Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin, are hallucinogenic drugs that can distort a person's sense of time, place, and reality. They are commonly ingested fresh and can induce both positive and negative experiences, depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and dosage. While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs. The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and may include heightened emotions, senses, creativity, laughter, and a sense of mental clarity. However, negative experiences, known as bad trips, can also occur, leading to paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted senses of self, and, in rare cases, severe side effects that may result in death. It is important to distinguish between hallucinogenic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms, as accidental ingestion of the latter can have severe consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are magic mushrooms? | Mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic substances, such as psilocybin and psilocin. |
| How do they work? | Psilocybin binds to and activates serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, affecting mood, cognition, and perception. |
| What are the effects? | Hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, heightened emotions and senses, increased creativity, laughter, and a sense of mental and emotional clarity. |
| What are the risks? | Poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, tolerance development, "bad trips" with paranoia and distorted sense of self, potential long-term mental health issues like psychosis, and death in rare cases. |
| Are they addictive? | No significant evidence of physical or psychological dependence, but further research is needed. |
| Legality | Illegal in many places, including Australia, Canada, and the US, with penalties for possession, use, sale, and production. |
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What You'll Learn
The effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical. They are typically consumed dried, powdered, or fresh and are often mixed with food or brewed into tea to mask their bitter taste. The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours.
Physically, the user may experience increased heart rate, nausea, excessive yawning, chills, facial flushing, dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased sweating, and irregular heartbeat. The user's perception of reality may also be altered, resulting in distorted sights and sounds, changes in mood and feelings, and a loss of sense of time and space. In some cases, users may experience terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable, and there is a risk of a "bad trip." Tolerance to psilocybin develops rapidly, and discontinuing use for a week or so is necessary to return to normal tolerance levels. While magic mushrooms are considered to have a low risk of addiction, regular use can lead to physical tolerance, and there is a potential risk of poisoning from consuming the wrong types of mushrooms.
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The risks of taking magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are not a harmless or legal high. While they have been used for thousands of years for spiritual experiences and self-discovery, they carry several risks.
Firstly, it is difficult to know how strong mushrooms are, and some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can even be fatal. Poisoning symptoms may include muscle spasms, confusion, delirium, and in severe cases, death. Even professionals sometimes mistake poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms, so it is important not to consume mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their identity.
Secondly, magic mushrooms can cause adverse side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, short-term psychosis, and flashbacks. They can also lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In rare cases, a huge amount of mushrooms can cause death.
Thirdly, magic mushrooms are illegal in most places. Even in places where they have been decriminalized, such as certain U.S. cities, they are still not legal. This means that possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms can result in penalties.
Finally, magic mushrooms can affect your sense of time, place, and reality, leading to accidents while under the influence. They can also cause gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While magic mushrooms may have therapeutic benefits and are not considered addictive, it is important to be aware of these risks before consuming them.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, federal law and most states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses, and a few cities have deprioritized arrest and prosecution for personal possession of psilocybin. However, these permitted uses conflict with federal law, and a person's compliance with state law does not shield them from possible federal prosecution. In November 2020, Oregon licensed "psilocybin service centers," where adults 21 and older can consume magic mushrooms in a supervised setting. Possession of magic mushrooms outside this supervised setting is a drug enforcement misdemeanor. Colorado is the only state where personal use and private cultivation of small amounts of magic mushrooms are legal for adults 21 and older, with restrictions.
California is an interesting case, as it has a bill pending in the State Legislature that would legalize the "possession, obtaining, giving away, or transportation of specified quantities of psilocybin." California also exempts the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms from its harsh illegal drug manufacturing laws, making growing magic mushrooms a misdemeanor offense. However, California, along with Georgia and Idaho, has specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
Outside of the United States, the legality of magic mushrooms varies. For example, in Australia, federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms, or driving under their influence. In the United Kingdom, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies psilocybin as a controlled substance.
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How to identify magic mushrooms
It is crucial to be able to identify magic mushrooms accurately as many toxic mushrooms closely resemble them, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to serious health risks, including liver failure, organ damage, and even death. Unless you are a professional forager or mycologist, it is nearly impossible to determine if a mushroom contains psilocybin.
