Laura Smith
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by humans for thousands of years, with some evidence suggesting their use as early as 9000-7000 BC. They are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects. While they have been used in various cultures for centuries, particularly in Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, they gained popularity in the wider world during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, psilocybin mushrooms are known to have potential therapeutic benefits and are being studied for their effectiveness in treating conditions such as PTSD and depression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Type | Hallucinogenic mushroom, polyphyletic informal group of fungi |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin, which turns into psilocin upon ingestion |
| Number of species | Over 200 |
| Most common species | Psilocybe (116 species), Gymnopilus (14), Panaeolus (13), Copelandia (12), Pluteus (6), Inocybe (6), Pholiotina (4), and Galerina (1) |
| Potent species | P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens |
| Origin | Psilocybe mushrooms have been used by humans for thousands of years, including in religious ceremonies. |
| Regions | Psilocybin mushrooms occur on all continents, but the majority of species are found in subtropical humid forests. Many of them are found in Mexico (53 species), with the remainder distributed throughout Canada and the US (22), Europe (16), Asia (15), Africa (4), and Australia and associated islands (19). |
| Effects | Hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness |
| Doses | Low doses (5 to 10 mg), intermediate doses (20 mg), high doses (30 to 40 mg) |
| Microdoses | Less than 2.5 mg |
| Psychedelic doses | 1.0 g to 3.5–5.0 g in the case of dried mushrooms |
| Withdrawal effects | Mild psychological effects or feeling tired |
| Legal status | The production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some regions, such as Canada. They are also controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. |
| Therapeutic uses | There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, especially in the field of mental health. Clinical trials have shown promising results in treating conditions such as PTSD and depression. |
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What You'll Learn
Psychedelics in ancient art
The consumption of psychedelic substances is as old as recorded human history, if not older. Prehistoric cave paintings and sculptures from around the world depict mushrooms, often interacting with the human body in a psychedelic manner.
One of the most famous examples of ancient mushroom art is an Algerian cave painting from around 4700 BCE. The painting shows mushrooms merging with a human-like figure, its body covered in a fractal-like pattern reminiscent of psychedelic experiences.
Another example of ancient psychedelic art is found in the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau in southeastern Algeria, home to prehistoric rock art dating back to 9000-7000 BCE. Several paintings appear to depict the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms, specifically psilocybin-containing species. These paintings show mushroom-like objects with wavy stems and rounded caps, characteristic of Psilocybe mushrooms.
In California, researchers found the first evidence of psychedelic substances used alongside cave art. While this example is more recent than the aforementioned art, it is significant as researchers found residual psychedelic compounds in the form of chewed remnants of the sacred datura flower, or Datura wrightii. This flower has psychedelic properties and is thought to have been widely used by ancient peoples in the region.
The Mayan civilization, which flourished in Mesoamerica between 2000 BCE and 1500 CE, is known for its intricate art, architecture, and spiritual practices. One intriguing group of artifacts left behind are the "mushroom stones," small, carved stone sculptures depicting mushrooms with human or animal faces. These artifacts suggest a link between the Mayans and the use of psychedelic substances in their rituals or ceremonies.
Psychedelics have influenced art throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. The counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s embraced the use of psychedelics for personal growth and self-discovery, giving birth to the ""psychedelic art" genre. Artists like Peter Max and Wes Wilson created colourful, swirling images that captured the essence of the psychedelic experience, leaving a lasting impact on the era's visual culture.
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Modern popularity
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. They have been used in spiritual and religious contexts, particularly in Central America, where evidence of mushroom worship dates back to at least 1000 BCE. In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms have gained popularity for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, with ongoing research exploring their potential benefits for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance misuse.
The resurgence of psilocybin mushrooms in contemporary culture can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the dissemination of information and the publication of books in the 1970s contributed to their popularity. Works such as those by Carlos Castaneda and the Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide provided instructions on cultivating psilocybin mushrooms, making them more accessible to those interested in exploring their effects. This led to psilocybin becoming the "entheogen of choice" during that decade.
Secondly, pioneers like Timothy Leary played a significant role in advocating for psilocybin as a tool for expanding consciousness and personal transformation. Leary's experiences with psilocybin mushrooms in Mexico inspired him to initiate the Harvard Psilocybin Project upon his return to Harvard in 1960, along with Richard Alpert. They conducted research on the effects of psilocybin, including a notable experiment with prisoners that demonstrated a decrease in recidivism rates. Despite the controversy surrounding their work, Leary and Alpert's efforts brought psilocybin to the forefront of Western discussions on spirituality, psychology, and human potential.
Additionally, the integration of ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry has contributed to the popularity of psilocybin mushrooms in therapeutic contexts. Indigenous cultures have long recognized the spiritual and healing potential of these mushrooms, and now, modern research is exploring their therapeutic potential in a controlled, scientific setting. This integration of ancient knowledge and modern science presents a holistic approach to well-being and mental health treatment.
