Michael Davis
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are increasingly popular among young adults and teens. Certain mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, substances that can cause hallucinations. Used in large enough doses, these mushrooms have effects similar to the drug LSD. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip vary depending on the user's mood, personality, and expectations. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In very rare cases, taking a large amount of mushrooms can even cause death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average age of first-time users | 17 years old |
| Gender of first-time users | 60% male |
| Race of first-time users | 71% non-Hispanic White |
| Percentage of first-time users with major depression | 31% |
| Percentage of non-users with major depression | 16% |
| Percentage of individuals aged 12 or older using psilocybin in 2022 | 11.3% |
| Percentage of young adults (aged 19-30) using hallucinogens in 2021 | 6.6% |
| Percentage of young adults (aged 19-30) using hallucinogens in 2018 | 3.4% |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, drowsiness, relaxation, nausea, excessive yawning, flashbacks |
| Duration of effects | 6 hours |
| Time taken for effects to kick in | 30-45 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms and their history
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms," are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin when ingested. They have a long and varied history of use by humans, dating back thousands of years.
One of the earliest known depictions of hallucinogenic mushroom use is a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain, which illustrates what appear to be Psilocybe hispanica mushrooms, a species with hallucinogenic properties. Additional rock art from around the same period in Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain also suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals approximately 6,000 years ago.
In Mesoamerica, native peoples have a long history of using hallucinogenic mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing. Mushroom stones and motifs have been discovered in Guatemala, and a statuette dating from around 200 CE that depicts a mushroom resembling Psilocybe mexicana was found in a tomb in the Mexican state of Colima. The Aztecs referred to these mushrooms as teōnanācatl, meaning "god's flesh" or "divine mushroom," and they were reportedly served at the coronation of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II in 1502.
Spanish missionaries in the 1500s attempted to destroy all records and evidence of mushroom use, but a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan friar and historian mentioned teonanacatl in his writings, sparking a later search for the identity of this substance. In 1955, Valentina Pavlovna Wasson and R. Gordon Wasson became the first known European Americans to participate in an indigenous mushroom ceremony, and they later publicized their experience in a 1957 magazine article.
In modern times, magic mushrooms are often used recreationally, particularly among young adults and teens. While some states have decriminalized psilocybin-containing mushrooms, they are not FDA-approved as medicine and can be dangerous, especially to younger individuals. Poison control centers have reported an increase in calls related to psilocybin use, with adolescents and young adults experiencing hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and other negative side effects.
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The effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are hallucinogenic and can cause a range of effects, including altered perception of time and space, intense mood changes, and sensory distortion. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours.
The active ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a hallucinogen that binds to and activates serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception. Psilocybin can also affect other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses. The quantity of psilocybin consumed, as well as individual factors such as age, biology, sex, personality, and expectations, can all influence the effects experienced.
While magic mushrooms are considered to have a low risk of addiction and toxicity, they can still pose dangers. Accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms can result in gastrointestinal illness or even death. Additionally, magic mushrooms can cause adverse side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, and, in rare cases, long-term mental health conditions like psychosis. Furthermore, the altered state of consciousness induced by magic mushrooms can impair judgment, making activities like driving dangerous.
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The dangers of magic mushrooms
While magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, they can be extremely dangerous, especially for teens and young adults. The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is a hallucinogenic substance that can cause a range of adverse effects, from mild to severe.
One of the primary dangers of magic mushrooms is the unpredictability of their effects. While some users may experience feelings of euphoria and relaxation, others may suffer from terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The user's mood, personality, expectations, and biological factors play a significant role in determining the nature of their "trip". Unfortunately, there is no way to end a bad trip other than waiting for it to run its course, which could take hours.
Magic mushrooms can also lead to dangerous behaviour, such as attempting to drive under the influence, which can result in accidents. The impairment in judgement and perception caused by psilocybin can make users less aware of their physical surroundings and increase the risk of physical harm to themselves and others.
In rare cases, consuming a large amount of magic mushrooms can even lead to death. Additionally, some users experience "flashbacks" or "bad trips", where they relive disturbing hallucinations or intense emotions days, months, or even years after taking the drug.
The use of magic mushrooms is particularly concerning among adolescents and young adults, as psilocybin may cause severe permanent harm to developing brains. Poison control centres have reported an increase in calls related to psilocybin ingestion among teenagers and young adults, with a significant proportion requiring medical attention.
Furthermore, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and accidentally consuming poisonous ones, which can have fatal consequences. It is important to note that psilocybin is illegal in many places and has a high potential for abuse, as classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). While research is ongoing to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, it is currently not approved for medical use.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, there are some states and cities that have enacted laws or policies to decriminalize or legalize the use, possession, and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms. For example, Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses, and cities like Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and some Washington cities have deprioritized arrest and prosecution for possession and personal use. In Oregon, adults 21 and older can even buy, possess, and consume psilocybin legally in supervised settings called "psilocybin service centers."
Outside of the United States, there are also varying legal statuses for psilocybin mushrooms. For instance, Germany and some US states like California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. On the other hand, New Mexico has ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance. In Canada, psilocybin is addressed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, while in the United Kingdom, it is covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The movement to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin mushrooms has gained momentum in recent years, particularly in the United States. Advocates argue for the drug's rapid legalization, drawing parallels to the increasing acceptance of cannabis. However, some, like American author Michael Pollan, caution that more research is needed to understand the potential risks and consequences of unrestricted use. While the legality of magic mushrooms remains complex and evolving, it is clear that public opinion and policy are shifting towards exploring the potential benefits and risks of these substances.
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Who uses magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin. When consumed, these mushrooms can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, and expectations, as well as the dosage consumed. While some users report positive experiences, such as feeling relaxed or having enjoyable hallucinations, others may experience negative effects, including nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. In rare cases, consuming large amounts of magic mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death.
Magic mushrooms are often used for recreational purposes, with users seeking altered states of consciousness and hallucinations. However, there is also a growing interest in using psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, as a potential therapeutic tool for various mental health conditions. Some people who use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing. Additionally, combining magic mushrooms with certain psychiatric medications can lead to a relapse or worsening of mental health conditions.
Age plays a significant factor in the discussion of magic mushroom usage. Many people who use magic mushrooms start experimenting with them during their teenage years or early adulthood. Some users report that their experiences with magic mushrooms at a young age helped them make positive changes in their lives, such as quitting other drugs or gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. However, others caution that using psychedelics at a young age can be risky due to the potential impact on brain development and the lack of coping mechanisms to handle intense experiences. Several comments suggest waiting until one is older, around the mid-twenties, to ensure a more mature and stable mindset before experimenting with magic mushrooms.
The legality of magic mushrooms varies across different jurisdictions. In some places, they may be illegal, while in others, there may be ongoing debates about their potential therapeutic benefits and legalization. It is important for individuals considering using magic mushrooms to stay informed about the legal status and potential risks associated with their use. Additionally, it is worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms can be highly unpredictable, and seeking professional guidance or support services may be beneficial for those struggling with mushroom use or facing adverse effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms," are mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin, substances that can cause hallucinations. They are often used recreationally and are popular among young adults and teens.
I am a large language model and do not exist in the physical world, so I have never done mushrooms. However, according to a study, the average age of psilocybin-ever lifetime users was 17 years old.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as mood, personality, and expectations. The "trip" typically begins with early effects like nausea and excessive yawning, followed by a range of possible experiences, from mild feelings of drowsiness or relaxation to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness.
