Michael Davis
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are mostly illegal in the US and many other places. They are considered illegal drugs because they contain substances such as psilocybin and psilocin that cause people to hallucinate and distort their perception of time, space and reality. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be unpredictable. While some people may have a mild trip with feelings of relaxation or drowsiness, others may experience terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks and fears of death. The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Effects | Distorted sense of time, place, and reality, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, panic attacks, intense mood swings, dangerous behavior, flashbacks, psychological dependence, tolerance |
| Side effects | Nausea, excessive yawning, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, delayed headaches |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Legality | Illegal in the US, decriminalized in a few cities |
| Addictiveness | Not physically addictive, but can lead to psychological dependence and habitual use |
| Risks | Poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, can cause severe illness or even death |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal in many places
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that alter a person's senses, thinking, sense of time and emotions. They can cause hallucinations and affect a person's judgment. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted to psilocin in the body. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. In many places, magic mushrooms are illegal to consume, possess, sell or grow. Federal law and most US states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal. Under federal law, simple possession of psilocybin is a misdemeanour, punishable by a fine of at least $1000 and up to a year in prison. However, some US cities have made arrests for possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms a low priority for law enforcement. Additionally, some US states, like Colorado and Oregon, have legalised certain uses of psilocybin mushrooms, such as for mental health treatment and in supervised settings, respectively.
Outside of the US, the possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited in most countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Japan, often carrying severe legal penalties. However, there has been some movement towards decriminalisation and regulation for medicinal purposes in certain jurisdictions. For example, the Canadian province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, and Australia has approved psilocybin for prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
The legality of magic mushrooms is complex and ever-evolving, with a mix of federal, state, and local laws influencing their status. While some places have taken steps towards decriminalisation or legalisation for specific purposes, magic mushrooms remain illegal in many parts of the world.
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They can be poisonous and cause violent illness or death
Mushrooms can be extremely poisonous and cause violent illness or even death. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of different toxins that can differ markedly in toxicity. While only a few of the 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms are fatal when ingested, many of these deadly fungi bear an unfortunate resemblance to edible mushrooms. The vast majority of mushroom-related deaths are caused by species in the genus Amanita, which are mistaken for edible mushrooms. Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the Death Cap, is a major cause of fatal mushroom poisoning due to its similarity to the Asian paddy-straw mushroom. Other deadly species in the Amanita genus include A. virosa, or the Destroying Angel, and Amanita bisporigera.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure and death. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating, and it may take days or weeks for the toxin to attack the kidney or liver. Some toxins, such as amatoxins, are thermostable, meaning they withstand cooking temperatures and quickly damage cells throughout the body. Within 6 to 12 hours of consuming Death Caps, violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea appear, causing a rapid loss of fluids and intense thirst. Signs of severe involvement of the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system soon follow, leading to coma and death in more than 50% of cases.
Other highly poisonous mushrooms include Conocybe filaris, which is commonly found in lawns in the Pacific Northwest and features the same mycotoxins as the Death Cap. Poisonous webcap mushrooms, such as the deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the fool's webcap (Cortinarius orellanus), also contain toxins that cause kidney failure and death if left untreated. Autumn skullcap mushrooms (Galerina marginata) are sometimes mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms and can be deadly, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, hypothermia, and liver damage.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with both edible mushrooms and similar-looking toxic species. Mushroom gatherers should be cautious and always cut suspected puffballs in half to check for the presence of Amanita within the structure. While most "poisonous" mushrooms only cause gastrointestinal upset, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to avoid ingesting toxic species that can lead to severe health consequences or even death.
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They can induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are mostly illegal in the US and many other places. They are considered illegal drugs because they contain substances that cause people to hallucinate. The active ingredient in shrooms, psilocybin, can lead to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and intense mood swings, potentially causing panic attacks or even dangerous behaviour.
The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary. It depends on how strong the mushrooms are, how much someone took, the user's mood, personality, and expectations. Some trips may be enjoyable, but others lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. With mushrooms, it's very hard to predict what sort of trip each user will have. There's also no way to end a bad trip until it has run its course, which could be hours later.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The short-term effects of magic mushrooms typically wear off in 6 to 12 hours. But people can experience long-term changes in personality and flashbacks long after taking the drug.
