Michael Davis
Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as shrooms or magic mushrooms, are a form of fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. They have been used in traditional cultures for religious and spiritual purposes and have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies. Psilocybin can cause changes in perception, thought, and mood, resulting in altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and intense emotional experiences. While some people use psilocybin mushrooms recreationally or to improve their mental health, there are potential health risks associated with their use, particularly when unsupervised or outside of a clinical setting. The frequency of psilocybin mushroom use can vary, with some individuals microdosing or taking very small amounts regularly, while others may use them less frequently or on their own hoping to achieve similar results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for taking mushrooms | Recreational, therapeutic, self-treatment of a medical disorder, spiritual experience, to improve mental state and productivity, to get high |
| Who takes mushrooms | 7% of 7,000 people surveyed, 3% of the American public (8 million adults) |
| How often mushrooms are taken | Microdosing: 1/10 to 1/20th of a full dose, taken on one or two occasions or more than six days |
| Forms of mushrooms | Whole, fresh or dried mushrooms, processed form (e.g. chocolate), tea |
| History of mushroom use | Traditional ceremonies, healing rituals, religious ceremonies, research and clinical settings |
| Effects of mushrooms | Distorted sights and sounds, loss of sense of time and space, intense emotions, increased heart rate, nausea, dilated pupils, muscle weakness, flashbacks, impaired judgement and coordination, hallucinations |
| Risks of mushroom use | Misidentifying mushrooms, toxic chemicals, extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, bad trip, psychosis, suicidality, physical harm |
| Legality of mushrooms | Illegal in most countries, restricted access since the 1960s |
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Microdosing
There is no single, clearly recognized definition of a microdose for any psychedelic drug, but it is generally considered to be a fraction of a recreational dose. For psilocybin mushrooms, a microdose is typically estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.3 grams (100 to 300 mg) of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, or about 1/5 to 1/20 of a medium-strength dose. However, it is important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and it can be difficult to measure out such small doses accurately.
When considering microdosing, it is essential to do your research and understand the legal and health implications. Psychedelics are illegal in some places, and even in areas where they are decriminalized or legal for medical use, there may be potential legal ramifications for obtaining and using them. Microdosers should also be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with taking psychedelic substances, which can include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and increased blood pressure, anxiety, and cognitive functioning. While these effects are typically mild and short-lived, they can be more concerning for individuals with underlying mental health or heart conditions.
If you are interested in microdosing, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss the benefits and risks and determine if it is a suitable option for you. Some people choose to microdose on their own, while others work with a microdosing specialist or under the supervision of a health professional. It is also important to start with a low dose and pay attention to how you feel physically and emotionally, adjusting the dose as needed to achieve the desired effects.
Overall, while microdosing has gained popularity as a potential way to enhance mental health and well-being, there is limited research on its effectiveness and safety. More clinical and laboratory evidence is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of this practice.
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Therapeutic use
Interest in psilocybin, the main psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, as a therapeutic approach has grown exponentially in recent years. However, access to psilocybin worldwide has been largely restricted since the 1960s, which has hindered research and therapeutic use.
Despite the restrictions, some clinical trials have shown promising results for end-of-life distress, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use. It is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, such as Canada, and there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin.
When considering the therapeutic use of psilocybin mushrooms, it is recommended to allow 3-4 weeks between large doses (macrodosing) to ensure proper integration, reflection, and pacing. Microdosing, on the other hand, can be done more frequently, even 3-5 days a week, with breaks to prevent tolerance buildup. It is important to track experiences and moods during the process to maximize therapeutic benefits and minimize risks.
For those new to psilocybin, it is good clinical practice to start with a lower dried mushroom weight due to the variability in psilocybin content between batches. Additionally, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy should accompany the administration of psilocybin to maximize potential benefits. This type of psychotherapy focuses on pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment stages.
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Mental health risks
While psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance in magic mushrooms, has been found to have positive effects on mental health in controlled settings, its recreational use carries risks. The main risk factors include being young, scoring high for neuroticism, being underprepared, and being in an unsafe space.
Taking psilocybin outside of a controlled setting can lead to a range of undesirable and harmful effects. People who take psilocybin may experience extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia as they undergo its hallucinogenic effects, which is known as a "bad trip". In some cases, this can lead to psychological distress in the form of extreme anxiety or short-term psychosis.
