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. They are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects, affecting all the senses and altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin mushrooms can be identified by certain tell-tale characteristics, including cap shape, gill colour, and bruising reactions. One distinctive feature is that most Psilocybe species show some form of blue bruising on the cap, stem, or gills due to oxidation. Additionally, spore prints can be a reliable method of identification, with true Psilocybe species producing purple-brown to dark purplish-black spore prints. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and discretion when foraging for magic mushrooms, as there are toxic lookalikes, and misidentification can lead to accidental poisoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms, Psilocybe |
| History | Used by indigenous populations of the Americas before the arrival of Europeans; also used by the Aztecs and Mazatecs, who called them genius mushrooms, wondrous mushrooms, and divinatory mushrooms; depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe |
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, psychedelic, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions, and causing perceptual changes |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, dried material in capsules, synthetic psilocybin (white crystalline powder processed into tablets or capsules or dissolved in water) |
| Dosage | 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms; 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 g of dried mushrooms; 5.0 g of dried mushroom is often referred to as a "heroic dose"; subthreshold or microdoses (2.5 mg); low doses (5 to 10 mg); intermediate or "good effect" dose (20 mg); high or ego-dissolution doses (30 to 40 mg) |
| Identification techniques | Spore prints (true Psilocybe species produce purple-brown to dark purplish-black spore prints); cap shape; gill color; bruising reactions (Psilocybe mushrooms bruise blue when damaged) |
| Safety considerations | Misidentification and accidental poisoning are two of the biggest risks of consuming wild-foraged mushrooms; some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble Psilocybe species; always consult experts and field guides before ingesting |
| Legal status | Federally illegal in the US, but decriminalized in 13 cities and Oregon state; Australian federal and state laws provide penalties for possession, use, or sale |
Explore related products
$23.46 $32.99
What You'll Learn
- Spore prints: look for a purplish colour ranging from dark purple to almost black
- Gill colour: gills may have a purplish hue due to spores
- Cap shape: look for a silky or fibrous texture, no bulbous base
- Bruising: psilocybin mushrooms bruise blue when damaged
- Potency: the dosage depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which varies within species
Spore prints: look for a purplish colour ranging from dark purple to almost black
Spore prints are a powerful tool for identifying psilocybin mushrooms and distinguishing them from toxic lookalikes. To make a spore print, you'll need a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. Carefully remove the stem and place the cap gill-side down on a piece of paper (preferably half white and half black) or glass. Cover the cap with a bowl or cup to prevent drafts from disturbing the spores and leave it undisturbed for 6 to 24 hours.
When you gently lift the cap, you should see the spore print left behind. Psilocybe species typically produce spore prints that range in colour from purple-brown to dark purple or almost black. This colour results from the spores, which may also give the gills of the mushroom a purplish hue.
It's important to note that some poisonous mushrooms may have similar spore print colours. For example, the poisonous Galerina species produces rust-brown spores, which could be mistaken for the dark purple spores of Psilocybe mushrooms. Therefore, spore print colour should not be the only factor considered when identifying mushrooms. Other characteristics, such as gill structure, bruising reactions, and habitat, should also be taken into account to make a accurate identification.
Additionally, it's crucial to be aware of local laws regarding the possession and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms, as they may vary by location. While some jurisdictions have decriminalized these mushrooms or allowed their use for therapeutic purposes, others may have stricter regulations in place.
Mushrooms: Inflammation Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Gill colour: gills may have a purplish hue due to spores
Studying the colour of a mushroom's gills can be a helpful way to identify whether it contains psilocybin. The gills of psilocybin mushrooms may have a purplish hue due to the presence of spores. This characteristic is not limited to psilocybin mushrooms, however, as some poisonous mushrooms may also exhibit this trait.
To identify the hue of a mushroom's gills, one can create a spore print. This involves carefully removing the stem of a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap, then placing the cap gills-down on a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or tin foil. Covering the cap and leaving it undisturbed for at least six hours is recommended. Upon checking, a purplish colour ranging from dark purple to almost black may indicate the presence of psilocybin. It is important to note that this method is not foolproof, as some psilocybin mushrooms may have spores of different colours.
Creating spore prints is a valuable skill for mushroom identification, but it should not be the only method relied upon, especially for those new to mushroom foraging. Combining spore print analysis with other identification techniques, such as studying the shape and size of caps, can increase the accuracy of identifying psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of local laws regarding the possession and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms, as they may vary across regions.
While foraging for psilocybin mushrooms can be an exciting endeavour, it is not without potential risks. It is essential to exercise caution and discretion when identifying and consuming mushrooms. Misidentification can have serious consequences, as some poisonous mushrooms bear a striking resemblance to edible or psilocybin-containing varieties. Consulting a mycologist or a medical professional before consuming any foraged mushrooms is highly recommended to ensure a safe and responsible experience.
Mushroom Mystery: Why Do They Float?
You may want to see also
Cap shape: look for a silky or fibrous texture, no bulbous base
When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to pay attention to the cap shape and texture. The cap of a psilocybin mushroom is often thick and dense, with a dome shape and a short, wide stem. The cap should have a silky or slightly fibrous texture and no bulbous base. It is also important to note that the caps of psilocybin mushrooms should be smooth in texture and change colour when touched.
