John Miller
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a poisonous mushroom with psychoactive properties. It is known to cause hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and even comas in some cases. The key psychoactive constituents in these mushrooms are ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone. The effects of ingesting this mushroom typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours, with symptoms lasting for up to 24 hours in most cases. While fatalities from consuming Amanita muscaria are rare, it is important to exercise caution due to its toxic effects. The recommended dosage for a first-time user is one small mushroom cap or less than five grams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinations, euphoria, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, vivid dreams, disorientation, confusion, strong visions, religious insights, dream-like sensations, looping sensation, perceptual changes, emotional shifts, spiritual awakenings, CNS depression or excitation, dizziness, dysphoria, visual hallucinations, ataxia, muscle fasciculation, coma, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, confusion, visual distortions, slurred incoherent speech, severe nausea, transient deep sleep, headache, sweating, salivation, abdominal cramps |
| Onset of effects | 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion |
| Duration of effects | 5-24 hours |
| Dosage | 1 small mushroom cap, less than 5 grams, 1-3 medium-size caps, 50-100 mg ibotenic acid, 10-15 mg muscimol, 1-5 mg muscimol extract |
| Potency | Variable depending on the height and ecosystem where the mushroom grows |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, but fatalities are extremely rare |
| Toxic effects | Caused by ibotenic acid |
| Treatment | Boiling the mushroom removes the ibotenic acid |
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What You'll Learn
Amanita muscaria's psychoactive effects
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a psychoactive mushroom. It contains the psychoactive constituents ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone. Ibotenic acid is an excitatory amino acid that acts on glutamate receptors, inducing an agitated toxic delirium. It is stimulating and energizing, and when present in higher quantities than muscimol, it can cause confusion, agitation, and euphoria. Muscimol, on the other hand, is a potent agonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor subtypes, and has a mild sedative effect. It is also a depressant and hallucinogen. The psychoactive dose of muscimol is estimated to be 6 mg, while ibotenic acid is estimated to be 30-60 mg.
The effects of ingesting A. muscaria have been described as similar to alcohol intoxication, with hallucinations, illusions, incoherent speech, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Some users might experience moderate to extreme nausea or cramps. In extreme cases, temporary insanity, comas, and even death have been reported. A. muscaria can also cause gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures.
The onset of symptoms after ingestion is within 30 minutes to 2 hours, and most intoxications clear within 5-24 hours. However, severe intoxications can have longer-lasting effects. The effects of A. muscaria are quite dependent on the individual, and the potency varies greatly among mushrooms.
A. muscaria has been used for intoxicating and religious purposes in several cultures, particularly by the Siberians. It has also been linked to Santa Claus, Viking berserkers, Vedic soma, and early Christianity, although evidence for these links is disputed. In recent years, its rise as a legal hallucinogen alternative has led to scrutiny from the FDA, which banned its use in food products in December 2024.
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The difference between psychedelic and psychoactive
In general, the terms "psychoactive," "psychedelic," and "psychotropic" are used interchangeably in everyday conversation. However, there are differences between these categories of drugs.
Psychoactive Substances
Psychoactive is an umbrella term for any substance that affects the brain in some way. Psychoactive substances are defined as anything that crosses the blood-brain barrier. This includes a wide range of substances, from caffeine and nicotine to stimulants like meth and opiates like heroin. Psychoactive drugs can lead to changes in a person's mental state but don't necessarily induce a "high."
Psychedelic Substances
Psychedelics are a subset of psychoactive substances. They cause changes in mood, perception, and cognition, often resulting in distorted senses of reality and hallucinations. Classic psychedelics, like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), interact with serotonin receptors in the brain. This can lead to perceptual changes, emotional shifts, and even spiritual awakenings. Psychedelic effects typically include visuals such as halos around lights and objects, and can appear 30-60 minutes after consumption, peaking after 1-2 hours.
Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms
Amanita Muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone. It has been used for intoxicating and religious purposes by various cultures, particularly the Siberians. The effects of these mushrooms can include confusion, agitation, euphoria, hallucinations, gastrointestinal upset, and seizures. The onset of symptoms is typically within 0.5-2 hours, and most intoxications clear within 5-24 hours.
It's important to note that the effects and safety of consuming Amanita Muscaria mushrooms can vary, and they may contain undisclosed or harmful substances. Regular consumption is likely harmful, and while some choose to parboil the mushrooms before consumption to detoxify them, there are currently no medicinal uses for ibotenic acid-containing mushrooms.
To answer your question about the number of Amanita Muscaria mushrooms needed for an effect, it is important to understand that the psychoactive dose of muscimol and ibotenic acid is estimated to be 6 mg and 30-60 mg, respectively. One hundred grams of dried Amanita Muscaria contains approximately 180 mg of these compounds. Therefore, the number of mushrooms required for an effect would depend on their size and the amount of these compounds they contain, which can vary.
