Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, psilocybin mushrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic substances that can alter a person's mood, perception, and behaviour. The effects of magic mushrooms are often referred to as tripping, and they can range from mild to intense experiences. While the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, there is a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, to treat various mental health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Conversion in the Body | Psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which has psychoactive properties |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered thinking, sense of time, emotions, mood, and consciousness |
| Usage | 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms for microdosing |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders |
| Legal Status | Illegal in some countries, inconsistent laws across nations |
| Risks | Bad trips, flashbacks, psychological dependency, misidentification of mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' history of use
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have a long history of use that dates back thousands of years. Some of the earliest known depictions of hallucinogenic mushroom use come from prehistoric rock art and cave paintings dating as far back as 9000 BCE in Tassili, Algeria, and Spain. These ancient artworks suggest that psychedelic mushrooms played a role in various cultural and religious rituals.
In Mesoamerica, the native peoples, including the Aztecs and the Mixtecs of central Mexico, have a well-documented history of using hallucinogenic mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing. The Aztecs referred to the mushrooms as "teōnanācatl," meaning "divine mushroom" or "flesh of the gods", indicating their sacred nature. A statuette dating from around 200 CE depicts a mushroom resembling Psilocybe mexicana, further highlighting the long history of mushroom use in the region.
The arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese in the 16th century led to a suppression of these traditional practices. The Catholic missionaries viewed the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms as idolatry and believed they allowed the natives to communicate with demons. Despite this, the use of magic mushrooms persisted in some remote areas, and it later caught the attention of Western explorers and scientists.
In the 20th century, magic mushrooms were introduced to the United States by R. Gordon Wasson, a banker and ethnomycologist who participated in a mushroom-fueled ritual with the Mazatec tribe in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1957. Wasson's subsequent publications in Life Magazine popularized mushroom use and led to increased interest and experimentation in the United States. Timothy Leary, a counterculture icon, and Richard Alpert, a psychology professor at Harvard University, were among those influenced by Wasson's writings. They started the Harvard Psilocybin Project, experimenting with psilocybin and contributing to its growing popularity.
Despite the growing interest in magic mushrooms, they were made illegal in the United States in 1970. However, the push for decriminalization and medicinal use has gained momentum in recent years, with researchers at Johns Hopkins University confirming the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for treating conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety in 2018. Denver, Colorado, took a significant step forward by decriminalizing magic mushrooms in 2019, marking a shift in societal attitudes and policies towards the therapeutic potential of these ancient hallucinogens.
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How psilocybin affects the brain
Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, has a profound impact on the brain. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical that produces psychoactive effects. Psilocybin crosses the blood-brain barrier and targets serotonin receptors, specifically 2A and 2C, enhancing sensory input and creating hallucinations. This process can lead to a person seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not occurring in reality, resulting in a distorted sense of time and emotions. The intensity of these effects varies depending on the mushroom species, the user's mental state, and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed.
The effects of psilocybin on the brain are not always negative. Recent studies have shown that psilocybin, when used in conjunction with therapy, can produce significant and lasting reductions in symptoms for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and substance addiction. Small clinical trials have demonstrated that one or two doses of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting can lead to dramatic and long-lasting positive changes. This has sparked a resurgence in research interest, with scientists evaluating psilocybin as a potential treatment for various ailments, including opioid addiction, Lyme disease, and alcohol dependency.
The practice of microdosing, or taking tiny amounts of psilocybin mushrooms several times a week, has also gained attention for its potential brain health benefits. Surveys of microdosers have reported positive outcomes, including enhanced brain health and a creative perspective on life. However, it is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly variable and can be unpredictable, with some individuals experiencing frightening or distressing hallucinations, commonly known as a "bad trip."
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is promising, it is crucial to approach its use with caution. The experience of consuming psychoactive mushrooms can vary greatly between individuals, and poor mental health outcomes may be more likely outside of supervised clinical settings. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms, as toxic mushrooms can closely resemble those containing psilocybin. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional guidance and support when considering the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
In the United States, psilocybin is federally illegal, and possession can result in large fines and prison sentences. However, some states have their own laws, and in some places, psilocybin is legal or decriminalised for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. For example, in 2019, Denver became the first city in the US to decriminalise magic mushrooms, and other cities have since followed suit. As of May 2023, shops in Vancouver, BC, were openly selling magic mushrooms without facing prosecution.