The colour of the cap varies depending on the species and maturity of the mushroom. For example, the cap of Psilocybe cubensis tends to be brown but can turn golden as it matures. On the other hand, Psilocybe semilanceata may have a conical or wavy cap with a nipple-like protrusion at the centre.
To safely identify psilocybin mushrooms, it is recommended to use multiple means of identification, such as spore prints and field guides. Spore prints can be made by removing the stem of a mature mushroom and placing it gills-down on a piece of foil. The spores of psilocybin mushrooms will appear dark purple to black, while the spores of toxic mushrooms may be white, rust-brown, or lighter brown.
It is important to exercise caution when foraging for psilocybin mushrooms, as there are toxic lookalikes that can closely resemble psilocybin species in shape and colour. Proper identification is critical to avoid adverse effects and dangers associated with consuming poisonous mushrooms.
Fanning for Fruiting: Optimal Airflow for Mushroom Cakes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $19.99
Bruising: psilocybin mushrooms bruise blue when damaged
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. While foraging for wild psilocybin mushrooms is a dependable way to find them, it is important to accurately identify them to avoid consuming toxic substances. One tell-tale characteristic of psilocybin mushrooms is that they bruise blue when damaged, exposing the psilocybin to oxygen and causing oxidation.
The blue bruising reaction in psilocybin mushrooms is believed to be influenced by the presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, produced by an enzyme present in some, but not all, psilocybin mushrooms. This explains why some non-psychoactive mushrooms also exhibit blue bruising, while some psilocybin-containing mushrooms do not bruise at all. It is important to note that the absence of blue bruising does not indicate that the mushrooms are ineffective.
The intensity of the blue bruising can vary, with some psilocybin mushrooms displaying shades of blue or blue-green. The Psilocybe cubensis species, for example, is well-known for its tendency to bruise. Additionally, the Psilocybe azurescens species has been measured to contain high levels of psilocybin and psilocin and exhibits an incredible tendency to develop blue bruises.
The blue colour observed in bruised psilocybin mushrooms is due to the presence of colourful indigo-like polymers, similar to the dye used in blue jeans. These polymers are a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, formed through a cascade reaction involving the conversion of psilocybin to psilocin. While the exact function of these blue pigments is unknown, one hypothesis suggests they may serve a protective role against predators.
When identifying mushrooms, it is recommended to nick the top and bottom of the cap and observe any colour change within 30 minutes. This method can help distinguish between different species of mushrooms, as some may bruise blue, while others may exhibit different colour changes or no change at all. It is important to note that not all blue-bruising mushrooms are safe for consumption, especially those with red pore surfaces, as many of them are toxic. Therefore, multiple means of identification should be used to avoid consuming toxic substances.
Mushroom Colonization: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
You may want to see also
Potency: the dosage depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which varies within species
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin when ingested. The potency of these mushrooms depends on their psilocybin and psilocin content, which varies within the same species.
Psilocybin content typically falls within the range of 0.03% to 1.78% of the dried weight of the mushroom, with an average of 0.5% to 1%. Psilocin levels are often on par with or an order of magnitude lower than psilocybin levels, ranging from 0% to 0.59%. The combined psilocybin and psilocin content in the popular Psilocybe cubensis species is reported to be around 1.2%, with significant variation across different strains. For example, the 'Penis Envy' strain is considered more potent than others.
Psilocybe azurescens and Psilocybe cyanescens are believed to have the highest psilocybin levels, with the former also being one of the most potent species overall. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically range from 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 g of dried mushrooms or 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms. A 5.0 g dose of dried mushrooms is often referred to as a "heroic dose."
Microdosing has gained popularity, involving the consumption of less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for a non-hallucinogenic experience that may still provide recreational enjoyment and potential alleviation of depressive symptoms. When determining the potency of psilocybin mushrooms, it is essential to consider both the psilocybin and psilocin content, as well as the specific species and strain, to ensure a safe and controlled experience.
Mushroom Puffs: Delicious, Flaky, Savory Delights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The most reliable way to identify mushrooms with psilocybin is to use a lab analysis service. However, if that is not available, there are some things you can do to identify them. Firstly, psilocybin mushrooms typically have white mycelium with thick strands that cling to the substrate. Secondly, they usually grow alone or in groups, except for a few species that grow on wood. Lastly, you can pinch them when they are not fully dried and see if any blue bruising appears.
Psilocybin mushrooms usually have fibrous and tough stems, and their caps have a sticky texture. They also have an annulus, which is a structure left by the partial veil that offers protection to the gills.
The dosage depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary within the same species. A 5.0 g dose of dried mushroom is often referred to as a "heroic dose". A low dose is typically between 5 to 10 mg, while an intermediate or "good effect" dose is 20 mg.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be found in the wild through foraging. They typically grow in garden beds with wood chip mulch, office parks, or apartment complexes. However, it is important to note that foraging for psilocybin mushrooms may lead to severe legal consequences, as they are considered illegal substances in many places.