Lastly, the popularity of microdosing has also contributed to the modern-day appeal of psilocybin mushrooms. Microdosing involves consuming sub-threshold doses of psilocybin, typically less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms, resulting in a milder experience that is still recreationally enjoyable. This practice has gained traction among users who seek the potential benefits of psilocybin without the intensity of a full-fledged psychedelic experience.
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Global distribution
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin when ingested. Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled substances in many countries due to their psychoactive properties. However, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of mental health conditions.
Psilocybin mushrooms are found on all continents, with the majority of species occurring in subtropical humid forests. In a 2000 review, Gastón Guzmán and colleagues identified the worldwide distribution of hallucinogenic mushrooms across various genera, with the highest diversity observed in the Psilocybe genus (116 species).
Mexico is particularly notable for its high diversity of psilocybin mushrooms, with 53 species reported. The United States and Canada are home to 22 species, followed by Europe with 16 species, Asia with 15 species, Africa with 4 species, and Australia and its associated islands with 19 species.
P. cubensis is the most common Psilocybe species found in tropical areas, while P. semilanceata is considered the most widely distributed psilocybin mushroom, occurring in temperate regions of Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, but notably absent from Mexico.
The global distribution of psilocybin mushrooms is not limited to these regions, as evidenced by their historical use by various indigenous groups and the presence of cave paintings and rock art in modern-day Algeria and Spain, suggesting their use predates recorded history. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms have been consumed for thousands of years by groups such as the Mazatecs, Mixes, Nahuatls, and Zapotecs.
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Toxicity and safety
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, philosopher's stones, liberties, amani, or agarics, are not a harmless or legal high. They are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. The psilocybin content of dried herbarium specimens of Psilocybe semilanceata was shown to decrease with increasing age, with collections dated 11, 33, or 118 years old containing 0.84%, 0.67%, and 0.014% (all dry weight), respectively.
Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. It is classified as a hallucinogen and a psychedelic drug, which means it can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and adverse side effects are often mild or moderate and may resolve with time, but some people may require medical treatment. The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking magic mushrooms.
Shrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be mixed with food or drinks to mask their bitter taste, or with cannabis or tobacco and smoked. Liquid psilocybin is also available, which is the naturally occurring psychedelic drug found in liberty caps. The liquid is clear brown and comes in a small vial. Manufacturers can also crush dried mushrooms into a powder and prepare them in capsules. Some people who consume these mushrooms fresh cover them with chocolate. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, but research is ongoing, and people may risk poisoning from picking the wrong types of mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms are often sought out for a peaceful high, but they have been reported to induce anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion in some. Other common side effects include nausea, yawning, feeling drowsy, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis. Neurotoxicity-induced fatal events are uncommon with psilocybin mushroom overdose, as most patients admitted to critical care are released from the department only requiring moderate treatment. However, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis can occur as a result of overconsumption of psilocybin mushrooms.
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Potential therapeutic uses
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that have been used in traditional ceremonies and spiritual rituals for thousands of years. They are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, despite their classification as a Schedule I substance with a "high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose" by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Psilocybin mushrooms have been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, with research suggesting their potential in treating depression, anxiety, and psychological distress associated with end-stage cancer. A 2022 review indicated that psilocybin may help regulate the brain's reward system in individuals with depression or suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute is funding a multi-site clinical trial to investigate psilocybin's efficacy in treating cancer-related mental health issues.
Psilocybin has also been studied for its potential in treating substance use disorders and aiding in smoking cessation. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is actively researching psilocybin's effects on the brain and body and exploring the possibility of similar substances that offer therapeutic benefits without hallucinogenic side effects.
In addition to the above, psilocybin mushrooms are being investigated for a range of other therapeutic applications, including the treatment of alcohol use disorder, PTSD, migraines, and anorexia nervosa. However, it is important to note that while psilocybin shows promise in these areas, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
The potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin mushrooms are being actively explored, and further research is needed to fully understand their benefits and risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, have been used by humans for thousands of years. Rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating back to 9000-7000 BCE, depicts psychedelic mushrooms.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been found on every continent, with the majority of species occurring in subtropical humid forests. They are often dark-spored, gilled mushrooms that grow in meadows and woods in the subtropics and tropics.
Psilocybin was first synthesized in mushrooms in the Psilocybe genus, with possible horizontal gene transfers to other mushrooms from 40 to 9 million years ago. The evolutionary history of psilocybin suggests that it may have benefited the mushrooms, perhaps as a chemical defense against insects or predators.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Indigenous American and Mesoamerican cultures for religious, divinatory, and spiritual purposes. They are also used recreationally as a psychedelic drug, inducing hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness.
