Sarah Brown
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects of these mushrooms. There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, the majority of which are members of the genus Psilocybe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Species | Over 100 |
| Common Strains | Psilocybe Cubensis, B+, Penis Envy, Golden Teachers, Psilocybe Cyanescens, Psilocybe Mexicana |
| Effects | Hallucinations, detachment from the body, anxiety, fear, euphoria, increased introspection, visual distortions, therapeutic effects |
| Duration of Effects | 3-6 hours |
| Legality | Varies by country and region |
| Treatment for Addiction | Supervised detox, counselling and therapy |
| Active Compounds | Psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, bufotenin, aeruginascin |
| Use Cases | Recreational, therapeutic, spiritual |
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What You'll Learn
- There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with some sources claiming there are over 200 species
- The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens
- Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world
- Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many places, including Canada, the United States, and Australia
- There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms for treating mental health disorders
There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with some sources claiming there are over 200 species
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms," are hallucinogenic fungi that contain psychoactive compounds, primarily psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the mushrooms' mind-altering effects, which can include hallucinations, detachment from the body, anxiety, and fear. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or even thousands of years by indigenous groups around the world, particularly in Mesoamerica, for sacred rituals and healing practices.
There are indeed over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, with some sources claiming there are over 200 species. The majority of these species belong to the genus Psilocybe, which includes well-known strains such as Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe mexicana, and Psilocybe cyanescens. Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "Golden Teachers," is commonly found in the southern and central regions of the United States, as well as in Mexico and Central and South America. It is known for its large size and golden-yellow caps, and it is said to provide users with deep insights and a sense of connection with nature. Psilocybe cyanescens, or "wavy caps," are potent psilocybin mushrooms found in the Pacific West region of the United States and Canada. They are often smaller than other strains but contain higher levels of psilocybin and psilocin.
In addition to the Psilocybe genus, other genera with psilocybin-containing fungi include Agrocybe, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, and Pluteus. These mushrooms can be found all over the world, except for Antarctica, with most species flourishing in tropical and subtropical forests, especially in Mexico.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically last between 4 to 6 hours, and the experience can vary greatly between individuals. Factors such as the mushroom species, the setting, and the user's mental state can significantly influence the nature of the experience. While many users report positive and insightful experiences, there is also a risk of experiencing frightening or distressing hallucinations, known as a "bad trip." Due to their potential therapeutic benefits in treating psychiatric disorders, psilocybin mushrooms have gained increasing interest in recent years. However, it is important to note that their use may be illegal in many places, and they should be approached with caution.
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The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens
Psilocybe mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are a diverse group of fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. There are many species of Psilocybe mushrooms, but some of the most potent members of this genus include P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens.
Psilocybe azurescens is a highly potent psychedelic mushroom species. It is distinguished by its conic to convex-shaped cap, which is 3-10 cm in diameter and chestnut to caramel in colour. This mushroom is native to a small area on the West Coast of the United States, particularly in parts of Oregon, Washington, and California. It has an affinity for coastal dune grasses and grows in tight clusters on deciduous wood-chips or sandy soils rich in lignicolous debris. P. azurescens is known for its extremely bitter taste and odour, which ranges from undetectable to starchy. Its potency arises from its high psilocybin and psilocin content, averaging about 1.1% and 0.15%, respectively.
Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as the "liberty cap", is another highly potent species. This mushroom is widely distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, and has also been reported in some temperate areas of the Southern Hemisphere. P. semilanceata grows in grassland habitats, especially wet areas, and feeds on decaying grass roots. It is characterised by its thin, membrane-like flesh, farinaceous odour, and bluish staining when handled or bruised. Its spores are deep reddish-purple brown and oblong or oval in shape.
Psilocybe cyanescens, a close relative of Psilocybe allenii, is a potent species native to North America. It fruits abundantly, sometimes yielding more than 100,000 mushrooms in a single patch. P. cyanescens has a hygrophanous cap that is caramel to chestnut-brown when moist and fades to pale buff or yellowish when dried. The cap is typically wavy and measures 1.5-5 cm across. Like other members of the Psilocybe cyanescens complex, this mushroom bruises bluish or blue-green when damaged due to the oxidation of psilocin. Its potency makes it sought-after by recreational drug users in areas where it grows naturally.
