Laura Smith
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, can have a variety of harmful effects on the body. While current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, adverse side effects are common and can be severe, ranging from gastrointestinal illness to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic. The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is their similarity in appearance to poisonous mushrooms, which can result in accidental ingestion and severe illness or even death. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of psilocybin trips makes it difficult to know what kind of experience a user will have, and bad trips can lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, and risk-taking behaviour. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can also be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing psychiatric or cardiac conditions, and combining mushrooms with other substances can elevate the risks of serious side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hallucinations | Distorted sense of time, place, and reality |
| Anxiety | |
| Paranoia | |
| Nervousness | |
| Nausea | |
| Impaired judgment | |
| Increased blood pressure | |
| Increased heart rate | |
| Delayed headaches | |
| Flashbacks | |
| Gastrointestinal illness | |
| Poisoning | |
| Death | Rare cases |
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What You'll Learn
- Poisonous mushrooms can be mistaken for magic mushrooms, leading to severe illness or death
- Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks
- They can also lead to a distorted sense of time, place, and reality
- Intravenous injection of mushrooms has been linked to septic shock and organ failure
- Mixing mushrooms with other substances can elevate the risk of serious side effects
Poisonous mushrooms can be mistaken for magic mushrooms, leading to severe illness or death
Poisonous mushrooms can be mistaken for magic mushrooms, leading to severe illness or even death. Magic mushrooms are small and usually brown or tan. They contain psilocybin and psilocin, hallucinogenic chemicals that distort a person's sense of reality and affect their judgment. While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, they are currently illegal in many places.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the type and potency of the mushroom, the dose, and the person's body type and mood. The mushrooms may induce euphoria, hallucinations, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. However, they can also cause anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and panic attacks. In certain cases, a ""bad trip"" may occur, leading to frightening experiences and even risk-taking behaviour that can result in traumatic injuries or death. Furthermore, individuals with cardiac diseases may experience harmful short-term effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Mushrooms in the genus Amanita are among the deadliest in the world. The Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is blamed for the most mushroom poisonings globally. It has a 6-inch-wide cap that can be yellowish, brownish, whitish, or greenish, with white gills and a white cup at its base. Other deadly poisonous mushrooms include the Destroying Angels, which have white gills and spores, and Lepiotas, which have white to green gills.
It is crucial to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms when foraging in the wild. Inexperienced foragers should always be accompanied by an expert mycologist. Some examples of mushrooms that look similar but have different edibility are Chanterelles and Jack-o'-lanterns, and Morels and False Morels. Chanterelles have a gold-yellowish or orange colour and a rough texture, while Jack-o'-lanterns have a shiny, wax-like cap and grow in large clusters on decaying wood. Morels have a honeycomb pattern, while False Morels look like Morels that have been "stepped on and left out in the sun and rain."
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Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, can cause a variety of effects, including hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. While some people use psilocybin as a recreational drug, it is classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical purpose.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the dose, type of mushroom, mental health, setting, and expectations. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are hallucinogens that can distort a person's sense of reality, perception, and senses. This can lead to hallucinations, where individuals see, hear, or feel things that are not there.
In addition to hallucinations, magic mushrooms can induce anxiety and paranoia. These feelings may be intensified if an individual has feelings of anxiety before taking the mushrooms, or if they consume higher doses. The risk of a ""bad trip"" is also higher in these cases. A bad trip can include frightening experiences, paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Impaired judgment during a bad trip can lead to risk-taking behaviour, which may result in traumatic injuries or even death.
Consuming magic mushrooms can also lead to panic attacks and an increased heart rate and blood pressure. These physical side effects can be particularly dangerous for individuals with cardiac diseases. Furthermore, mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, can elevate the risk of serious side effects and adverse events.
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They can also lead to a distorted sense of time, place, and reality
Mushrooms that contain psilocybin, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", can distort a person's sense of time, place, and reality. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions.
The effects of mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last as long as 6 hours. The length and intensity of each "trip" can vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as the user's mood, personality, and expectations.
During a "trip", a person may experience a distorted sense of time, place, and reality, along with other sensory distortions and hallucinations. These effects can be enjoyable for some people, but they can also lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It is challenging to predict what kind of trip each user will have, and there is no way to end a bad trip until it has run its course, which could take hours.
In addition to the immediate risks, there are potential long-term consequences associated with mushroom use. Regular use of mushrooms may lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs. Repeated use can also result in flashbacks or "visual distortions" involving changes in emotions or perception that can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last time mushrooms were consumed. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if they recall a frightening experience or hallucination.
The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is the potential for poisoning. Psilocybin mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, and it can be easy to mistake one for the other, even for professionals. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to be extremely cautious when identifying and consuming mushrooms.
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Intravenous injection of mushrooms has been linked to septic shock and organ failure
Intravenous injection of mushrooms has been linked to severe health issues, including septic shock and organ failure. This method of consumption is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening complications.
The case study of a man who injected magic mushrooms highlights these risks. He brewed a "'tea' from magic mushrooms, filtered it, and injected it into his bloodstream. Within days, he exhibited symptoms such as lethargy, jaundice, diarrhea, and vomiting of blood. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was hospitalised.
Upon admission, medical tests revealed that the Psilocybe cubensis species of psychedelic mushroom he had injected was actively growing in his blood, leading to a fungal infection. The man's liver and kidneys began to fail, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). He suffered septic shock and acute respiratory failure, requiring intubation and ventilation.
The patient survived and was discharged after 22 days, including eight days in the ICU. However, he continues to receive long-term treatment with antibiotic and antifungal medications. This case underscores the severe risks associated with intravenous mushroom injection, which can have fatal consequences.
It is crucial to understand that mushrooms should never be injected intravenously. The active compounds in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are intended for oral consumption and can cause serious harm when injected. Illegally produced mushrooms may also contain dangerous contaminants, further elevating the risks. The unpredictable nature of "bad trips" and potential interactions with other substances make intravenous injection of mushrooms an extremely hazardous practice.
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Mixing mushrooms with other substances can elevate the risk of serious side effects
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can vary greatly. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin, which are hallucinogenic. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Mushrooms should not be mixed with other psychedelics, such as LSD or peyote, as this can dangerously boost the intoxicating effects of the drugs. Mixing mushrooms with substances such as cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects and adverse events. For individuals with cardiac diseases, the short-term effects of increased blood pressure and heart rate could be harmful.
Mushrooms should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications as a relapse or worsening of the condition could occur. Mixing mushrooms with ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. For individuals predisposed to or with existing psychiatric conditions, there may be an elevated risk of side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
The effects of mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last as long as 3 to 6 hours. Early effects typically include nausea, excessive yawning, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. They can also induce euphoria, sensory distortion, hallucinations, and anxiety.
"Bad trips" refer to the frightening experiences associated with consuming high doses of mushrooms. They can induce paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, and risk-taking behaviour, which may lead to traumatic injuries or even death.
Regular mushroom consumption may lead to tolerance to the effects of psilocybin and cross-tolerance with other drugs like LSD and mescaline. It can also cause flashbacks or visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception, occurring weeks, months, or even years after the last consumption.
It is essential to note that psilocybin mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake them. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death. Psilocybin mushrooms typically have long and thin stems with wide caps that are dark brown around the edges and lighter in the centre.
Psilocybin mushrooms are considered Schedule I substances under the DEA, which means they are illegal to possess, sell, or distribute in the United States. However, possession has been decriminalized in a few cities, provided the amount possessed does not exceed a specified limit.