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, are relatively rare, urban-proximate mushrooms that have psychedelic properties when ingested. They grow on all seven continents, but they are most likely to grow in meadows and woods in the tropics and subtropics. You’ll usually find them growing in soil that’s full of old leaves and plant debris. They tend to thrive in moist climates with ample shade, such as in prairie fields, mossy forests, and places with overgrown grass. They sometimes grow in circular patterns, which some foragers refer to as fairy rings.
- Cap shape and size: Magic mushrooms may have caps that are shaped like bells or cones. The size of their caps can vary widely, ranging from approximately 1 to 10 cm in diameter. The caps are often convex and get flatter with age. They vary in color from light brown to golden to caramel. Certain species have bell-shaped caps with a distinct “nipple” on top.
- Gill attachment and color: The gills of magic mushrooms are often thin and delicate. They may be packed tightly and contain spores. The color of the gills can range widely from off-white to deep brown. The gills are usually attached to the stem and start out light but darken as the mushroom matures. They should not be bright white.
- Stem length and texture: The length of magic mushroom stems can vary greatly, ranging from 4-15cm tall. The stems are usually thin and pale in color and may bruise blue.
- Blue bruising: Another key feature of magic mushrooms is their blue bruising. This occurs when a mushroom is damaged, exposing the psilocybin to oxygen, resulting in psilocin oxidation. Although it’s not infallible, this characteristic could be a good indicator of psychedelic mushrooms.
- Spore prints: Spore prints can be one of the most reliable methods of identification. To make a spore print, select a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. Take the stem off so that it lies flat, and place it gills-down on a piece of tin foil. Cover it and let it sit for at least six hours. When you reveal the spores, look for a purplish color ranging from dark purple to almost black. If the spore is any color other than white, it may be toxic and should be discarded.
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify magic mushrooms. While only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, looks can be deceiving, and one wrong pick could lead to serious effects and poisoning that requires emergency care.
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Treatment for magic mushroom addiction
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a hallucinogenic drug that can cause people to experience distorted sights and sounds, intense emotions, and physical side effects such as nausea and increased heart rate. While the risk of addiction to magic mushrooms is low compared to other commonly abused substances, psychological dependence can still develop. Treatment for magic mushroom addiction typically involves addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with magic mushroom addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment options may include inpatient or outpatient rehab programmes, therapy, and support groups. It is also important to address any underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to the development of the addiction.
One of the first steps in treating magic mushroom addiction is to stop using the drug. This may involve a detoxification process, during which the body is given time to rid itself of the drug while managing withdrawal symptoms. While there aren't many known withdrawal effects from magic mushrooms, there may be some mild psychological effects or feelings of tiredness. It is important to have professional support during this process to ensure safety and comfort.
Therapy is another crucial aspect of treating magic mushroom addiction. Individual or group therapy can help individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a support system to maintain sobriety. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy used to treat substance use disorders, which can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to drug use.
In addition to therapy, support groups can provide ongoing encouragement and accountability during recovery. Support groups such as 12-step programmes or other mutual aid groups can offer a sense of community and connection, allowing individuals to share their experiences and learn from others in recovery. These groups can be particularly helpful in preventing relapse and maintaining long-term sobriety.
Finally, it is important to address any co-occurring mental health disorders that may be present alongside magic mushroom addiction. Magic mushrooms can be used to self-medicate underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treating these underlying issues is crucial in preventing relapse and promoting overall well-being. This may involve medication, therapy, or other evidence-based interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance. They are commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms" due to the hallucinogenic effects they induce in users.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, type of mushroom, and individual expectations. Effects can include hallucinations, distorted senses, heightened emotions and senses, and an altered state of consciousness.
People consume magic mushrooms by ingesting them, either fresh or dried. Some people cover them with chocolate to make the experience more pleasant. Magic mushrooms can also be sold illegally in powder or tablet/capsule form, but these may contain other dangerous substances.
Magic mushrooms are considered illegal in many places due to their hallucinogenic effects and potential risks. There is a risk of a bad trip, which can include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. Additionally, it is hard to know how strong mushrooms are, and some mushrooms can be extremely poisonous, causing severe illness or even death. Tolerance to the effects of psilocybin can also develop with regular use, and there is ongoing research regarding potential long-term effects.
