Emma Wilson
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. While the use of psilocybin has been linked to several positive effects, accidental ingestion has also been reported. In this narrative, I will recount my personal experience with accidentally consuming psylosybin mushrooms and the subsequent impact on my well-being and perception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for accidental ingestion | Magic mushrooms look similar to ordinary mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place and reality, euphoria, changes in perception, spiritual experiences, drowsiness, relaxation, flashbacks, violent behaviour, suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia-like psychosis, convulsions |
| Treatment | No specific treatment mentioned, but current research suggests psilocybin is not addictive, and no physical symptoms occur after stopping use |
| Prevention | N/A |
| History | Use of psilocybin mushrooms predates recorded history, with evidence from cave paintings and rock art in modern-day Algeria and Spain |
| Legal status | Psilocybin was isolated and marketed to physicians and clinicians for psychedelic therapy in 1958 |
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What You'll Learn
The physical and psychological effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid found in over 200 species of mushrooms. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance, commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms'.
When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, a 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, which affect mood, cognition, and perception. The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin can include:
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- Distorted senses, including a distorted sense of time and space
- Increased positive mood and reduced negative mood
- Increased feelings of connection to the world
- Enhanced spiritual experiences
- Enhanced sensory perception
The physical effects of psilocybin can include an increased heart rate, nausea, and raised blood pressure. In some cases, more severe side effects such as agitation, confusion, and vomiting may occur and require medical attention. It is important to note that psilocybin can impair an individual's ability to think clearly and be aware of their physical surroundings, leading to risky behaviours.
While psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from misidentifying mushrooms, as magic mushrooms can resemble poisonous varieties. The psychological effects of psilocybin can vary depending on individual factors such as personality, expectations, and biological sex. Some people may experience adverse reactions such as anxiety, panic, or disturbing hallucinations. In rare cases, flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to years after ingestion, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
Recent studies have suggested that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Research indicates that psilocybin can reduce clinical symptoms of depression and increase positive affect, potentially by regulating the brain's reward system. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of psilocybin on the brain and its potential therapeutic benefits.
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How to identify psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are often sought after for their psychoactive properties. However, it is crucial to accurately identify psilocybin mushrooms as they may resemble other mushrooms, some of which are poisonous. Misidentification can lead to harmful effects and adverse health consequences. Here are some ways to identify psilocybin mushrooms:
Cap Shape and Size
Psilocybin mushroom caps can be shaped like bells or cones, and their size can vary from approximately 1 to 10 cm in diameter.
Gill Attachment and Color
The gills of psilocybin mushrooms are usually thin and delicate, packed tightly with spores. The color of the gills can range from off-white to deep brown, and they are located on the underside of the cap, pointing toward the stem.
Blue Bruising
One notable characteristic of psilocybin mushrooms is their tendency to turn bluish when damaged due to oxidation. However, it is important to note that other mushrooms, including poisonous ones, may also exhibit this trait.
Spore Prints
Creating a spore print is one of the most reliable methods for identification. To make a spore print, start with a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. Remove the stem so that the mushroom lies flat, and place it gills-down on a piece of foil. After covering it and letting it sit for at least six hours, look for a purplish color ranging from dark purple to almost black.
Consult Expert Sources
It is important to exercise caution and seek expert opinions when identifying psilocybin mushrooms. Consult local mycologists, mushroom specialists, or physicians for accurate identification. Additionally, consider taking classes or referring to field guides and mushroom books to improve your knowledge of mushroom identification.
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The history of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid found in more than 200 species of mushrooms, with hallucinogenic and serotonergic effects. The earliest known depiction of hallucinogenic mushroom use comes from a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain, which illustrates what appear to be Psilocybe hispanica mushrooms, a species with hallucinogenic properties.