In the European Union, the situation is similarly mixed. While magic mushrooms are illegal in the UK, they are not considered a "dangerous drug" by the Bahamian government, and are legal in the Bahamas. Belgium has also decriminalised the use of controlled substances, although possession, production, and sale are still punishable by imprisonment and fines. In the Netherlands, magic mushrooms are classified as a hard drug and are technically illegal, but a legal loophole means that the spores of magic mushrooms and similar psychoactive products are legal.
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Microdosing and stacking
Microdosing is the practice of ingesting very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic mushrooms. The goal is to harness the potential physiological and psychological benefits of psilocybin without inducing the significant alterations in consciousness or sensory perception associated with a full psychedelic experience. A microdose is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose, which is generally estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.3 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms.
The practice of microdosing has gained popularity in recent years, with many people reporting improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and cognition. Some people also report reduced stress, depression, and anxiety. It is important to note that the effects of microdosing can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the type of mushroom consumed. Additionally, the concentration of psilocybin can differ significantly from one mushroom to another, even within the same batch and between different strains, making it difficult to achieve a precise and consistent sub-perceptual dose.
Stacking refers to the practice of combining a microdose of mushrooms with additional substances believed to boost the fungi's benefits. One of the most famous stacks is the "Stamets Stack," created by mycologist Paul Stamets, which includes niacin (vitamin B3) and the mycelium, or root-like structure, of the Lion's Mane mushroom. Niacin is believed to act as a flushing agent, helping to deliver the active compounds across the blood-brain barrier and into the peripheral nervous system. The Lion's Mane mushroom is known for its nootropic properties and its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which may promote neurogenesis.
Other emerging stacks include combining psilocybin with ceremonial cacao, a mild stimulant that contains compounds like theobromine, which can promote feelings of well-being. Some users also report combining a classic psychedelic like psilocybin or LSD with a low dose of MDMA, which may buffer against challenging experiences and enhance the positive effects of the psychedelic. While stacking can potentially enhance the benefits of microdosing, it is important to approach these practices with caution and to do thorough research before experimenting with any substances.
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Therapeutic potential
Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, has been the subject of therapeutic research for decades. While it is currently classified as a Schedule I substance with "no legitimate medical purpose" in the US, its therapeutic potential is being explored in clinical trials worldwide.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy involving psilocybin has been shown to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, including treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, psilocybin has been found to promote structural neural plasticity, reduce alcohol and heroin-seeking behaviour, and produce antidepressant-like effects. A growing body of research suggests that when administered in controlled conditions with supportive therapy, psilocybin may be a promising treatment for various psychiatric disorders.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, in parts of the brain that regulate mood, cognition, and perception. This activation affects how different brain regions communicate, leading to altered patterns of brain activity and a profound change in consciousness. Reducing self-focus and increasing openness and connectedness may contribute to the therapeutic effects of psilocybin.
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is promising, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a family history of psychosis are typically screened out of clinical trials due to the potential risks associated with psychedelic treatment. Additionally, the combination of psilocybin with certain substances, such as cannabis or alcohol, can elevate the risk of adverse events.
Despite the challenges, the therapeutic potential of psilocybin has sparked widespread interest, and states like Colorado and Oregon have already legalised its therapeutic use. As more clinical trials are conducted, there may be greater incentives for investment and a push to address the stigma surrounding psilocybin-assisted therapy.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, psychotropic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are mushrooms that contain the psychotropic tryptamines psilocybin and psilocin. They can cause hallucinations, changes in mood, perception and behaviour, and are commonly known as "tripping".
Psychedelic mushrooms act on the central nervous system to produce their effects. They can distort the perception of actual objects and heighten the senses. They can also intensify feelings and emotions, distort a person's sense of time, place and reality, and cause hallucinations.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms can vary depending on the person, dosage, type of mushroom, and the environment in which they are consumed. Early effects typically include nausea and excessive yawning, followed by a "trip" that can be mild or more intense depending on the dose and type of mushroom. During a trip, a person might feel drowsy or relaxed, or experience hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness.
Psychedelic mushrooms are generally not considered safe for consumption. They can cause extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and in some cases, long-term mental health conditions such as psychosis. There is also a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming a toxic mushroom, which can be fatal.
There is ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic mushrooms, specifically the active compound psilocybin. Preliminary results have shown that psilocybin, in conjunction with therapy, can produce significant and lasting reductions in symptoms for individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
