Laura Smith
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, have gained popularity for their therapeutic benefits. However, when consumed recreationally, they can lead to adverse effects. While death by overdose is considered extremely unlikely due to the low toxicity of psilocybin, consuming too many mushrooms can increase the likelihood of a bad trip, which may lead to psychologically challenging experiences and, in rare cases, self-harm. Additionally, it's crucial to distinguish between psychedelic and poisonous mushrooms, as certain toxic mushrooms can be deadly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of overdose | Yes |
| Possibility of death | Extremely unlikely |
| Factors contributing to death | Mixing with other substances, underlying health conditions, mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psychedelic mushrooms |
| Median lethal dose in rats | 280mg per kg of body mass |
| Lethal dose for a 60 kg human | 16.78 kg of fresh mushrooms or 1.68 kg of dried mushrooms |
| Symptoms of overdose | Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, panic, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, fluctuations in heart rate, dilated pupils, etc. |
| Deaths due to overdose | 2 reported deaths, but scientists doubt if they were solely due to mushrooms |
| Deaths due to mushroom poisoning | 3 per year in the US |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are not addictive
It is extremely unlikely that one could fatally overdose on magic mushrooms. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has low toxicity, and the psilocybin concentration in mushrooms is also low, usually 10-12mg per 1g of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. The lethal dose of psilocybin in humans is not known, but it is estimated that for a 60 kg (130 lb) human to reach that concentration, they would have to consume 16.78 kg (or 37 lb) of fresh mushrooms or 1.68 kg (3.7 lb) of dried mushrooms. Given the vomiting and nausea psilocybin mushrooms induce, that is likely a physiologically impossible feat.
Magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive like other substances (e.g. opioids or alcohol). However, some sources note that psychological dependence can develop. There is no significant physiological dependence associated with the drug, and withdrawal is not likely, although it may take a day or two to feel normal after ingesting mushrooms. There are currently no medications that treat addiction to mushrooms or other hallucinogens.
While magic mushrooms are not addictive in the same way as opioids or stimulants, misuse of mushrooms does occur and can cause adverse effects. People who use mushrooms may also be more likely to struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder. Additionally, repeated use of mushrooms quickly leads to significant tolerance. If a person has a tolerance to psilocybin, they may also have a tolerance to similar hallucinogens, such as LSD. This is known as cross-tolerance.
Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, including in religious rituals. Today, some people use magic mushrooms in the hopes of having a unique, interesting, enlightening, and/or spiritual experience. Others take very small amounts of the substance regularly, a practice called microdosing, trying to improve their mental state and productivity. Researchers are testing psilocybin's potential to treat mental health disorders like substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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A fatal overdose is unlikely
While it is possible to overdose on mushrooms, a fatal overdose is unlikely. Mushrooms have very low toxicity, and the psilocybin concentration in mushrooms is low, making a fatal overdose extremely improbable. In fact, of 12,000 people who reported using magic mushrooms, only 0.2% sought emergency medical attention, a rate at least five times lower than that of cocaine, LSD, and MDMA.
The lethal dose of psilocybin in humans is not known. However, it is estimated that every mushroom contains about 1% psilocybin of its weight. Based on the median lethal dose in rats, it is estimated that for a 60 kg (130 lb) human to reach that concentration, they would have to consume 16.78 kg (or 37 lb) of fresh mushrooms or 1.68 kg (3.7 lb) of dried mushrooms. Given the vomiting and nausea psilocybin mushrooms induce, consuming this amount is likely a physiologically impossible feat.
Most reported deaths associated with psilocybin mushrooms involve people in the grips of bad trips harming themselves. Experts believe these cases are exceedingly rare. However, people with underlying health conditions who take psilocybin mushrooms alongside other substances may be more susceptible to adverse effects. Illicitly sold mushrooms may also be regular mushrooms laced with other drugs like LSD or PCP, increasing the risk of overdose or death.
It is also important to note that one can mistakenly consume poisonous mushrooms instead of psychedelic mushrooms, which can be fatal. Mushroom poisoning can result from ingesting wild mushrooms after misidentifying a toxic mushroom as an edible species. To prevent mushroom poisoning, mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with the mushrooms they intend to collect and any similar-looking toxic species.
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Poisonous mushrooms can kill
While it is extremely unlikely that consuming psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, will result in death, it is important to be aware that poisonous mushrooms can kill. Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested, often due to misidentification as an edible species. With some toxins, death can occur within a week or a few days. According to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) in the United States, mushroom poisoning kills an average of about three people per year.
There are more poisonous mushrooms in the wild than psychedelic ones, so it is crucial for foragers to be able to distinguish between the two. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to familiarize yourself with both the mushrooms you intend to collect and any similar-looking toxic species. In addition, the safety of eating wild mushrooms may depend on how they are prepared for cooking. Some toxins, like amatoxins, are thermostable, meaning mushrooms containing these toxins will remain unsafe to eat even after cooking.
