Emma Wilson
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin. They are often eaten raw or dried, brewed into tea, or mixed into food. The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can include hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms carries risks, including the possibility of a 'bad trip', and they are illegal in many places. If one chooses to take magic mushrooms, it is recommended to do so in a safe, peaceful environment and to be mindful of the dosage, as the strength of the mushrooms can vary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin and psilocin |
| Forms | Fresh or dried mushrooms, powder, tablets, capsules |
| Consumption methods | Oral (eaten raw or dried, mixed with food, brewed as tea), intravenous injection |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, drowsiness, relaxation, distorted sense of self, increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle twitches, nausea, yawning, impaired judgment, flashbacks |
| Dosage | Common dose: 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms; Fixed dose in clinical trials: 25 mg |
| Risks | Poisoning, death, flashbacks, adverse interactions with other substances, unknown long-term effects, illegal in some jurisdictions |
| Safety considerations | Calm and safe environment, trusted company, drug testing, knowledge of dealer and drugs, mental health history, driving avoidance |
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What You'll Learn
- Consumption methods: eat raw, dried, cooked, brewed as tea, or extracted with alcohol
- Effects: hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, and more
- Safety: avoid poisonous mushrooms, bad trips, and driving under the influence
- Legality: covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act, penalties include prison and fines
- Therapeutic use: interest in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is growing
Consumption methods: eat raw, dried, cooked, brewed as tea, or extracted with alcohol
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or liberty caps, are hallucinogenic fungi that have long been used for their psychoactive properties. While the use of psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in most places, their growing acceptance worldwide has led to an increase in creative and safe methods of consumption. Here are some of the common ways to consume these mushrooms:
Eating Raw
Psychedelic mushrooms can be eaten raw, either on their own or mixed with food to mask their bitter taste. Some people experience nausea and a strong stomach reaction when consuming raw mushrooms, so it is recommended to consume them with a meal.
Eating Dried
Dried mushrooms are a popular form of consumption. They can be eaten as whole dried pieces or ground into a powder that can be baked or mixed into other substances.
Cooking
Cooking with magic mushrooms is another method of consumption. They can be cooked into foods such as pizzas, brownies, or chocolates, or even made into hot chocolate. Cooking with mushrooms may reduce their potency, but it can also help to mask their strong, earthy flavour.
Brewing as Tea
Brewing psychedelic mushrooms into tea is a popular method of consumption. The mushrooms can be steeped in hot water, or ground into a powder first to increase the surface area and speed up the onset of effects. Tea is a faster method of consumption, with effects typically occurring within 5-10 minutes, and the overall journey tends to be shorter than other methods.
Extracting with Alcohol
While less common, it is possible to extract the psychoactive compounds from the mushrooms using alcohol. This method is not recommended, as mixing alcohol and mushrooms can lead to poor decision-making and put yourself and others at risk.
It is important to note that consuming psychedelic mushrooms can have significant risks, including hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis. It is illegal to possess, use, or sell magic mushrooms in many places, and driving under their influence is dangerous and illegal. Always approach mushroom consumption with caution and respect, and be sure to check the local laws before considering their use.
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Effects: hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, and more
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as dose, fasting status, weight, and environment. The effects usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last between 4 and 6 hours. Early effects typically include nausea and excessive yawning, followed by drowsiness or relaxation. However, higher doses or stronger mushrooms can lead to more intense effects, including:
Hallucinations: Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic, causing people to see, hear, or feel things that are not there. These hallucinations can be disturbing and may persist in the form of flashbacks, which can occur anywhere from days to years after the initial experience.
Anxiety: Feelings of anxiety and nervousness may be experienced during a ""bad trip." The risk of a bad trip may be increased by higher doses, pre-existing anxiety, or the use of other substances.
Paranoia: Paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self are possible side effects of magic mushroom consumption, particularly during a bad trip.
Nausea and Other Gastrointestinal Issues: In addition to early nausea, magic mushrooms can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most accidental ingestions result in minor gastrointestinal illness, but severe cases may require medical attention.
Yawning and Drowsiness: Excessive yawning is often an early effect, followed by drowsiness or relaxation, especially with lower doses.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and some people may experience additional side effects such as fear, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, or even accidental self-harm due to an altered sense of reality. The risk of adverse effects is higher in individuals with existing mental health conditions or those taking certain medications. Furthermore, magic mushrooms can be difficult to identify, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to accidental poisoning or even death. Therefore, it is essential to be well-informed and take appropriate precautions if choosing to use psychedelic mushrooms.
