Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that produce the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause mind-altering effects. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world and continue to be used in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious, divinatory, or spiritual purposes. There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with the majority belonging to the genus Psilocybe. Other genera that contain psilocybin-producing fungi include Agrocybe, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, and Pluteus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms |
| Active compounds | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, dilated pupils, heightened anxiety, panic reactions, psychosis, perceptual changes, visual and auditory distortions, flashbacks |
| Dose | Subthreshold or microdoses (2.5 mg), low doses (5 to 10 mg), intermediate or "good effect" dose (20 mg), high or ego-dissolution doses (30 to 40 mg) |
| Therapeutic effects | Treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) |
| Legality | Decriminalized in Washington D.C. |
| Number of species | Over 100 species worldwide |
| Examples of species | Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps), Psilocybe cubensis (Golden Teachers), Psilocybe mexicana (Conical Caps), Psilocybe wayanadensis, Psilocybe xalapensis, Psilocybe yungensis, Psilocybe zapotecoantillarum, Psilocybe zapotecocaribaea |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' active compounds
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs that can induce hallucinations and alter sensory perceptions, cognitive processes, emotions, and the sense of time. The active compounds in magic mushrooms include psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin.
Psilocybin is the principal component of magic mushrooms and is responsible for their psychoactive effects. It is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and investigational drug found in over 200 species of mushrooms. Psilocybin is biologically inactive on its own but is quickly converted by the body to psilocin, its active metabolite. Psilocin is a tryptamine, chemically related to the neurotransmitter serotonin, and acts as a non-selective agonist of serotonin receptors, specifically the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, which is responsible for its hallucinogenic effects.
The effects of psilocybin and psilocin differ due to their molecular weight difference, with psilocin being about 1.4 times more potent than psilocybin. The psilocybin dose range of 10 to 50 mg corresponds to a mushroom dose of 1.0 to 5.0 g of dried mushrooms. Microdoses of psilocybin range from 0.1 to 0.3 g, while psychedelic doses are typically considered to be 1.0 g to 3.5–5.0 g.
Baeocystin and norbaeocystin are two additional tryptamines that may be present in magic mushrooms but are thought to be less active than psilocybin and psilocin. Animal studies suggest that the presence of these compounds may modify the effects of magic mushrooms, contributing to an "entourage effect."
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as mood, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations, as well as environmental factors such as surroundings, company, and sensory inputs like music and lighting. It is important to note that while magic mushrooms are not typically life-threatening, they can lead to negative experiences or "bad trips," particularly if consumed in large doses or with certain medications.
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History of use
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 a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The history of using hallucinogenic mushrooms for their psychoactive effects dates back thousands of years. Rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to around 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict the use of psychedelic mushrooms and the resulting transformations. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals approximately 6,000 years ago.
Native peoples of Mesoamerica have a long history of using hallucinogenic mushrooms in religious, divinatory, and healing practices. These mushrooms, primarily from the Psilocybe genus, have been integral to their cultural and spiritual traditions from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the widespread recreational use of magic mushrooms defined the psychedelic era. This prompted strict government control and regulations in many places. Despite this, magic mushrooms continue to be used recreationally and have a dedicated following.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms. They have been studied as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that psilocybin may aid in breaking old neural connections and forming new ones, potentially reducing negative thought patterns and fostering positive behavioural changes.
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Effects and risks
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, emotions, and perceptions. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted in the body to psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes when eaten and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects can vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. The strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and it is challenging to predict what kind of experience each user will have. Magic mushrooms can cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
The main risk associated with magic mushrooms is the possibility of consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake, as they can look very similar. Poisoning from mushroom ingestion can cause severe illness, organ damage, and even death. Additionally, there is a risk of a ""bad trip,"" which may be influenced by factors such as dose, individual mood, and environment. A bad trip can include terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, impaired judgment, and risk-taking behaviour, which may lead to traumatic injuries or death.
There is also a potential for long-term effects, including ""flashbacks" or hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), where individuals experience hallucinations or visual disturbances long after using the drug. These flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to years after consumption and are rare but potentially serious. Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline has been observed. Mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs, can also elevate the risk of serious side effects and adverse events.
While some research suggests that psilocybin may have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. The use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, and individuals should be cautious and informed about the potential effects and risks before considering their consumption.
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Treatment potential
Psilocybin, or 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.
Magic mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. Rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
In the 1960s, pure synthetic psilocybin was marketed by Sandoz for experimental and psychotherapeutic purposes. At present, there are no medical indications for psilocybin or psilocin. However, recent research has been reported on the treatment of compulsive disorders in humans. A growing number of studies are exploring the possible therapeutic benefits of drugs such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, MDMA, ibogaine, and ketamine. These studies are investigating psilocybin and other hallucinogens to treat psychiatric disorders, including chronic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug or alcohol dependency.
Microdosing has become a popular technique for many users, which involves taking less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for an experience that is not as intense or powerful but potentially enjoyable and alleviating for symptoms of depression.
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Legality
The legality of hallucinogenic mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin, the substances responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of these mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This means they are deemed to have no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse. However, the mushrooms themselves are not regulated by UN treaties, and the 1971 convention did not specifically include them, largely due to pressure from the Mexican government.
Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act have all been amended to reflect the terms of the UN convention. In these countries, the possession and use of psilocybin and psilocin are prohibited under almost all circumstances, and the mushrooms themselves are considered illegal by extension.
However, there are some jurisdictions where psilocybin mushrooms are legal or decriminalized. In the United States, Oregon was the first state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms and legalize their supervised use in 2020. Colorado followed suit in 2022, and both states have since issued licenses for medical-assisted use. Other US cities that have decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms include Denver, Oakland and Santa Cruz in California, and Olympia and Tacoma in Washington. In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes since 2023.
Outside of North America, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies. In Europe, Switzerland has had an exceptional use program in place since the 1980s, and Israel approved the therapeutic use of MDMA in 2019. Jamaica and Nepal have no specific laws regarding psilocybin, and in Mexico, Article 195 bis of the Federal Penal Code protects the spiritual or ceremonial use of psilocybin. In contrast, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in countries like Russia, India, and South Africa.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 100 species of hallucinogenic mushrooms worldwide, the majority of which are members of the genus Psilocybe.
Some of the most potent species of hallucinogenic mushrooms include Psilocybe azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Copelandia, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on the type of mushroom, dose, and setting. Generally, users may experience hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, sensory distortions, and emotional and neural changes. The effects typically appear within 15-45 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours.
