Magic Mushrooms: Hallucinogens And Their Prevalence

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic substance. These mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are typically consumed orally, either fresh or dried, or brewed as a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour and can last for up to six hours, including hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.8 million Americans aged 12 and older used hallucinogens, including psilocybin, in 2023.

What are the effects of mushroom hallucinogens?

The effects of mushroom hallucinogens vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. The active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms is usually psilocybin, which is converted in the body to the psychoactive chemical psilocin. These mushrooms also typically contain trace amounts of psilocin. 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 around a dozen other genera.

The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last approximately four to six hours. However, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can sometimes last longer. The effects include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. Other effects include hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, dilated pupils, and an altered state of consciousness.

A "bad trip" can occur, especially if a user ingests a large dose or has feelings of anxiety before taking the mushrooms. The risk of a bad trip is also higher in a negative environment or if the mushrooms are taken with other drugs. A bad trip can include feelings of anxiety, fear, and nausea, as well as muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and panic reactions. In rare cases, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis can occur as a result of over-consumption of psilocybin mushrooms.

There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms and psilocybin, one of the active ingredients in magic mushrooms. Research suggests that psilocybin may have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects. However, more research is needed to understand its full potential as a treatment option.

Are mushroom hallucinogens addictive?

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are 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. Psilocybe cubensis, the most common Psilocybe in tropical areas, is found in tropical and subtropical parts of Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Magic mushrooms are classified as illegal in the United States with no accepted safe or medical use. However, some states have legalized their use for medicinal purposes, and they have been accepted in other countries for their potential therapeutic use in treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

While magic mushrooms are not as addictive as other illicit drugs, they are commonly abused with other substances, which can increase the rate of addiction. Regular use can lead to psychological dependence, and some people may experience flashbacks or feel the effects of psilocybin mushrooms long after the drug was last used. However, physical dependence and typical withdrawal symptoms are not common, and studies show that people who use mushrooms regularly do not follow typical patterns of addiction.

Mushroom addiction can be managed with therapeutic and supportive treatment methods. There are currently no medications that treat addiction to mushrooms or other hallucinogens. It is crucial to address the growing concern of psilocybin mushroom abuse, particularly among younger populations, through education, prevention efforts, and early intervention.

How to identify mushroom hallucinogens?

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are 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. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from around a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.

Psilocybin mushrooms are used as recreational drugs and have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. They are also represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas. Psilocybe cubensis, the most common Psilocybe in tropical areas, grows naturally in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle due to the ideal conditions they provide for the growth of the fungus.

Psilocybin mushrooms can be identified by their appearance, which varies depending on the species. For example, P. semilanceata, considered the world's most widely distributed psilocybin mushroom, is found in temperate parts of Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, but is absent from Mexico. In contrast, P. cubensis is commonly found in tropical areas.

The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes when consumed and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. It's important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can sometimes result in negative experiences, such as a "'bad trip'" or "flashbacks," and can lead to heightened emotions and senses, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches.

If you believe you or someone else may have ingested a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact your local poison control center or emergency services immediately.

What are the risks of mushroom hallucinogens?

Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms, is known as magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes when eaten and within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, lasting approximately four to six hours. The effects include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, there are still risks associated with their consumption. One of the main risks is the possibility of a "bad trip", which can be influenced by the user's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and the environment in which the drug is consumed. A negative environment and a person's anxious state of mind can contribute to a bad trip, which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, and heightened anxiety. Additionally, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can increase the likelihood of a bad trip and lead to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and psychosis.

Another risk associated with magic mushrooms is the possibility of accidental poisoning. Magic mushrooms resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can result in poisoning. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, requiring immediate medical attention.

Furthermore, consuming magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol, or certain psychiatric medications, can elevate the risk of serious side effects and adverse events. Mixing magic mushrooms with certain drugs can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic reactions. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions may be at an elevated risk of experiencing side effects.

While magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, tolerance can develop rapidly with continued use, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time. Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience "flashbacks", reliving previous experiences with the drug. These flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to years after using the hallucinogen and are considered a rare condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.

How to treat mushroom hallucinogen poisoning?

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, is the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms. These mushrooms are commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms' or 'shrooms'. They are used as recreational drugs and may have been used in ancient cultures for spiritual and religious purposes. Magic mushrooms are available fresh or dried and are typically consumed orally, either directly or brewed as a tea. They may also be added to food items to mask their bitter flavour.

While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, it may lead to a ''bad trip'' characterised by negative feelings and experiences. In rare cases, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis have occurred as a result of overconsumption of psilocybin mushrooms.

If you suspect that you or someone else has consumed a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact your regional poison control centre for consultation, referral, and assistance in mushroom identification. If the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a seizure, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call emergency services.

The treatment for mushroom hallucinogen poisoning is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Most patients can be treated without medication. If patients are severely agitated or anxious, benzodiazepines may be administered for sedation. For seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes, various anticonvulsants can be used. Psychiatric consultation and evaluation may be necessary for persistent psychotic symptoms.

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