor mental health outcomes may be more likely with unsupervised use outside of clinical settings.
It is important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms should be approached with caution, and individuals should not attempt self-medication without proper guidance and supervision from trained professionals. While there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms, particularly in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioural conditions, there are still many unknowns regarding their long-term effects on mental and physical health.
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Therapeutic effects
Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, has a range of therapeutic effects that are currently being studied. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that occurs naturally in certain types of mushrooms, commonly referred to as magic mushrooms.
One of the most well-known therapeutic effects of psilocybin is its potential to treat substance use disorders. Research suggests that psilocybin may be helpful for alcohol use disorder. A 2022 study compared the effects of psychotherapy plus two psilocybin sessions to psychotherapy plus a placebo in 93 people with moderate alcohol use disorder. The participants who received psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy had fewer heavy drinking days over 32 weeks, suggesting that psilocybin may be an effective treatment for alcohol use disorders.
Psilocybin is also being investigated as a potential treatment for mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A 2023 study found that a single 25-milligram dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, improved depressive symptom scores in 104 adults over six weeks. Additionally, research suggests that psilocybin may help regulate the brain's reward system in people with depression or suicidal ideation.
Some people also take psilocybin in "microdoses" or very small amounts because they believe it will improve mental health symptoms such as depression and stress, increase productivity, or reduce pain. However, it is not clear if microdosing is safe or effective, and more research is needed to understand the therapeutic effects of psilocybin and the factors that influence its risks and benefits.
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Recreational use
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are primarily used as recreational drugs. They are hallucinogenic and produce effects similar to LSD. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be influenced by the dose and type of mushroom consumed. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically range from 1.0 to 3.5-5.0 grams of dried mushrooms and 10 to 50 grams of fresh mushrooms. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten and can last approximately four to six hours.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. Microdosing has become a popular technique, involving the consumption of less than 1.0 gram of dried mushrooms for a milder experience. The effects of magic mushrooms include heightened emotions and senses, laughter, and a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, they can also cause hallucinations, distort the sense of reality, and mix up the senses.
It is important to exercise caution when taking any type of drug, including magic mushrooms. While magic mushrooms do not typically lead to addiction or physical dependence, they can have short-term mental and physical effects, such as extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia, known as a "bad trip." Additionally, there are health risks associated with unsupervised consumption, as individuals may engage in risky behaviours or experience impaired thinking. Misidentifying mushrooms is also a concern, as some toxic mushrooms may be mistaken for psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
In some jurisdictions, the sale, possession, and production of magic mushrooms are illegal. It is essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding the use of psilocybin mushrooms. While the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin are being explored, it is important to note that there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin.
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Microdosing
Today, microdosing has gained popularity, especially with psilocybin mushrooms, which are now the most popular choice of psychedelic in the US. Many people opt to microdose, consuming a small amount of psilocybin mushrooms, rather than taking a full trip. This trend has caught on in various circles, including tech workers and suburban moms.
The reported effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms vary. Some individuals anecdotally report multiple benefits, including enhanced mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and empathy. However, controlled studies have found limited evidence to support these claims. While some subjective effects, such as increased happiness and creativity, have been noted, there is a lack of objective evidence of improvements in well-being, creativity, and cognitive function.
The typical dosage for microdosing psilocybin mushrooms varies. While there is no universal definition, it is often considered to be in the range of 1/10 to 1/20 of a full dose. In a study, participants reported taking "1 small shroom," estimated to be 0.1 grams of dried mushrooms. Another study used a dosage of 0.5 grams of dried Psylocybe cubensis in gel capsules.
It is important to note that the effects of microdosing may vary among individuals, and there may be diminishing returns if one stays at the same dosage due to the potential for physiological tolerance. Additionally, it is crucial to obtain psilocybin mushrooms from a trusted source, as taking too large a dose can result in a terrifying or traumatic experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also 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 effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. Generally, psilocybin mushrooms cause hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness, perceptual changes, heightened emotions and senses, and a distorted sense of reality.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a low level of toxicity, which means that there is a low risk of experiencing potentially fatal events such as breathing problems or a heart attack. However, there are still health risks associated with taking psilocybin, particularly when unsupervised. These include impaired judgement and an increased risk of physical harm, such as dangerous driving.
