John Miller
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 mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by indigenous groups worldwide. There are more than 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with almost 200 different types of mushrooms varying in composition. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybe cubensis is the most widely consumed species of magic mushroom due to its ease of cultivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of species | There are more than 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with some sources stating there are almost 200 species. |
| Genera | Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Pholiotina, Pluteus, Agrocybe, and more. |
| Species | P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, P. cyanescens, P. cubensis, P. maluti, P. ingeli, P. pelliculosa, P. mexicana, P. wayanadensis, P. weraroa, P. xalapensis, P. yungensis, P. zapotecoantillarum, P. zapotecocaribaea, and many others. |
| Distribution | Psilocybin mushrooms are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are especially common in Mexico, which has 53 species, followed by the US and Canada (22 species), Europe (16 species), Asia (15 species), Africa (4 species), and Australia and surrounding islands (19 species). |
| History of use | Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world. They may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and are represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. |
| Effects | Psilocybin mushrooms produce psychedelic effects, including hallucinations, distorted and heightened sensory impressions, and emotional and neural changes. The effects are highly subjective and can vary depending on the type of mushroom, dose, and setting. |
| Dosing | A 5.0 g dose of dried mushrooms is often referred to as a "heroic dose." Low doses range from 5 to 10 mg, while intermediate doses are around 20 mg. High doses range from 30 to 40 mg. Microdosing, or taking less than 1.0 g, has become a popular technique for a milder experience. |
| Safety | Psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence. However, they may cause physical effects such as nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. They can also be easily confused with poisonous mushrooms, so proper identification is critical. |
| Legality | Psilocybin mushrooms are strictly controlled in many places due to their widespread recreational use. |
| Therapeutic potential | Psilocybin mushrooms are being studied for their potential to treat chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD. They may also play a role in addressing mental health challenges and promoting holistic well-being. |
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What You'll Learn
The four genera 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. The effects of psilocybin and psilocin are highly subjective and depend on the type of mushroom, the dosage, how it is prepared, and the user's psychological state and environment. These mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world and are popular as recreational drugs.
There are more than 100 psilocybin mushroom species worldwide, distributed among the following four genera:
Psilocybe
This is the most common genus of psilocybin mushrooms, with approximately 116 species. Psilocybe mexicana and Psilocybe cubensis (P. cubensis) are two well-known species within this genus. P. cubensis is the most common Psilocybe in tropical areas, while P. semilanceata is considered the world's most widely distributed psilocybin mushroom, found in temperate parts of Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Other potent species within this genus include P. azurescens and P. cyanescens.
Panaeolus
This genus includes approximately 13 species of psilocybin mushrooms, including Panaeolus subbalteatus, which has been found to have the highest amount of psilocybin compared to other species. Panaeolus is also known to contain Copelandia, with around 12 species.
Inocybe
The Inocybe genus includes approximately six species of psilocybin mushrooms. This genus is known to produce dark spores, and the mushrooms may closely resemble poisonous species.
Gymnopilus
This genus contains approximately 14 species of psilocybin mushrooms. Species within this genus are typically found in tropical and subtropical forests and are especially common in Mexico.
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Effects of psilocybin and psilocin
There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with the majority of these belonging to the genus Psilocybe. Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that produce two primary psychoactive compounds: psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects of these mushrooms.
The effects of psilocybin and psilocin are highly subjective and depend on various factors such as the type of mushroom, preparation, dosage, and the psychological state and environment of the user. The sensory, emotional, and neural changes experienced during a session can vary significantly among individuals. Some users may witness distorted and heightened sensory impressions, such as vivid colours or auras, objects morphing, and sounds becoming more complex.
Psilocybin mushrooms can induce a range of physical effects, including nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychedelic effects typically appear within 15 to 50 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. It is worth noting that psilocybin mushrooms have not been found to cause physical or psychological dependence.
The active compounds in psilocybin mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. The activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is specifically responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of psilocin and other serotonergic psychedelics. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used traditionally for hundreds or even thousands of years by Indigenous groups worldwide. They are now being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be controlled by dosage. Microdoses, ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, provide a less intense experience, while psychedelic doses of 1.0 to 3.5–5.0 grams can induce full hallucinogenic effects. It is important to note that the combination of psilocybin mushrooms with certain substances, such as MAO inhibitors, can result in overdose and toxicity.
