Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly 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. Shrooms are known to cause hallucinations and distort an individual's senses of sight, sound, and time. The effects of shrooms are subjective and vary among users, with some experiencing enjoyable trips and others facing terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Shrooms are often consumed dried or powdered and can be found on nearly every continent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, magic mushrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Composition | Psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin to produce psychoactive effects. |
| Effects | Altered perception of time and space, hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, flashbacks, increased heart rate, nausea, dilated pupils, etc. |
| Treatment potential | Research suggests potential in treating substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. |
| Addiction | Psilocybin does not typically lead to addiction, and regular use does not appear to cause physical dependence. |
| Toxicity | Psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, but there are health risks associated with unsupervised use. |
| Legality | The text does not provide information on the legality of shrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Shrooms are magic mushrooms
Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. Psilocybin turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms come from the combination of psilocybin and psilocin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects.
The most potent species of magic mushrooms are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in several other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. The composition of magic mushrooms varies from genus to genus and species to species. While psilocybin is the principal component, other substances like norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin may also be present, potentially modifying the effects of the mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms are typically consumed dried or powdered, and the experience is often referred to as a "trip." The effects of magic mushrooms are subjective and can vary significantly among individuals. The mind-altering effects typically last from three to eight hours, depending on dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. The first 3-4 hours after ingestion are usually the "peak," where users experience more vivid visuals and distortions in reality. The effects can seem longer due to psilocybin's ability to alter time perception.
The psychological consequences of consuming shrooms include hallucinations, an altered sense of time and space, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. People may experience intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror and may have physical side effects such as increased heart rate or nausea. While the risk of addiction is low, there is a potential for negative experiences, known as "bad trips," which can lead to extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, or psychosis, especially with larger doses.
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Shrooms are psychedelic drugs
Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are psychedelic drugs. They are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin has also been isolated from approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of shrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. The mind-altering effects typically last from three to eight hours, depending on dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. The first 3–4 hours after ingestion are typically referred to as the 'peak', during which the user experiences more vivid visuals and distortions in reality. The effects can seem to last much longer due to psilocybin's ability to alter time perception. Sensory effects include visual and auditory hallucinations, followed by emotional changes and altered perception of time and space.
The experience of taking shrooms, often referred to as a 'trip', is strongly dependent upon set and setting. Hilarity, lack of concentration, and muscular relaxation (including dilated pupils) are all normal effects, sometimes occurring simultaneously. A negative environment can contribute to a bad trip, whereas a comfortable and familiar environment can set the stage for a pleasant experience. Psychedelics intensify experiences, so a person entering a trip in an anxious state of mind will likely experience heightened anxiety.
Research is being conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of shrooms and other psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin is being studied as a potential clinical treatment for substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While shrooms do not appear to cause physical dependence, there are health risks associated with unsupervised use, including the risk of misidentifying mushrooms and ingesting a toxic species.
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Shrooms cause hallucinations
Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin and psilocin, substances that can cause hallucinations. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive properties of shrooms. These substances can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perception of reality.
The hallucinations caused by shrooms can vary in intensity and nature. Some people may experience mild hallucinations, such as visual distortions or enhanced colours, while others may have more intense hallucinations involving auditory and tactile sensations. The user's surroundings, mood, and individual brain chemistry also play a role in the type and intensity of hallucinations experienced.
It is important to note that the effects of shrooms are unpredictable and can vary significantly from person to person. While some individuals may have a pleasant and relaxing experience, others may encounter unpleasant hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of reality, commonly known as a "bad trip." The effects of shrooms typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 5 to 6 hours.
Additionally, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming shrooms due to the risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for hallucinogenic ones. Some mushroom species can cause severe illness or even death. Furthermore, taking high doses of shrooms or regular use may lead to long-term mental health issues, such as psychosis or flashbacks, where individuals relive parts of their drug trip when they are no longer under the influence.
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Shrooms are not physically addictive
Shrooms, or magic mushrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain the naturally occurring substance psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic effects. When ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties.
While shrooms can be addictive, they are not physically addictive like other substances such as opioids or alcohol. Studies show that people who use mushrooms regularly do not follow typical addiction patterns. There are also very few known withdrawal effects, aside from some mild psychological effects or fatigue. However, psychological dependence can undoubtedly develop, and this should not be overlooked.
The effects of shrooms can vary widely depending on the individual, dosage, environment, and species of mushroom. Shrooms alter brain chemistry and can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation. Regular use of shrooms can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Intense experiences from shroom use can lead to lasting psychological distress, especially for those predisposed to mental health issues.
While there is a low risk of addiction, shrooms can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Possession, sale, and use of shrooms are illegal in most countries, and individuals caught can face legal consequences.
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Shrooms are being researched for clinical treatment
Shrooms, or magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. They are typically consumed dried or powdered and have the potential to induce hallucinations, altering a person's senses, thinking, sense of time, and emotions.
Psilocybin has been used by various cultures worldwide for thousands of years, often incorporated into religious ceremonies and spiritual rituals. In modern times, psilocybin was classified as a Schedule I substance, halting research into its medicinal benefits. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in studying its therapeutic potential, particularly in the form of psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Research into Shrooms for Clinical Treatment
Shrooms are indeed being researched for their potential as clinical treatments. The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is at the forefront of exploring innovative treatments using psilocybin. Here are some key areas of focus:
- Substance Use Disorders: Psilocybin has shown promising results in treating substance use disorders, including nicotine, alcohol, and methamphetamine dependence. An online survey of over 300 people with Alcohol Use Disorder reported reduced alcohol consumption or abstinence after taking psilocybin. This has led to growing support for further investigating psychedelic-assisted treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse.
- Cancer-Related Anxiety and Depression: Research suggests that psilocybin can significantly reduce anxiety and depression in people with cancer. A small double-blind study at Johns Hopkins found that a single large dose of psilocybin provided considerable relief for up to six months for people with cancer-related anxiety or depression.
- Smoking Cessation: Psilocybin has been found to aid in smoking cessation, with a small number of longtime smokers successfully quitting after using psilocybin in a controlled and monitored context as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): While more research is needed, there is potential in using psilocybin to treat severe PTSD.
- Depression and End-of-Life Mood Disorders: Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in depression and anxiety when psilocybin is used in treatment.
- Understanding Brain Activity: Brain scans of individuals who have taken psilocybin show reduced activity in the claustrum, an area of the brain responsible for setting attention and switching tasks. This understanding of how psilocybin affects brain activity contributes to the overall knowledge of its therapeutic potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
Shrooms can cause people to experience distorted sights and sounds and lose their sense of time and space. They may also feel intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror and may experience physical side effects such as increased heart rate or nausea.
Shrooms have a low level of toxicity and a low potential for causing fatal events such as breathing problems or a heart attack. However, there are health risks associated with taking shrooms, especially when unsupervised. These risks include impaired judgement and an inability to discern fantasy from reality, which can lead to dangerous behaviour such as driving or walking in traffic.
Research suggests that the use of shrooms does not typically lead to addiction, as there are few known withdrawal effects. However, shrooms can cause psychological consequences such as hallucinations, panic reactions, and psychosis, especially if a large dose is ingested.