Amanitas, for example, can be mistaken for other mushroom species, especially when immature. David Arora, the author of Mushrooms Demystified, warns foragers to be cautious of Amanita "eggs", which are Amanitas still encased in their universal veil. These can be difficult to distinguish from puffballs, so it is recommended to cut suspected puffballs in half to check for the presence of Amanitas.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure and death. The most common consequence is gastrointestinal upset, causing vomiting and diarrhea. However, some mushroom toxins specifically target the kidneys or liver, resulting in organ failure. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect mushroom poisoning to increase the chances of recovery.
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A bad trip can be dangerous
While the toxicity of psilocybin mushrooms is very low, making a fatal overdose extremely unlikely, a bad trip can be dangerous. A bad trip on magic mushrooms can be a terrifying experience that evokes intense emotions and can lead to unpredictable, potentially dangerous behaviour. This may include injuring oneself or others, as in the classic case of a mushroom user who jumped out of a window because they believed they could fly. In a tiny minority of cases, a bad trip can lead to self-harm or suicide, though this is very uncommon.
Among people who sought medical attention after using magic mushrooms, the most common symptoms were anxiety and panic (68%), paranoia and suspiciousness (68%), and seeing and hearing things (42%)—all symptoms of a bad trip. No emergency room visits led to death or lasting harm, and all but one patient recovered within 24 hours.
The risk of a bad trip may increase if a person takes higher doses of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before taking it. Mixing mushrooms with other substances, such as alcohol, can also increase the risk of a bad trip and enhance the negative side effects. Illicitly sold mushrooms may be regular mushrooms laced with other drugs like LSD or PCP, or they may be poisonous mushrooms, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to know your dealer and, whenever possible, check your drugs.
To reduce the risk of a bad trip, it is recommended to have a "trip buddy" who is not under the influence and can help you cope if you get injured or have a bad trip. It is also important to plan your trip by choosing a safe, peaceful place to hang out, as most trips last 8-12 hours. It is best to avoid looking in mirrors or having sex with anyone other than a familiar partner, as these activities can have unexpected results.
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Mixing mushrooms with alcohol is dangerous
While it is extremely unlikely that one would overdose on mushrooms alone, mixing mushrooms with alcohol is dangerous and can lead to a host of adverse effects. Mushrooms, also known as shrooms, liberties, mushies, or magics, contain psilocybin, a natural hallucinogenic and psychoactive compound. When consumed, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which is responsible for the drug's psychoactive effects. These effects include hallucinations, an inability to tell the difference between fantasy and reality, heightened senses, and intensified emotions.
Mixing mushrooms with alcohol can cause unpredictable results and is considered a high-risk combination by experts. The combination of these substances can alter levels of intoxication, which comes with risks such as accidents and bodily injury. Additionally, the negative side effects of both drugs are magnified, increasing the risk of a ""bad trip,"" which can include frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and negative emotions. The combination may also make it more difficult to think clearly, increasing the risk of harm to oneself or others.
The unpredictable nature of mixing mushrooms and alcohol is due to the drugs affecting the brain in similar ways. Combining substances that act similarly intensifies their effects, side effects, and potential risks. While some people may experience a lower effect from the mushrooms when mixed with alcohol, this has not been proven, and the masking of one drug's effects by the other could lead to increased consumption of both.
The potential dangers of mixing mushrooms with alcohol are further compounded by the possibility of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms. There are more poisonous mushrooms in the wild than psychedelic ones, and misidentification could lead to severe illness or even death.
It is important to note that the combination of mushrooms and alcohol can lead to addiction, exhibiting symptoms of both alcoholism and drug addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with the misuse of mushrooms and alcohol, seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider or addiction treatment centre.
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Frequently asked questions
It is extremely unlikely that you can fatally overdose on mushrooms. The lethal dose of psilocybin in humans isn’t known. For a 60 kg (130 lb) human, it would take 16.78 kg (37 lb) of fresh mushrooms or 1.68 kg (3.7 lb) of dried mushrooms to reach the median lethal dose in rats. However, it is physiologically impossible to consume this amount due to the nausea and vomiting that psilocybin mushrooms induce.
Consuming mushrooms can lead to a "bad trip", which can be psychologically challenging and, in rare cases, lead to self-harm. It may also lead to unpleasant side effects such as nausea, muscle weakness, panic, anxiety, paranoia, and frightening hallucinations. People with underlying health conditions or those taking mushrooms alongside other substances may be more susceptible to adverse effects.
Mushroom poisoning can result in slight gastrointestinal discomfort or even death in about 10 days. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure, and abdominal pain. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to familiarize yourself with both edible and toxic mushroom species. Avoid consuming wild mushrooms unless you are certain of their edibility. Some toxins are thermostable, meaning they will not be destroyed by cooking. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mushroom poisoning, seek medical help immediately.