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History of use and popularisation
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world, including the South American Aztec Indians, who referred to them as "god's flesh" and used them in religious and healing rituals. Spanish chroniclers first documented their use in the 16th century, and in 1958, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin and psilocin from the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom.
In the 1960s and 1970s, prominent academics such as Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert from Harvard University researched and publicized the consciousness-expanding properties of psilocybin mushrooms. This led to an explosion in their use, with many species being described and widely collected from North America, Europe, and Asia. The popularization of entheogens by figures such as Leary, Terence McKenna, and Robert Anton Wilson further contributed to their widespread use. Books detailing methods for cultivating Psilocybe cubensis also became available, making psilocybin mushrooms one of the most commonly used psychedelic drugs.
Media attention, including the film "Fantastic Fungi" and the book "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan, has helped to popularize the potential benefits of psychedelics. This shift in perception has led to a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms, with research suggesting their effectiveness in treating chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of traditional use and are found in more than 100 species worldwide, with the majority belonging to the genus Psilocybe. They are commonly used as recreational drugs, and their effects include euphoria, changes in perception, distorted sense of time, and spiritual experiences. However, adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks can also occur, and their legality varies worldwide, with many countries having some level of regulation or prohibition.
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Safety and legal status
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic compound psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world and are popular as recreational drugs.
The safety profile of psilocybin mushrooms is generally considered favourable, with no known cases of overdose or physical addiction. However, they can induce psychological dependence in some users. The physical effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms may include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychological effects are highly subjective and can vary depending on the user's psychological state, the dose, and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed.
In terms of legal status, psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit or strictly control the use of these substances. As a result, many countries have amended their national drug laws to reflect the terms of the convention, making the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms illegal under most circumstances. Examples include the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002.
However, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin mushrooms for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. For instance, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Similarly, in February 2021, Oregon legalized the use of "magic mushrooms" for mental health treatment in supervised settings. In 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and Australia approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
It is worth noting that the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide, and there may be regional variations within countries. Additionally, while the mushrooms themselves are often illegal, there is ambiguity in some jurisdictions regarding the legal status of psilocybin mushroom spores, which has led to an underground economy for their sale and cultivation.
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Methods of cultivation
There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, found on every continent except Antarctica. They are commonly known as "magic mushrooms" and are an informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic compound psilocin upon ingestion.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be cultivated at home, but it is important to note that cultivating psilocybin mushrooms raises complex legal concerns that vary by location. Sanitation and sterilization are key when growing psilocybin mushrooms. It is crucial to maintain a clean, dust-free environment and treat all equipment, work surfaces, containers, and gloves with alcohol and heat before beginning the cultivation process.
The seven main stages of mushroom cultivation are:
- Strain Selection: Choosing the specific strain of psilocybin mushroom to cultivate, such as P. semilanceata or P. mexicana.
- Substrate Preparation: Preparing the substrate, or the material that serves as a food source for mushroom mycelium. Common substrates include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, logs, stumps, woodchips, straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, and grain hulls.
- Inoculation: Introducing the mycelium of the desired mushroom species to the substrate.
- Incubation: Allowing the mycelium to colonize the substrate.
- Initiation: Preparing for the fruiting stage by creating the optimal environmental conditions.
- Fruiting: Formation of the mushrooms.
- Harvest: Collecting the mature mushrooms.
The Mars Hydro VG80 2x4 Indoor Grow Tent Kit is a popular option for cultivating psilocybin mushrooms due to its ability to provide a controlled environment with proper ventilation, lighting control, and humidity and temperature monitoring. It is important to note that mushrooms require specific environmental conditions, including suitable temperatures, humidity, and light conditions, for successful growth.
Additionally, the choice of substrate is crucial as it provides the essential nutrients for mushroom growth. Different substrates have unique preparation methods to ensure the right balance of nutrients and moisture. Sterilization of the substrate can be achieved through the use of a pressure cooker.
Some species of psilocybin mushrooms, such as P. mexicana, are known for their high yield and ease of cultivation, while others, like Penis Envy Mushrooms, are more challenging to cultivate but offer high concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin. It is important to always check the specific requirements for each strain of mushroom being cultivated to avoid reduced crop yields or lowered psychoactivity.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with the majority being members of the genus Psilocybe.
Psilocybe cubensis is the most widely consumed species of psilocybin mushroom. Other examples include Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe pelliculosa.
Psilocybin mushrooms grow across the world, most commonly in meadows and grasslands across Europe and the US. They have also been found in Chile, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand.