In Mesoamerica, psilocybin mushrooms were consumed in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies before Spanish chroniclers first documented their use in the 16th century. South American Aztec Indians referred to the mushrooms as teonanacatl, meaning "god's flesh," and they were served at the coronation of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II in 1502. Aztecs and Mazatecs also referred to these mushrooms as genius mushrooms, divinatory mushrooms, and wondrous mushrooms. After the Spanish conquest, Catholic missionaries campaigned against the cultural traditions of the Aztecs, dismissing them as idolaters, and the use of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms was quickly suppressed.
Despite the suppression of their use by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, psilocybin mushrooms have continued to be used for medicinal and religious purposes by various cultures around the world. In the 1960s, American researchers began studying the healing properties and medical applications of psilocybin mushrooms, and they gained popularity in the United States. Timothy Leary, a psychology professor at Harvard, became an advocate for the benefits of psilocybin mushrooms after reading about the positive effects on R. Gordon Wasson during his trip to Southern Mexico. Leary conducted his own studies and experiments, which found that psilocybin could positively affect mental health and decrease the likelihood of prisoners becoming repeat offenders.
However, the increasing restriction of drug laws in the 1960s and 1970s curbed scientific research into psilocybin and other hallucinogens. Despite this, the popularity of psilocybin mushrooms as an entheogen grew in the following decades due to the increased availability of information on how to cultivate them. Today, psilocybin mushrooms are listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. government, indicating that they have no accepted medical use. However, recent clinical studies have indicated the potential medical value of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms
While the UN convention requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms, such as the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. However, there is ambiguity in many national, state, and provincial drug laws regarding the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, and selective enforcement in some places.
In most US state courts, the mushroom is considered a "container" of illicit drugs and is therefore illegal. A loophole exists because the spores of psilocybin mushrooms do not contain psilocybin or psilocin and are legal to possess in many areas. However, some jurisdictions, such as Germany and a few US states, have specifically criminalised the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is often considered drug manufacture and severely penalised, though some countries and one US state (New Mexico) have ruled that growing them does not constitute manufacturing a controlled substance.
In recent years, there has been a growing body of research highlighting the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelics, leading to increasing legal and political support for their decriminalisation and legal access for therapeutic purposes. For example, in Oregon, voters passed an initiative in 2020 that legalised the use of "magic mushrooms" for mental health treatment in supervised settings. Similarly, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, allowing the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, there is a pending bill in the California State Legislature that would legalise the possession, obtaining, giving away, or transportation of specified quantities of psilocybin and other psychedelics. These developments reflect a shifting legal landscape regarding the regulation of psilocybin mushrooms, particularly in North America.
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Managing the risks associated with accidental ingestion
Education and Awareness: Spreading awareness about the potential dangers of accidentally ingesting psilocybin mushrooms is essential. Providing clear and accurate information about the risks can help people make informed decisions and take precautions. This includes educating people about the physical characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms, such as their small size and typical brown or tan colour, to help with identification and prevent accidental ingestion.
Safe Storage and Handling: Proper storage and handling of psilocybin mushrooms are critical to preventing accidental ingestion, especially in households with children. Keep psilocybin mushrooms out of reach and securely stored in child-proof containers. Additionally, always clearly label any mushrooms or related products to avoid confusion with edible mushrooms.
Precautions for Foraging and Consumption: When foraging for mushrooms, whether for culinary or recreational purposes, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution. Avoid consuming wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of their identity. Misidentification can lead to accidental poisoning, as some toxic mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin-containing varieties. Always seek expert guidance or consult a mycologist when in doubt.
Medical Attention and Support: In cases of accidental ingestion, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention, especially for children. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as some toxic mushrooms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness or even death. Additionally, be transparent with healthcare providers about any mushroom consumption to receive appropriate treatment and support.
Mental Health Considerations: Accidental ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms can trigger panic reactions and adverse psychological effects, especially in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. It is crucial to seek professional guidance if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues after accidental ingestion. Support services and healthcare professionals can provide assistance in managing any psychological distress or protracted psychosis resulting from unintentional consumption.
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