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Amanita muscaria vs. magic mushrooms
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a fungus that survives in a symbiotic relationship with nearby plants. It is often found under the boughs of trees in large forests, alongside compatible hosts such as birches, pines, and spruces. The iconic red-and-white speckled appearance of Amanita muscaria is widely recognised, featuring in cultural symbols like emojis and garden statues. Unlike magic mushrooms, which are classified as Schedule 1 drugs in the US, Amanita muscaria is not federally controlled, although its legality varies by state. For example, California, Oregon, and Washington may have more lenient regulations due to its cultural relevance and natural occurrence.
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe cubensis, are fungi containing the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is metabolised by the body and converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms. These effects include perceptual shifts, emotional changes, and spiritual awakenings, as well as vivid visuals and a sense of the world breathing. The experience typically lasts 4-6 hours, with an "afterglow" period that can last several days.
Amanita muscaria, on the other hand, elicits psychoactive effects that have been described as similar to alcohol intoxication. It contains the active compounds muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, which can induce relaxation, euphoria, and dream-like states. Ibotenic acid interacts with glutamate receptors, making it more stimulating and energising. When Amanita muscaria mushrooms contain more ibotenic acid than muscimol, users may experience confusion, agitation, and euphoria. Muscarine, although present in trace quantities, acts on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and can cause effects such as salivation and sweating.
It is important to note that consuming raw Amanita muscaria mushrooms can be toxic, and they can be poisonous in large amounts or if not prepared properly. Amanita muscaria has been associated with symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures. Regular consumption of this mushroom could be harmful, and although rare, cases of poisoning have been reported.
In terms of dosage, the psychoactive dose of muscimol and ibotenic acid is estimated to be 6 mg and 30-60 mg, respectively. One hundred grams of dried Amanita muscaria contains approximately 180 mg of these compounds. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming any substance, as individual reactions may vary.
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Amanita muscaria's therapeutic effects
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a poisonous mushroom with a characteristic red or orange cup, often covered with white flecks. It is often described as the prototypical 'toadstool' featured in fairy tales.
The key psychoactive constituents in these mushrooms are ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone. Muscimol is a potent agonist of all gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor subtypes and has a mild sedating effect. It is believed that muscimol could show positive indications for various mental and physical health issues, including sleep, insomnia, addiction, and pain.
Ibotenic acid acts as an excitatory amino acid at glutamate receptors, inducing an agitated toxic delirium. When mushrooms contain more ibotenic acid than muscimol, users typically report confusion, agitation, and euphoria.
Amanita muscaria is often used for intoxicating and religious purposes. It is also used less commonly as a hallucinogen because it can cause undesired symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, agitation, and seizures. It is important to note that regular consumption of the mushroom is likely harmful, and severe intoxications can have long-lasting clinical effects.
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Negative effects and risks
Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a poisonous mushroom with a characteristic red or orange cup, often covered with white flecks. It is one of the most lethal toxins among all poisonous mushrooms. While it is not included on the Controlled Substances list (except in Louisiana, where sales are restricted), it is associated with a range of negative effects and risks.
The key psychoactive constituents in Amanita muscaria mushrooms are ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone. Ibotenic acid interacts with glutamate receptors, making it more stimulating and energizing. When mushrooms contain more ibotenic acid than muscimol, users typically experience confusion, agitation, and euphoria. Muscimol, on the other hand, is a mild sedative and a potent agonist of GABA-A receptor subtypes.
The onset of symptoms after ingesting Amanita muscaria can be rapid, occurring within 30 minutes to 2 hours, and most intoxications clear within 5-24 hours. However, severe intoxications can have lasting clinical effects. The most common symptoms associated with ibotenic acid-containing mushrooms include gastrointestinal issues, CNS depression or excitation, confusion, dizziness, dysphoria, visual hallucinations, agitation, ataxia, muscle fasciculation, seizures, and coma. Seizures are generally reported only in pediatric ingestions. Regular consumption of the mushroom is likely to be harmful, and there have been reports of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from Amanita muscaria consumption.
Amanita muscaria is sometimes marketed as a dietary supplement or included in products such as gummies and chocolates. These products may be labelled as "nootropics" or "magic mushroom gummies," claiming to enhance cognitive function or provide therapeutic benefits. However, the lack of federal regulation and proper labelling poses significant risks to consumers. There have been cases where these products contained undisclosed ingredients, including Schedule I substances like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to severe illness and hospitalization.
Additionally, the consumption of Amanita muscaria has been associated with adverse effects on mental health, particularly in men. Some men consume Amanita muscaria to alleviate psychiatric symptoms without seeking professional help due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can lead to an increased risk of negative outcomes as individuals may not receive proper treatment for their conditions.
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