Michael Davis
Psilocybin mushrooms, often called magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that produce the mind-altering compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world for healing, divination, and spiritual rites. While psilocybin was decriminalized in Oregon in 2020, it is still a controlled substance in many places due to its potential harmful effects and health risks. When attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to exercise caution as only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, but ingesting the wrong type of mushroom can be deadly. To identify psilocybin mushrooms, one can look for certain characteristics such as cap shape and size, gill attachment and color, and blue bruising. However, the most reliable method of identification is through spore prints. It is also recommended to consult with a local mycologist or use identification apps to accurately identify psilocybin mushrooms and prevent misidentification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Magic Mushrooms, Liberty Cap |
| Scientific Name | Psilocybe semilanceata |
| Cap Shape | Bell or Cone |
| Cap Size | 1-10 cm in diameter |
| Cap Colour | Yellow to Brown when moist, fading to a lighter colour when mature |
| Cap Features | Radial grooves, nipple-like protrusion on top |
| Gill Attachment and Colour | Thin, delicate, and tightly packed; colour ranges from off-white to deep brown |
| Stipe | Slender and long, the same colour or slightly lighter than the cap |
| Spore Colour | Dark purple to black |
| Spore Shape | Ellipsoid |
| Spore Size | 10.5-15 by 6.5-8.5 μm |
| Habitat | Grasslands, especially wetter areas; feeds off decaying grass roots |
| Distribution | Widely distributed in the temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe; occasionally reported in temperate areas of the Southern Hemisphere |
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, mind-altering, psychoactive; side effects include pupil dilation, spontaneous laughter, delirium, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and euphoria |
| History | Used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups for healing, divination, and spiritual rites; decriminalized in Oregon in 2020 |
| Warnings | Exercise caution when attempting to identify and consume psilocybin mushrooms; only eat if you are sure of its identification, and be aware of potential mental health risks |
Explore related products
$23.46 $32.99
$23.49 $39.95
What You'll Learn
- Cap shape and size: Bell or cone-shaped caps, ranging from 1 to 10 cm in diameter
- Gill attachment and colour: Thin, delicate gills that may be off-white to deep brown
- Blue bruising: Exposure to oxygen may cause a bluish discolouration
- Spore prints: Mature mushrooms with opened caps are placed gills-down to reveal purplish spores
- Habitat: Grasslands, especially wet areas, and often associated with sedges and decaying grass roots
Cap shape and size: Bell or cone-shaped caps, ranging from 1 to 10 cm in diameter
One of the most distinctive features of psilocybin mushrooms is their cap shape and size. The cap is an important characteristic to consider when identifying psilocybin mushrooms, as poisonous mushrooms can closely resemble psilocybin species in other aspects, such as colour.
Psilocybe cubensis, one of the most common species used recreationally, has a golden-brown cap that may turn golden when mature. Its cap is typically smooth in texture.
Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as Liberty Cap, has a small, bell-shaped cap with a pointed tip. The cap is conical or wavy in shape and can be up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Some sources state that the cap can range from 1 to 10 cm in diameter, which may include other species of psilocybin mushrooms. The caps of P. semilanceata are smooth in texture and have a small nipple-like protrusion on top.
P. cyanescens has a dome-shaped cap with wavy edges, while P. ovoideocystidiata has a rounded but mostly flat cap.
It is important to note that poisonous species can closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms in shape and colour, so relying solely on appearance is not enough for safe identification. Using multiple means of identification, such as spore prints, field guides, and expert guidance, is necessary to avoid consuming toxic substances.
Honey Mushrooms: Parasitic Fungi?
You may want to see also
Gill attachment and colour: Thin, delicate gills that may be off-white to deep brown
When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to carefully examine the gills. The gills of magic mushrooms are often thin and delicate, and they may be packed tightly together. The colour of the gills can vary from off-white to deep brown, depending on the maturity of the mushroom. When identifying mushrooms, it is also important to pay attention to the spacing and attachment of the gills. If you are examining mature psilocybin mushrooms, the gills will be closely spaced and attached directly to the stem.
