Emma Wilson
Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and investigational drug found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, which are commonly used as recreational drugs. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning it is believed to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, there is increasing interest in the therapeutic uses of psilocybin, and it is being studied as a possible treatment for various mental health disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, intense changes in mood and feeling, sensory distortion, heightened emotions and senses, laughter, giggles, a sense of mental and emotional clarity, paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, nausea, panic attacks, flashbacks |
| Effect timing | Effects appear within 15-45 minutes and usually last for four to six hours |
| Effect triggers | The quantity of the drug consumed, past experiences, expectations, set (a person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs), setting (the environment in which the drug is consumed) |
| Legality | Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been outlawed in most countries. In Canada, activities with magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, such as sale, possession, and production, are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada. In the US, buying spores of mushroom species containing psilocybin is illegal in Georgia, Idaho and California. |
| Medical uses | Psilocybin is being studied as a possible medicine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions such as cluster headaches. It is in late-stage clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' active ingredients: Psilocybin and Psilocin
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This is converted into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly. One mushroom may have different concentrations of the active ingredients compared to another. Consequently, the effects of the magic mushroom can depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and investigational drug found in more than 200 species of mushrooms, with hallucinogenic and serotonergic effects. Effects include euphoria, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time (via brain desynchronization), and perceived spiritual experiences. It can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks. Its effects depend on set and setting and one's expectations. Psilocybin is a prodrug of psilocin, meaning that the compound itself is biologically inactive but is quickly converted by the body to psilocin. Psilocybin is transformed into psilocin by dephosphorylation mediated via phosphatase enzymes. Psilocin is chemically related to the neurotransmitter serotonin and acts as a non-selective agonist of the serotonin receptors. Activation of one serotonin receptor, the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, is specifically responsible for the hallucinogenic effects.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms vary in their psilocybin and psilocin content but are typically around 1% of the dried weight of the mushrooms. Psilocybin is most commonly consumed in the form of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, such as Psilocybe species like Psilocybe cubensis. It may also be prepared synthetically, but outside of research settings, it is not typically used in this form. Regardless of form, psilocybin is usually taken orally. Synthetic psilocybin appears as a white crystalline powder that can be processed into tablets or capsules or dissolved in water.
Psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. Individuals using magic mushrooms may experience hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Effects appear within 15-45 minutes and usually last for four to six hours. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea.
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Legality
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", have a varied legal status worldwide. On 27 October 1970, both psilocybin and psilocin became classified as Schedule I drugs, deemed to have no therapeutic benefit, under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification was reaffirmed in 1971 under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires members to prohibit psilocybin. However, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government.
While the UN treaty does not regulate psilocybin mushrooms directly, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition in place. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act all reflect the terms of the UN convention. In these jurisdictions, the possession and use of psilocybin are prohibited, which extends to psilocybin mushrooms. However, there has been ambiguity and selective enforcement regarding the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in many national, state, and provincial drug laws.
In the United States, the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 first subjected psilocybin and psilocin to federal regulation, with possession, manufacture, or sale considered a federal crime. However, some states have taken steps towards legalisation or decriminalisation. Notable examples include Oregon, which became the first state to decriminalise psilocybin and legalise it for supervised non-medical use in 2020, and Colorado, which followed suit with a similar measure in 2022. Other states, such as New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is further complicated by the fact that their spores do not contain psilocybin or psilocin and are therefore legal to possess in many areas. However, some jurisdictions, such as Germany and several US states, have specifically criminalised the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. This discrepancy has led to an underground economy and social networks supporting the illicit trade of spores and cultivation materials.
While the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushrooms is complex and evolving, there is a growing movement towards decriminalisation and legalisation in certain jurisdictions. Proponents of decriminalisation cite research suggesting the drug is non-addictive and causes fewer emergency visits compared to other illegal drugs. Additionally, psilocybin has shown potential in treating treatment-resistant depression and nicotine dependence. These factors have influenced public opinion and policy decisions, leading to a gradual shift in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in specific regions.
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Effects and risks
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, philosopher's stones, liberties, amani, and agaric, is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms. It is a naturally occurring psychedelic drug with psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Magic mushrooms have a wide range of effects, both positive and negative. 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 include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, euphoria, sensory distortion, and feelings of bliss. However, some people may experience negative effects such as nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis. The risk of a "bad trip" may increase if a person takes higher doses of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before taking it.
