John Miller
Psilocybin, commonly known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic drug that can be ingested by eating certain types of mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed fresh, dried, or powdered, and some people cover them with chocolate or mix them into tea to mask their bitter taste. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption and can last between four to six hours. The key ingredient, psilocybin, is converted by the body into psilocin, which is the chemical responsible for the drug's psychoactive properties. While the effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person, they generally include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and shifts in mood and emotions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How drug mushrooms are consumed | Eaten raw, mixed with food, brewed in tea, or covered in chocolate |
| Time taken for effects to kick in | 5-45 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 3-6 hours |
| Initial effects | Nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation |
| Other effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place, and reality, euphoria, sensory distortion, change in perception, change in consciousness, chills, dilated pupils, fast heart rate, increased sweating, irregular heartbeat, headache, higher body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps |
| Long-term effects | Flashbacks, disturbing hallucinations, psychosis |
| Risks | Poisoning from toxic mushrooms, accidental ingestion by children, severe illness from toxic chemicals in commercial products, extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, mental health problems, accidental poisoning |
| Legality | Illegal in the U.S. and classified as a Schedule I substance, but possession has been decriminalized in a few cities |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are ingested orally, either fresh or dried
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are typically ingested orally, either fresh or dried. They can also be powdered and are sometimes covered in chocolate to mask their bitter taste. They can also be brewed into tea, which can speed up the onset of effects. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when ingested orally and can last between 3 to 6 hours.
Magic mushrooms contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, which is converted by the body into psilocin. Psilocin is the chemical that produces the psychoactive effects associated with magic mushrooms. It does this by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These parts of the brain influence mood, cognition, and perception.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, potency, and individual factors like age, biology, sex, and history of drug use. Common effects include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and altered senses of time and reality. Some people may also experience a distorted sense of self, feeling at one with the universe, in what researchers call "oceanic self-boundlessness".
It is important to note that magic mushrooms can be dangerous. They can cause unpleasant physical effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. They can also lead to extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia, known as a "bad trip". Additionally, magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death if consumed.
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Effects begin within 30 minutes and last 3-6 hours
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", usually begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and last between 3 and 6 hours. They can be consumed in a variety of ways, including eating them fresh, mixing them with food to mask the bitter taste, or brewing them into a tea. When taken as a soup or tea, the effects may come on faster, within 5 to 10 minutes.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, a psychoactive chemical that binds to and activates serotonin receptors in the brain. These receptors are primarily located in regions of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as personality, expectations, age, biology, sex, and history of drug use. Common effects include hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and intense changes in mood and feelings. Some people may experience a mystical experience, entering a dreamlike, euphoric state with visions or relived memories. Others may have a distorted sense of self, feeling "oceanic self-boundlessness".
In addition to the desired effects, magic mushrooms can also cause unpleasant physical and mental effects. Physically, users may experience nausea, excessive yawning, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, or delayed headaches. Mentally, some individuals may have a "bad trip", characterised by extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia. While rare, some people may develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, experiencing flashbacks to their mushroom trip weeks, months, or even years later.
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Hallucinations are a common effect, as are perceptual changes
Hallucinations are a common effect of consuming magic mushrooms. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is a hallucinogenic chemical. When psilocybin is taken, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These parts of the brain affect mood, cognition, and perception. Hallucinogens also work in other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses.
Psilocybin may cause visual or auditory hallucinations. It may also distort how some people who use the drug perceive objects and people in their environment. 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. The effects of psilocybin are generally similar to those of LSD and include an altered perception of time and space and intense changes in mood and feeling. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The person may have a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving a previous magic mushroom experience. They are usually visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception. Flashbacks can happen weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. This can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled. Flashbacks can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise and usually last a minute or two.
It is important to note that the use of any drug can have risks and magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently. Although current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, some people may have bad experiences, including feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Magic mushrooms also carry a risk of accidental poisoning from eating a poisonous mushroom by mistake.
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A bad trip can cause extreme fear, anxiety, paranoia, and panic
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic chemical that can cause a range of effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. While some people use psilocybin recreationally or to seek spiritual experiences, it is also being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions.
However, a "bad trip" can occur, leading to extreme fear, anxiety, paranoia, and panic. A bad trip involves frightening hallucinations, paranoia, fear, and other unpleasant emotions. It can be marked by anxiety, a sense of losing control, and feeling like a puppet. This negative experience can be influenced by various factors, such as the quantity of the drug consumed, past experiences, expectations, and the individual's mood and environment.
The environment plays a crucial role in the psychedelic experience. It is recommended to go into nature or a comfortable and familiar place. Establishing a "center," such as a campsite or one's home, can provide a sense of safety and seclusion if fear becomes overwhelming. Interacting with others during a trip can also be a primary cause of paranoia.
Additionally, the risk of a bad trip may be heightened by feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms. The experience of a bad trip can be subjective, and what one person considers challenging may be different from another's perspective. Proper planning and preparation are essential to mitigate the risk of a bad trip and ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.
The effects of a bad trip can be intense and distressing, but it is important to remember that the feeling will pass. Seeking support from a therapist or a healthcare provider is recommended when experimenting with mushrooms for anxiety or other mental health conditions.
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Poisonous mushrooms can cause violent illness and even death
Mushroom poisoning can occur due to misidentification of a poisonous species as edible, although many cases are intentional ingestions. Poisonous mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal illness, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, they can lead to organ failure and even death. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning depend on the toxin ingested and can include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, abdominal pain, and anaphylactic reactions. Some people may also experience flashbacks, hallucinations, and distorted senses of time and reality.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if mushroom poisoning is suspected, even if symptoms have not yet occurred. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is recommended to only eat mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. Mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with the mushrooms they intend to collect and any similar-looking toxic species. Cooking, peeling, drying, or soaking a poisonous mushroom does not make it edible.
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Frequently asked questions
Drug mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are typically consumed orally. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or powdered, and some people mix them with food or brew them into a tea to mask their bitter taste.
The effects of drug mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption, with some reports of effects being felt as early as 5-10 minutes when taken in a soup or tea.
The effects of drug mushrooms typically last for about 3 to 6 hours, with some reports of the effects lasting up to 8 hours.
Drug mushrooms contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin, which is converted by the body into psilocin. Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, altering mood, cognition, and perception. The effects of drug mushrooms can include hallucinations, distorted senses, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and changes in mood and emotions.
Yes, there are several risks associated with taking drug mushrooms. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin look very similar to poisonous mushrooms, and misidentification can lead to accidental poisoning, severe illness, or even death. Additionally, the effects of drug mushrooms can vary widely, and some people may experience negative effects such as a "'bad trip,'" delayed headaches, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate.