The colour of the gills can also provide important information about the toxicity of the mushroom. If the gills are white or pale, it is best to avoid them as these are characteristics of poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous look-alikes may lack spore prints or exhibit white spores instead of dark ones. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the spore print colour, which should be a dark purplish-brown for psilocybin mushrooms.
Additionally, the gills of psilocybin mushrooms may exhibit bruising, turning blue when damaged or broken due to the oxidation of psychoactive compounds. However, it is important to note that this characteristic is not unique to psilocybin mushrooms, as other types of mushrooms, including some poisonous varieties, may also display blue bruising.
Online resources and forums can be helpful in identifying mushrooms, but it is recommended to cross-reference multiple sources and consult experts when necessary. It is also advised to photograph mushrooms from multiple angles, highlighting features such as gill structure and colour, to aid in identification.
Organic Mushrooms: Are They Worth the Hype?
You may want to see also
Blue bruising: Exposure to oxygen may cause a bluish discolouration
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms". While psilocybin was decriminalized in Oregon in 2020, it is important to note that they can lead to harmful effects and health risks, including severe panic attacks, extreme fear, and flashbacks. Furthermore, only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, but looks can be deceiving, and misidentification can be deadly.
One key feature of magic mushrooms is their blue bruising. When a mushroom is damaged, exposing the psilocybin to oxygen, it turns bluish due to oxidation. This is not unique to psychedelic mushrooms, as other types of mushrooms, including poisonous ones, can also display this type of bruising. Therefore, while blue bruising can be an indicator of psilocybin mushrooms, it is not infallible, and foragers should use multiple means of identification to avoid consuming toxic substances.
The blue bruising is believed to be caused by a chemical reaction between psilocin, a decomposition product of psilocybin, and oxygen. This reaction results in the formation of bluish and dark-blue decomposition products. The presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, inside the mushrooms may also contribute to the blue bruising. This compound is likely produced by an enzyme present in some, but not all, psilocybin mushrooms.
To identify blue bruising in mushrooms, you can perform a simple test by nicking the top and bottom of the cap and observing any color change. This test should be done within 30 minutes of picking, as older specimens may not provide reliable results. It is important to note that the blue bruising can occur on both the fruit bodies (the mushrooms themselves) and the mycelium they grow from.
While blue bruising may be an indicator of psilocybin mushrooms, it is not the only factor to consider. Spore prints, for example, can be a more reliable method of identification. To make a spore print, select a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap, remove the stem, and place it gills-down on a piece of tin foil. After at least six hours, reveal the spores and look for a purplish color ranging from dark purple to almost black. Additionally, the shape and size of the cap, as well as the gill attachment and color, can also provide important clues in identifying psilocybin mushrooms.
Mushroom Magic: Manure's Role in Mushroom Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $19.99
$6.97 $18.95
Spore prints: Mature mushrooms with opened caps are placed gills-down to reveal purplish spores
Spore prints are one of the most reliable methods of identifying mushrooms. They are made by selecting a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap and placing it gills-down on a piece of foil, paper, glass, or cardboard. The spores will then be released from the gills and fall onto the surface below, creating a spore print pattern. This process usually takes between 2 and 12 hours, depending on the humidity and freshness of the mushroom.
To make a spore print, start by finding a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. Cut off the stem as close to the cap as possible, then place the cap gills-down on a clean surface. A normal sheet of white paper will work for most mushrooms, but if you are identifying a mushroom with white spores, you may want to use black paper instead. You can also use foil, glass, or cardboard. If you are planning to use the spores for cultivation, it is recommended to use tin foil as it is more sterile and easier to transfer the spores.