While they are not physically addictive, there’s a risk of developing addictive habits, misuse, dependence, and legal consequences due to their illegal status in many places. Responsible and mindful use is essential to navigate the complexities associated with magic mushrooms. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug. The biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushroom use is that psilocybin mushrooms look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them.
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They can cause short-term perceptual changes
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that can cause short-term perceptual changes. They contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, and psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties. 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 4 to 6 hours. However, the short-term effects typically wear off in 6 to 12 hours.
Magic mushrooms can distort a person's perception of time, space, and reality. Colours may appear more vibrant, and objects may seem to breathe or morph. Users often report seeing vivid and sometimes fantastical visuals, such as patterns, fractals, or even imaginary scenes and creatures. They may also experience auditory hallucinations, with sounds seeming distorted or more vivid.
The intensity of the "trip" or psychedelic experience varies depending on the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed. It also depends on the user's mood, personality, and expectations. Some trips may be enjoyable, leaving a person feeling relaxed or drowsy. However, higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and intense mood swings. In some cases, magic mushrooms can lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Additionally, regular use of psilocybin can lead to tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of addiction.
While magic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the United States and carry certain risks, they have also been studied for their potential health benefits. Research has shown that psilocybin could be beneficial in treating psychiatric and behavioural conditions. For example, studies have found that magic mushrooms were effective in relieving the emotional distress of people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. However, it is important to note that these substances are only utilized in controlled research and medical settings under the supervision of trained professionals.
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There is a risk of developing psychological dependence
While the risk of addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is low, psychological dependence can still develop. This is because psilocybin mushrooms are a form of fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which can cause changes in perception, thought, and mood. The effects of psilocybin vary widely and can be unpredictable, but they often include hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. In some cases, a ""bad trip"" may occur, leading to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
The risk of developing a psychological dependence on psilocybin mushrooms may be influenced by various factors, including the amount taken, the intention or mind frame of the user, and the physical or social environment in which it is taken. For example, a 2020 analysis suggested that higher doses of psilocybin may increase the risk of negative experiences, and a pre-existing mental health condition may also increase this risk. Additionally, regular use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to the development of tolerance, where the user's brain becomes accustomed to functioning with mushrooms in their system. This can result in the user needing to take higher doses to achieve the desired effects, further increasing the risk of psychological dependence.
The potential consequences of psilocybin mushroom abuse can be severe and include adverse effects on an individual's physical and psychological health. For example, long-term use can hamper the brain's ability to naturally produce essential hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, leading to abnormal brain function. This can result in the user becoming nauseous and hallucinating even without the presence of psilocybin in their system. Additionally, the impairment of judgment and coordination caused by psilocybin mushrooms can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to major accidents such as car crashes or assault.
If an individual develops a psychological dependence on psilocybin mushrooms, treatment options are available. Supervised medical detoxification can help manage withdrawal symptoms, and studies have shown that this can increase the likelihood of successful recovery. Additionally, treatment programs can provide a structured and secure environment for individuals to focus on their recovery and develop the necessary skills to maintain long-term sobriety. It is important to address the growing concern of psilocybin mushroom abuse through education, prevention efforts, and early intervention to help reduce the risk of psychological dependence and other negative consequences associated with mushroom abuse.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are illegal in many places, including the United States, where they are classified as a Schedule I drug. However, there is advocacy for decriminalization, and some cities in the US have already decriminalized possession of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh or dried, mixed with food to mask their bitter taste, or brewed into a tea. They typically start taking effect within 30-45 minutes when ingested, and the effects can last up to 6 hours.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary greatly depending on the individual, their mood, personality, and expectations. The length, intensity, and type of "trip" can be influenced by the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed. It's also hard to know the exact strength of mushrooms as the amount of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychoactive substances, can vary significantly between mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, and there are rarely any physical withdrawal symptoms reported. However, some users may experience psychological effects after stopping usage, such as mild psychological effects, feeling tired, or, in some cases,