The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms. However, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from misidentifying mushrooms and consuming a toxic mushroom instead. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, and can be severe enough to require medical attention. Magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, but tolerance can develop with continued use, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time.
There are also potential risks associated with the use of magic mushrooms. They are considered contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to insufficient research in this population. Psilocybin use can also cause transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure, and there is a potential risk of cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy with frequent repeated use. Additionally, hallucinogenic drugs may cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, which can lead to injuries. Magic mushrooms are also known to be used in combination with other drugs, especially alcohol, which can increase the psychological and physical risks.
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History and cultural usage
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. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, and Pluteus.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in various cultures for religious, divinatory, and spiritual purposes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the use of psilocybin mushrooms may predate recorded history, with imagery in cave paintings and rock art from modern-day Algeria and Spain dating back to approximately 9000-7000 BCE. In Mesoamerica, the mushrooms were consumed in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies before being documented by Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century. The native peoples of Mesoamerica, including the Mayans and Aztecs, are believed to have used psilocybin mushrooms in religious rituals, divination, and healing practices. After the Spanish conquest, the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms was suppressed by Catholic missionaries, who considered it idolatry. Despite this, the use of psilocybin mushrooms persisted in remote areas, and they continue to be used in Indigenous American cultures today.
In the mid-20th century, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin and psilocin from the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom. His employer, Sandoz, marketed and sold pure psilocybin for use in psychedelic therapy worldwide. During the 1960s and 1970s, increasing drug restrictions curbed scientific research into psilocybin and other hallucinogens. However, their popularity as entheogens grew in this period due to the increased availability of information on cultivation methods. Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert, inspired by the Wassons' article in Life magazine, started the Harvard Psilocybin Project in 1960 to promote psychological and religious studies of psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs. They conducted experiments administering psilocybin to prisoners and graduate divinity students, which sparked controversy and ultimately led to their dismissal from Harvard in 1963.
In the early 1970s, an explosion in the use of psilocybin mushrooms occurred worldwide, with many species being widely collected and cultivated. Today, psilocybin mushrooms are one of the most widely used psychedelic drugs, with reported usage among various groups in Mexico and Central America. Psilocybin mushrooms have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as treating drug dependence, anxiety, and mood disorders. However, they can also induce adverse reactions, including "bad trips" and panic attacks. Possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been outlawed in most countries, and psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Despite this, some jurisdictions allow the legal sale and possession of Psilocybe spores since they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.
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Medical uses and research
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. It is a hallucinogen with serotonergic effects, causing euphoria, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time, and spiritual experiences. It can also lead to adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, indicating a high potential for misuse and no accepted medical use. However, there is ongoing research into its potential therapeutic benefits.
Some people use psilocybin mushrooms recreationally or to enhance their mental health. Researchers are exploring the potential of psilocybin to treat conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, studies have shown that psilocybin can effectively treat depression, nicotine and alcohol addictions, and substance use disorders. It has also been found to relieve the emotional distress associated with life-threatening cancer diagnoses.
The safety and abuse potential of psilocybin have been evaluated by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, who suggest that it could be reclassified from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule IV drug if it clears phase III clinical trials. They emphasize the need to initiate conversations about reclassification to facilitate its path to clinical use and minimize future logistical hurdles. This proposal considers the low risk of abuse and harm associated with psilocybin compared to other drugs.
Despite the potential benefits, there are health risks associated with unsupervised psilocybin use. People may engage in risky behaviours, such as driving, due to impaired awareness and thinking. Additionally, psilocybin can increase blood pressure and heart rate, posing dangers for individuals with heart conditions. It is important to note that magic mushrooms can be contaminated or mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, leading to adverse health consequences. Therefore, while psilocybin shows promise in specific medical applications, it should be administered in a controlled healthcare setting to minimize potential harm.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, is a hallucinogenic chemical. It is a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Psilocybin is also classified as a federally banned substance in the United States.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and investigational drug found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. It can induce euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, and an altered perception of time and space.
Consuming the drug mushroom may lead to short-term mental and physical effects such as heightened emotions, anxiety, paranoia, and loss of boundaries. Consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake can also lead to accidental poisoning, which may result in muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
The possession, sale, and production of psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are illegal in most countries, including Canada and the United States. However, buying spores of mushroom species containing psilocybin is legal in most states in the US, provided they are not intended for cultivation.
