Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin, which are converted into psychoactive chemicals by the body. These substances can induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. While the effects of mushrooms typically last for up to six hours, some users experience flashbacks and hallucinations years after consuming them. These delayed effects are known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise. Although rare, these episodes can last from a few minutes to an hour or two.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, psychosis, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, agitation, distorted sense of time, mood changes, etc. |
| Long-term effects | No serious long-term side effects have been identified. However, some people may experience flashbacks, long after taking mushrooms. |
| Risks | Poisoning, accidental ingestion, physical and psychological risks, addiction, overdose, death, etc. |
| Treatment | Poisoning due to mushroom ingestion requires immediate medical attention. |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", 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. However, psilocybin has also been found in approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin and psilocin are the active compounds in hallucinogenic mushrooms that cause mind-altering effects. These substances are classified as psychoactive substances and are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. In countries like Canada, activities involving magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin, such as sale, possession, and production, are illegal unless authorized by health authorities.
When ingested, psilocybin binds to and activates serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This activation can lead to both pleasant and unpleasant psychological effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. The effects of psilocybin are generally similar to those of LSD, with an altered perception of time and space and intense mood changes.
While psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs. Additionally, the risk of a "'bad trip'" increases with higher doses or underlying anxiety. Although rare, some individuals experience flashbacks or "hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder" weeks, months, or even years after using psilocybin.
Overall, while hallucinogenic mushrooms have been used for recreational, spiritual, and medicinal purposes, they can have significant psychological and physical side effects. It is important to approach their use with caution and, ideally, under professional supervision.
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Hallucinations can occur during a ''bad trip''
While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, they can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The risk of a bad trip increases with higher doses or stronger mushrooms. During a bad trip, individuals may experience terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. They may also experience flashbacks, which are typically visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise, and they can occur anywhere from a few days to years after the initial drug use.
To reduce the risk of a bad trip, it is important to be in a good state of mind and surrounded by trusted friends in a safe and peaceful environment. It is also recommended to avoid mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, including alcohol, cannabis, and certain medications, as this can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects. Additionally, individuals with a history of mental health problems should exercise caution, as hallucinogens can trigger symptoms of mental health conditions.
If an individual is experiencing a bad trip, it is important to remain calm and provide reassurance. Help them meditate, relax, or listen to calming music. Remind them that the experience will pass, and ensure that they are in a safe space. It is also helpful to have a sober buddy who can provide support and assistance if needed.
While magic mushrooms are not considered lethal, taking a very large amount can lead to severe side effects and, in rare cases, death. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with magic mushroom consumption and to seek professional help if any negative side effects occur.
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Flashbacks can occur weeks, months or years after taking mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, philosopher's stones, liberties, amani, and agaric, are hallucinogenic. They contain psilocybin, which is converted to psilocin in the body. Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that binds to and activates serotonin receptors in parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last as long as 6 hours. The early effects include nausea and excessive yawning, and a "trip" follows. A trip might be mild, leaving a person feeling drowsy or relaxed. However, higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The person may have a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
In very rare cases, if someone takes a huge amount of mushrooms, the side effects can be severe enough to cause death. Some mushroom users experience flashbacks, which can come on without warning. These flashbacks might happen a few days, weeks, months, or even years after taking mushrooms. They are usually visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception. Flashbacks can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
While psilocybin mushrooms have been reported to induce anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion in some, they have also been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes among indigenous people of America and Europe. In modern times, psilocybin may be used recreationally or by people seeking a transcendent spiritual experience. In medical settings, psilocybin may show promise in helping to treat or manage certain mental health conditions. However, it shouldn’t be consumed outside a supervised, medical setting.
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Poisonous mushrooms can cause hallucinations and be fatal
Poisonous mushrooms can cause hallucinations and even be fatal. Poisonous mushrooms, also known as hallucinogenic mushrooms, contain substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. These mushrooms can be consumed fresh or dried, and the effects typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. While the effects can be pleasant, they can also lead to negative experiences, such as anxiety, paranoia, and nausea.
It is important to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms as consuming the wrong type can have serious consequences. Poisonous mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, they can lead to neurotoxic effects, including hallucinations, agitation, and even psychosis. While mushroom poisoning is typically non-fatal, rare severe outcomes can include organ damage and psychosis. According to a report, in 2019, there were no fatalities reported in the United States due to hallucinogenic mushroom exposures. However, poison control centres received a significant number of calls related to these exposures, with adolescents and adults being the majority of cases.
The effects of poisonous mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as mood, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, and the environment in which they are consumed. Some people may experience flashbacks or hallucinations long after consuming the mushrooms, a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. This condition is rare, but it can cause distressing experiences.
It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if one suspects mushroom poisoning. While there is limited research on the long-term effects of poisonous mushrooms, current studies suggest that psilocybin is not addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use. However, regular use may lead to tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs has been observed.
In conclusion, poisonous mushrooms can cause hallucinations and, in rare cases, even lead to fatal outcomes. It is important to be cautious when consuming mushrooms and to seek professional guidance if using them for therapeutic purposes. While the history of mushroom use for spiritual and medicinal purposes is extensive, ongoing research is still uncovering the full range of their effects on the brain and body.
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No serious long-term side effects have been identified
While psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are known to cause hallucinations, there is no evidence of serious long-term side effects. Used in large enough doses, these mushrooms have effects similar to the drug LSD. They can cause a distorted sense of time, place, and reality, and lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis. However, clinical studies observing almost 20,000 people who use psychedelic drugs have found no increased risk of long-term mental health conditions.
Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring hallucinogens that have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes. They contain psilocybin and psilocin, substances that can cause hallucinations and alter mood, cognition, and perception. While the effects of magic mushrooms are typically short-lived, lasting up to 6 hours, some users may experience flashbacks or hallucinations that can occur days, weeks, months, or even years after taking the drug. These flashbacks are a result of the drug persisting in the brain and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and adverse side effects can occur, including nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, paranoia, panic, and psychosis. In very rare cases, a large amount of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death. However, research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use. Additionally, magic mushrooms are not lethal in the same way as other recreational drugs, and there is no risk of overdose.
While the short-term side effects of magic mushrooms are well-documented, there is limited research on their long-term effects. It is important to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution as they can cause unpleasant mental health side effects and unpredictable behaviour. Researchers are actively exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in supervised medical settings to treat certain mental health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are substances that can cause hallucinations and alter a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions.
The side effects of magic mushrooms can include nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis. In rare cases, they can also cause death.
There is limited research on the long-term side effects of magic mushrooms. However, some people may experience flashbacks and hallucinations years after taking them.
Current research suggests that psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is not addictive. However, regular use may lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs.
Magic mushrooms can be harmful and dangerous in large amounts. They can cause unpleasant side effects, including a "'bad trip,'" which can lead to hospital admission. It is not recommended to consume them outside of a supervised, medical setting.