Some people who take psilocybin may experience persistent, distressing alterations to how they see the world, such as visual flashbacks or traumatic recalls of intensely upsetting experiences. This is a rare condition called hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
Research has also found that regular use of psilocybin over a lifetime can lead to impairments lasting longer than one day. For example, some users have reported still seeing a "strange sparkle", melting wallpaper, and other optical illusions years later.
In addition, psilocybin can increase the risk of engaging in risky behaviours, such as driving dangerously or walking into traffic, which can put oneself or others at risk of physical harm.
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Physical health risks
While the risks associated with psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, are mostly psychological rather than physical, there are some physical health risks to be aware of.
Firstly, it is important to note that the physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person. Common short-term reactions include dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate, which are usually mild and considered side effects of emotional intensification. Other physical symptoms such as nausea, increased perspiration, numbing, and tremors can sometimes occur. These physical side effects can make psychological symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and mood swings appear more pronounced.
In addition, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and accidentally consuming a toxic or poisonous mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some commercial products marketed as containing psilocybin have been found to contain toxic chemicals and have caused severe illness.
Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing cardiac diseases should be cautious as the short-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, could potentially be harmful.
It is also worth mentioning that impaired judgment during a "bad trip" may lead to risk-taking behaviour, which could result in traumatic injuries or even death. While this is not a direct physical effect of the mushrooms themselves, it is a potential physical consequence that can occur as a result of impaired judgment and risk-taking behaviour during a "bad trip".
Overall, while psilocybin mushrooms are considered one of the least toxic drugs known, with extremely rare cases of death attributed solely to typical doses, it is important to be aware of these potential physical health risks and take harm reduction strategies into consideration when using these substances.
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Legal status
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across the world. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical use. However, psilocybin mushrooms have been used medicinally and religiously by numerous cultures throughout history, and they have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
While psilocybin mushrooms are not regulated by UN treaties, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition in place. For example, the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and similar laws in Australia prohibit the possession and use of psilocybin. In some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess, as they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other jurisdictions, they are banned as they are used in drug manufacturing. A few US states, such as California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is often considered drug manufacturing, which can carry felony penalties. However, there are variations in state laws within countries. For example, in the US, California exempts the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms from its harsh illegal drug manufacturing laws, making it a misdemeanour offence. New Mexico courts have also ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms for personal use does not constitute "manufacturing a controlled substance" under state law. In contrast, states like Arizona, Kansas, and Washington classify it as illegal drug manufacturing.
There have been recent moves towards decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin mushrooms in some places. In 2020, Oregon became the first US state to decriminalise psilocybin and legalise its supervised non-medical use. This was followed by Denver, Colorado, in 2021, which decriminalised psilocybin mushrooms through a ballot initiative. In 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms. At the same time, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. In Australia, psilocybin has been approved for use in prescription medications for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
While the trend towards decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin mushrooms is growing, it is important to note that the laws vary widely across different countries, states, and provinces. It is crucial to be aware of the specific regulations in your location, as penalties for unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms can be severe.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no recommended frequency for taking magic mushrooms. However, it is important to note that they are illegal in most countries and can cause potential health risks.
Microdosing typically involves taking a fraction of the usual dose of a substance. While there is no universal definition of microdosing, it is often considered to be in the range of 1/10 to 1/20th of a full dose. A study found that the majority of psilocybin microdosers in the past year had taken the drug on just one or two occasions, while about 11% had taken it more than six times.
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is currently being studied for its potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trial protocols have used a single dose or two doses separated by a 3-4 week washout period. The fixed dose used in these trials is typically 25 mg.
A "bad trip" refers to extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia experienced during a hallucinogenic trip. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a bad trip, taking certain precautions such as choosing a safe and peaceful environment and being in the right frame of mind can help reduce the risk.
It is important to prioritize your safety and well-being when considering the use of hallucinogens like magic mushrooms. The frequency of use should be determined by factors such as your physical and mental health, the environment you are in, and your relationships with others. It is not recommended to use hallucinogens as a way of coping with problems or as your main source of fun.
