Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi with a wide range of effects and strengths. Some mushrooms are edible and nutritious, while others are toxic or even deadly. Certain mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, contain the psychedelic substances psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. The strength of these mushrooms varies depending on the species and dosage, with some trips being mild and relaxed, while others can lead to paranoia, panic attacks, and in rare cases, death. The effects of magic mushrooms are also influenced by individual factors such as mood, personality, and environment. Identifying the strength of mushrooms can be challenging, and it is crucial to exercise caution as some mushrooms can be extremely harmful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, stomach cramps, nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, panic reactions, psychosis, flashbacks, headaches, dilated pupils, muscular relaxation, lack of concentration, hilarity |
| Dosage | 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 g of dry mushrooms, 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms, 10 to 50 mg of psilocybin, 2.5 to 5.0 g dried mushroom material is considered a strong dose, above 5.0 g is a heavy dose |
| Identification | Check with multiple guides/pictures, colour of spore print, use identification apps, send photos to experts, check for polka dots on caps, smooth stems, criss-cross pattern on caps, lines on stems, slanted caps |
| Side Effects | Diarrhea, vomiting, death |
| Poison Control | Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) |
| Medical Emergency | Ring triple zero (000) for an ambulance |
| Storage | Avoid plastic bags and sealed containers, use paper bags or paper towels to absorb moisture, store in the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
- The strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on the species
- Mushrooms can be poisonous, causing illness or even death
- A large dose of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to a long-term mental health condition called psychosis
- A bad trip can be influenced by a negative environment
- Freshness is a factor in how strong mushrooms are
The strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on the species
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin converts into the psychedelic compound psilocin, inducing psychoactive effects. The strength of these mushrooms can vary significantly within the same species, and even among individuals within a species. For example, within the Psilocybe cubensis species, certain strains can be up to four times stronger than others.
The potency of magic mushrooms also depends on the substrate and growing conditions. Wild mushrooms, for instance, can vary greatly in strength, with some specimens found to be up to ten times stronger than others. Additionally, the effects of a mushroom trip depend on the user's mood, personality, and expectations, making it challenging to predict the outcome of each experience.
It is important to note that consuming magic mushrooms can lead to negative consequences, such as a "'bad trip,'" delayed headaches, and, in rare cases, life-threatening symptoms if a large amount is consumed. Furthermore, the similarity in appearance between certain mushroom species poses a risk, as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause serious health issues or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify mushroom species before consumption and to seek medical assistance if any negative symptoms occur.
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Mushrooms can be poisonous, causing illness or even death
One way to identify mushrooms is by using a spore print. This involves removing the stem of the mushroom and placing the gills down on a piece of clear glass or paper for several hours, preferably overnight. The colour of the spore print can help narrow down the possible species and determine if it is toxic. Additionally, mobile applications and specialised guides with quality photos can be useful tools for identification. However, it is important to exercise caution when using these resources as they are not always foolproof.
Some toxic mushrooms have look-alikes that are edible. For example, the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom closely resembles the edible chanterelle. The Giant Puffball is another example of an edible mushroom, but it must be consumed before the spores begin to develop. Cutting it in half vertically can reveal the presence of spores, as well as rule out toxic look-alikes such as Amanita virosa and Amanita bisporigera. Amanitas, in general, should be approached with caution as they are often mistaken for other species, especially when immature.
It is crucial to act quickly if you suspect that you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, even if symptoms have not yet appeared. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the toxin and species ingested, ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to severe liver and kidney damage. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of toxic mushrooms can lead to death. Therefore, it is always better to err on the side of caution when identifying mushrooms and to seek expert advice if unsure.
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A large dose of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to a long-term mental health condition called psychosis
It is challenging to determine the potency of mushrooms. Buying mushrooms is risky because some mushrooms are drugs, while others are extremely poisonous. A number of mushroom species can make people violently ill or even kill them. Poisonous mushrooms can cause anaphylactic reactions, and some have lethal consequences.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms," are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can alter a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and senses. They can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted to the psychoactive chemical psilocin in the body.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary widely, and a large dose can lead to a long-term mental health condition called psychosis. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations may affect the experience someone has after using psilocybin. A person's mood, personality, and expectations can also influence their experience. A higher dose of psilocybin may increase the risk of negative experiences, and a pre-existing mental health condition may further increase this risk. Psychological distress, extreme anxiety, and short-term psychosis are potential adverse events after psilocybin use.
In a case study, a patient experienced a profound negative reaction after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms, leading to prolonged mania, psychosis, and severe depression. Within hours of her first ingestion, she began experiencing symptoms of mania. After her second ingestion, she developed paranoid delusions that persisted for months. She also experienced a marked reduction in sleep, intrusive racing thoughts, and acted impulsively based on paranoid ideation. As her mania and psychosis resolved, she settled into a severe depressive episode, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable, and a bad trip can occur. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to negative consequences.
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A bad trip can be influenced by a negative environment
It is hard to know how strong mushrooms are. While most mushrooms are not toxic, some are extremely poisonous and can even be fatal. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogenic and can cause a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. The length and intensity of a trip vary depending on the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed.
It is important to note that the only way to guarantee that a bad trip will not occur is to abstain from taking hallucinogens. If a person is experiencing a bad trip, it is helpful to provide a positive and supportive environment, reduce triggers, and remind the person that they are in a safe place. It can also be beneficial to talk about positive experiences or things from their past to bring them comfort.
If you believe that you or someone else has eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately.
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Freshness is a factor in how strong mushrooms are
Fresh mushrooms are notoriously difficult to store, and they do not stay viable for long. If you are planning to store fresh mushrooms, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator. To do this, place the mushrooms on an unbleached paper towel inside a paper bag. The paper bag should be rolled snugly around the mushrooms to limit decay. Stored this way, fresh mushrooms can last for five to ten days. After this, they will need to be dried to prevent further decay.
Mushrooms with a low water content, such as truffles, have a shorter shelf life than other mushrooms. If you are storing mushrooms with a low water content, it is best to check for mould after three to five days.
If you are unable to dry your mushrooms, they will likely begin to rot. The longer fresh mushrooms remain wet, the more likely they are to rot.
If you are planning to dry your mushrooms, the process is simple. First, lay the mushrooms on a flat sheet, flour sack towel, or wire rack, making sure that none of the mushrooms are touching. Then, place the mushrooms in front of a gentle fan and let them sit. The mushrooms should begin to dry within a day and will be almost cracker dry within three days.
If you believe you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact your local poisons information centre immediately. If the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a seizure, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, call an ambulance.
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