Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for both medicinal and ceremonial purposes. They are commonly referred to as shrooms and are mostly illegal in the US. While they are known for their psychedelic effects, they also have nutritional value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Mushrooms are nutritious and contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also contain B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12, and a small amount of vitamin D. |
| Health benefits | Mushrooms may help prevent certain types of cancer, benefit heart health, and provide a good source of folate during pregnancy. They are also being studied for their potential use in treating mental and behavioral health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use. |
| Therapeutic uses | Psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in mushrooms, can cause self-described "spiritual" experiences that result in positive changes in a person's attitude, mood, and behavior. It may also increase neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to create new connections, and elevate personality qualities such as "openness." |
| Risks and side effects | The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is their similarity in appearance to poisonous mushrooms, which can easily be mistaken for them. "Bad trips" may occur, especially at high doses, leading to frightening experiences and impaired judgment. Using mushrooms with other substances can elevate the risk of serious side effects. |
| Legal status | Psilocybin mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US and are classified as a Schedule I drug, which carries significant legal penalties for possession and selling. However, there is advocacy for decriminalization, and some cities have already decriminalized possession up to a certain amount. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are mostly illegal in the US. Under federal law, psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it is illegal to possess, sell, or give away. There are significant legal penalties imposed on both the possession and selling of mushrooms. However, the mushrooms themselves are not classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, only the substance they contain, psilocybin. This means that spores, used to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms, are not illegal until they germinate and begin to contain psilocybin. However, possessing spores could be considered illegal paraphernalia or intent to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms, which is punishable under federal law.
Despite their illegality, magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years. In Central America, Aztec and Mazateca cultures believed these mushrooms had divine properties and used them during coronations and other important events until at least the 1500s. In the 1960s, mushroom use became associated with psychedelia and youth counterculture.
Today, there is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms. While clinical trials with psilocybin have shown promising results, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin in the US or elsewhere. Research has shown that psilocybin could be beneficial as a treatment for psychiatric and behavioral conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration designated psilocybin as a 'breakthrough therapy', allowing research and studies into its treatment potential.
Since 2019, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize psilocybin in the United States. Denver, Colorado, became the first city to decriminalize psilocybin in May 2019. As of 2025, psilocybin is legalized in only two states: Oregon and Colorado. However, the legislation continues to change as attitudes and evidence regarding its use develop.
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They are non-addictive and have therapeutic uses
While psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in most countries, they are non-addictive and have therapeutic uses.
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, do not exhibit the same addictive properties as commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. While there is a low risk of addiction, psychological dependence can still develop. However, there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on these mushrooms. With no significant physiological dependence associated with the drug, withdrawal is unlikely.
The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin, which can have hallucinogenic effects when ingested. They are native to Central and North America and have been used for centuries by indigenous populations for religious and social rites. In the 1960s, they became widely used as part of the counterculture movement until they were made illegal in 1968.
Today, there is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. While there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin, clinical trials have shown promising results in several areas. For example, psilocybin therapy has been found to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It has also shown effectiveness in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer and promoting well-being, quality of life, and acceptance of their illness.
Additionally, psilocybin has shown positive results in smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment studies. When taken under supported conditions, it can cause self-described "spiritual" experiences that generally lead to positive changes in a person's attitude, mood, and behavior. Psilocybin appears to elevate a personality quality known as "openness," which includes sensitivity, imagination, and an appreciation for the values and viewpoints of others.
Furthermore, psilocybin may help treat substance use disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is conducting research into psilocybin as a potential clinical treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.
While magic mushrooms have therapeutic potential, it is important to note that they can also lead to negative experiences. Bad trips can occur, especially at high doses, and may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, alcohol, or amphetamines, can elevate the risk of serious side effects and adverse events.
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They can induce neuroplasticity and positive behavioural changes
While psychedelic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US, they are being studied for their potential health benefits. They have been used for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
Psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin, which has been shown to have therapeutic value in treating mental health disorders. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, when taken in a therapeutic setting, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. It has also shown positive results in smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment studies.
Psilocybin can induce self-described "spiritual" experiences that generally result in positive changes in a person's attitude, mood, and behaviour. It appears to elevate a personality quality known as "openness," which encompasses sensitivity, imagination, and an appreciation for the values and viewpoints of others.
Psilocybin can increase neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to create new connections. Researchers say that psychedelic drugs help neurons in the brain sprout new dendrites, which look like branches on a tree, to increase communication between cells. The growth of dendrites helps build and then solidify new circuits in the brain, allowing us to lay down more positive pathways.
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They may help treat depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD
While psychedelic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US, they are being studied for their potential health benefits. Research has shown that psilocybin, one of the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, may help treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, when taken in a therapeutic setting, can lead to dramatic and long-lasting changes in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Psilocybin has also been found to ease fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer.
Psychedelic drugs help neurons in the brain sprout new dendrites, increasing communication between cells. This process is called neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to create new connections. By increasing neuroplasticity, psilocybin may help people with insights into their depression maintain those insights and break out of negative thought patterns.
It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can have side effects, such as "bad trips," and may not be suitable for everyone. They can also be easily mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to unintentional fatal poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to approach their use with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional.
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They can be toxic and lead to fatal poisoning
While psychedelic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, they can also be toxic and lead to fatal poisoning. Since many species of mushrooms look alike, it can be difficult to distinguish between them, and people can easily mistake a toxic mushroom for a psychedelic one. This can result in unintentional fatal poisoning.
The active ingredients in psychedelic mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin, and the effects of these substances can vary greatly depending on the dose and type of mushroom consumed. When taken in high doses, psychedelic mushrooms can induce a "bad trip," which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Impaired judgment during these "bad trips" can lead to risk-taking behavior, which may result in traumatic injuries or even death.
Furthermore, magic mushrooms sold illegally may be in the form of dried whole mushrooms or powder, and there have been reports of serious harm associated with intravenous injection of mushrooms, including septic shock and multi-system organ failure. It is crucial to note that drugs produced and sold illegally are not tested and may contain other dangerous substances, increasing the risk of adverse events.
The potential risks and side effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms highlight the importance of sourcing mushrooms from reliable and trusted growers or guides to ensure their quality and safety. Additionally, individuals should be cautious when consuming large or strong batches of mushrooms, as the increased potency can lead to unwanted effects. While the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic mushrooms are being explored, it is essential to prioritize safety and always seek professional guidance when considering their use.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, magic mushrooms, mushies, and alice, are fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin, the chemicals responsible for their mind-altering effects. They have been used for thousands of years for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
While there is limited information on the specific nutritional content of psychedelic mushrooms, mushrooms in general are a good source of protein, vitamins (including B vitamins and vitamin D), minerals, and antioxidants.
Psychedelic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the US and are classified as a Schedule I drug. They can have dangerous side effects, particularly when consumed in high doses or in combination with other substances. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders. It is important to note that consuming mushrooms carries a risk of poisoning if they are not properly identified, as psychedelic mushrooms can resemble poisonous species.