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Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world
Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that produce the two primary psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the mushrooms' consciousness-expanding properties. There are over 100 species of psilocybin mushrooms worldwide, most of which are members of the genus Psilocybe. Other genera with psilocybin-containing fungi include Agrocybe, Copelandia, Galerina, Gerronema, Gymnopilus, Hypholoma, Inocybe, Panaeolus, Pholiotina, and Pluteus.
Among the Aztecs, psilocybin mushrooms were known as "teonanácatl", or "flesh of the gods", and were consumed during religious ceremonies and psychedelic tea ceremonies. These ceremonies were designed to induce visionary states for divination, healing, and communing with the gods. Spanish chroniclers of the 16th century witnessed these practices and were both fascinated and horrified, often misinterpreting the rituals through the lens of their own religious beliefs. Despite attempts to suppress these traditions, the use of psychedelics in ceremonies persisted in secret, passed down through generations and kept alive by indigenous shamans and healers.
In addition to the Aztecs, other Mesoamerican cultures such as the Mazatecs, Chinantecs, Mixes, Zapotecs, Chatinos, Nahuas, and Matlatzincas also used psilocybin mushrooms in their spiritual practices. Archaeological evidence suggests that the use of psilocybin mushrooms in religious and healing rituals dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
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Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many places, including Canada, the United States, and Australia
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are illegal in many places around the world, including Canada, the United States, and Australia. Despite this, "magic mushroom" shops are popping up across these countries, mirroring the trend seen with cannabis before its legalization. The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across jurisdictions, with some places decriminalizing or regulating their use for medicinal or therapeutic purposes.
In Canada, psilocybin is illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996, and the drug is listed as a Schedule I substance. However, in January 2023, the province of Alberta announced that it would regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. This has led to a grey area in the enforcement of laws against psilocybin, with "magic mushroom" shops opening across the country and raids and arrests being made in some cases.
In the United States, psilocybin was first regulated at the federal level by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965 and was officially banned in 1968. It is listed as a Schedule I drug under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Despite this, there have been efforts to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin at the state and local levels. Cities like Denver, Santa Cruz, and Ann Arbor have decriminalized the possession and cultivation of psilocybin, and Oregon has gone a step further by legalizing its use in supervised non-medical settings. In 2022, Colorado became the second state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and other states like California have pending legislation to legalize the possession and use of psilocybin. However, it is important to note that psilocybin remains illegal under federal law, and most US state courts consider the mushroom a "container" of illicit drugs.
In Australia, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal under the Poisons Standard as of October 2015. However, in February 2023, Australia approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. This marks a significant shift in the country's approach to psilocybin and opens the door for further exploration of its therapeutic potential.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is complex and evolving, with increasing advocacy for decriminalization and legalization due to their perceived therapeutic benefits. While they remain illegal in many places, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, there are ongoing discussions and efforts to regulate their use for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
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There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms for treating mental health disorders
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that have been used by indigenous cultures in sacred rituals for millennia. The Psilocybe genus is known for producing psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and aeruginascin. Psilocybe cubensis, in particular, is one of the most widely recognised and cultivated psilocybin mushrooms globally.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy. For example, research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that psilocybin, when combined with talk therapy, significantly improved symptoms of clinical depression, with some participants experiencing benefits for up to a year after just two doses. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to reduce anxiety in cancer patients and facilitate smoking cessation. The compound has also been explored for its potential in treating eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and more.
Despite the growing body of positive research, there are still challenges and uncertainties surrounding the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes. Further clinical trials with larger participant groups are needed to fully understand how psilocybin works, who it works for, and the optimal frequency of use. Obtaining funding for such studies can be difficult due to the stigma associated with psilocybin, which has hindered governmental funding initiatives. However, as more trials highlight the potential benefits of psilocybin, there may be increased incentive for investment in this emerging field of therapeutic research.
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Frequently asked questions
There are more than 100 species of psilocybe mushrooms worldwide, with some sources claiming there are at least 245 different species.
The four most well-known genera of psilocybe mushrooms are Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Gymnopilus, and Pluteus.
Psilocybe cubensis is the most widely consumed species of psilocybe mushroom. It is very easy to cultivate indoors, even for amateurs, making it the most widely available species globally.
Some other common species of psilocybe mushrooms include Psilocybe semilanceata (commonly known as Liberty Caps) and Psilocybe mexicana (commonly known as Conical Caps).
Psilocybe mushrooms can be found on every continent except Antarctica, but most species are found in tropical and subtropical forests, especially in Mexico.