To speed up the process and encourage the release of spores, you can place a drop of water on top of the cap. Then, cover the cap with a paper cup or glass and leave it undisturbed for 6 to 12 hours. If you are using foil or glass, you may need to leave it for up to 24 hours. After this time, the spores should have fallen onto the surface, creating a spore print.
The colour of the spores can vary widely, from white to black, with many shades in between. The spore print of Psilocybe semilanceata, for example, ranges from dark purple to almost black. However, spore colour alone should not be used to identify a mushroom for consumption, as some poisonous mushrooms may have similar-coloured spores. In addition to the spore print, other characteristics such as cap shape and size, gill attachment and colour, and blue bruising can be used to identify psychedelic mushrooms.
Once you have created your spore print, you can preserve it by spraying it lightly with an artist's spray or hairspray. You can also store the print by folding over the paper or foil and placing it in a ziplock bag at room temperature. Spore prints can last for decades and do not need to be refrigerated.
Frying Mushrooms: Choosing the Right Oil
You may want to see also
Habitat: Grasslands, especially wet areas, and often associated with sedges and decaying grass roots
Psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are often found in grasslands, particularly in wet areas. They are often associated with sedges and decaying grass roots.
One of the most common types of psilocybin mushrooms is the Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as the liberty cap. This species is widely distributed and highly potent. It is commonly found in pastures, meadows, and grassy fields, favouring damp and cool climates. The mushrooms have a distinctive conical to bell-shaped cap, typically with a small nipple-like protrusion on top. The caps are yellow to brown when moist and fade to a lighter colour as they mature. The stems are slender and long, usually the same colour as the cap or slightly lighter. They are often found in pastures fertilised with sheep or cow dung but do not grow directly on the dung. Instead, they are saprobic, obtaining nutrients by breaking down organic matter, specifically decaying grass roots.
Another variety of psilocybin mushrooms is the P. mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican liberty cap. This variety is found in subtropical grasslands in Mexico, often in manure-rich soil. It has smaller spores than the P. semilanceata, typically measuring 8-9.9 by 5.5-7.7 μm.
Psilocybin mushrooms also include the species P. strictipes, which is a slender grassland species. It can be differentiated from other varieties by the lack of a prominent papilla.
In addition to grasslands, psilocybin mushrooms can be found in various habitats, including mossy forests, overgrown grasslands, prairie fields, and even urban areas. They typically favour cool to warm and damp climates with high humidity.
Mushrooms: A Kingdom of Their Own
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, often called "'magic mushrooms", are hallucinogenic fungi that produce the mind-altering psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups around the world for healing, divination, and spiritual rites.
Psilocybin mushrooms may have caps that are shaped like bells or cones, with diameters ranging from 1 to 10 cm. The gills of these mushrooms are often thin and delicate, ranging in colour from off-white to deep brown. The mushrooms themselves are usually yellow to brown, covered with radial grooves when moist, and fade to a lighter colour as they mature.
The mind-altering effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically begin 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion and can last for up to six to eight hours. The effects include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, euphoria, pupil dilation, spontaneous laughter, delirium, and hallucinations. The experience may seem longer than it is due to the alteration of the user's perception of time.
Psilocybin mushrooms can lead to harmful effects and health risks, including severe panic attacks and extreme fear. Some people continue to experience adverse emotional effects long after the initial consumption, such as flashbacks, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. This phenomenon is known as hallucinogenic persistent perceptive disorder (HPPD).
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms, as they may resemble other mushroom types, some of which are poisonous. One key feature of psilocybin mushrooms is blue bruising, which occurs when the mushroom is damaged and exposed to oxygen. However, other types of mushrooms can also display this characteristic. Spore prints can be a more reliable method of identification. To make a spore print, select a mature mushroom, remove the stem, place it gills-down on tin foil, cover it, and let it sit for at least six hours. Look for a purplish colour ranging from dark purple to almost black. Additionally, you can consult a local mycologist, use identification apps, or take a mushroom identification class offered by botanical gardens, biological stations, or universities.