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Safety: avoid poisonous mushrooms, bad trips, and driving under the influence
It is important to take precautions when consuming psychedelic mushrooms to ensure a safe and positive experience. Here are some guidelines to follow to avoid poisonous mushrooms, bad trips, and driving under the influence:
Avoid Poisonous Mushrooms
To steer clear of poisonous mushrooms, it is crucial to be able to identify them correctly. This can be done by learning about their appearance, smell, and texture. Some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death.
Prevent Bad Trips
To reduce the chances of a bad trip, it is recommended to consume psychedelic mushrooms in a calm and safe environment. Avoid mixing mushrooms with other substances such as cannabis or alcohol, as this can alter your experience unpredictably. It is also advised to avoid certain activities during the trip, such as climbing, looking in mirrors, or engaging in sexual activities with unfamiliar partners. These activities can sometimes lead to unpleasant or unexpected outcomes. Additionally, it is beneficial to have a sober buddy present who can provide support and assistance if needed.
Do Not Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents. Mushrooms alter your sense of reality and impair your judgment, coordination, and driving abilities. It is crucial to refrain from driving until the effects of the mushrooms have completely worn off.
Additional Safety Considerations
- Know your dealer and choose a reputable source for your mushrooms.
- Whenever possible, test your mushrooms using test strips or seek a drug-checking service to verify their composition and strength.
- Plan your trip by choosing a safe and peaceful place to stay, as most trips can last 8-12 hours.
- If you have a history of mental health problems, hallucinations can trigger symptoms. It is advised to avoid hallucinogens in such cases.
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Legality: covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act, penalties include prison and fines
Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", are mushrooms that contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, with civilisations such as the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Zapotec documenting their use for healing rituals and religious ceremonies.
In the present day, the use of psychedelic mushrooms is primarily recreational, though there is growing interest in their therapeutic applications. However, it is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, including Canada and the UK.
In the UK, psychedelic mushrooms are covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) as Class A drugs. This means that it is illegal to possess, give away, or sell these substances. The penalties for possession can be up to 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine, while the penalties for supply are even more severe, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
It is worth noting that the legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies by region, and it is important to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your area. Additionally, it is always risky to use hallucinogens due to the potential for adverse effects, the difficulty in knowing exactly what you are buying, and the potential impact on your relationships.
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Therapeutic use: interest in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is growing
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin. When consumed, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can differ greatly. The effects of the mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
Magic mushrooms are typically consumed by eating them fresh or dried, mixing them with food, or brewing them into a tea. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms should never be injected intravenously as this can lead to serious health risks.
While the use of magic mushrooms is currently illegal in many places, there is a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Psilocybin is the main psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms and has been shown to have positive effects in treating hard-to-treat disorders such as addiction, depression, and end-of-life anxiety.
Recent studies have found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can be effective in reducing the burden of psychiatric conditions and improving symptoms of mental illnesses. For example, research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that psilocybin-assisted therapy, combined with supportive psychotherapy, relieved major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for up to a year. Another study by the same institution reported that participants with Alcohol Use Disorder reduced or abstained from alcohol use after taking psilocybin.
As research in this field advances, it is important to consider the potential risks and downsides of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Bad trips can occur, especially at high doses, leading to frightening experiences and impaired judgment, which may result in traumatic injuries or even death. Additionally, the use of magic mushrooms can induce flashbacks where individuals relive parts of their drug trip when they are no longer high.
Despite these concerns, the growing body of evidence suggests that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has the potential to be a valuable therapeutic tool for treating various mental health disorders. However, more research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand the psychological and biological mechanisms of change induced by psilocybin and its interaction with psychotherapy.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", contain hallucinogens, usually psilocybin and psilocin. They are often sold in the form of dried whole mushrooms or a powder, and can be eaten raw or mixed into food. They can also be brewed into tea or taken in tablet or capsule form.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, type of mushroom, and individual size. Early effects may include nausea, excessive yawning, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Higher doses can lead to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and impaired judgment. A ""bad trip"" may occur, especially at high doses, which can be frightening and include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms typically last between 8 and 12 hours, but they can vary depending on the individual and the dose. Psilocybin, one of the active ingredients, can be detected for up to 8 hours.
Psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in many places and are considered a Class A drug in some jurisdictions. They can have dangerous side effects, especially when mixed with other substances. It is important to be cautious when consuming psychedelic mushrooms due to the risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can be life-threatening.
