Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, or liberty caps, are fungi with psychedelic properties. While they can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea, it is important to exercise caution when picking and consuming them. The wrong kind of mushroom can be deadly or cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions. It is also important to be aware of the legal implications of picking and consuming magic mushrooms, as the laws surrounding this vary from country to country. In this guide, we will discuss how to pick hallucinogenic mushrooms safely and responsibly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genus | Psilocybe |
| Species | ovoideocystidiata, caerulipes, luteus, junonius, and cinctulus |
| Growing Conditions | Warm, humid, and damp |
| Habitat | Wood chips, woody debris of maple, beech, or birch wood, coastal dune grasses, creeks, and streams |
| Location | Vermont, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Alaska, Massachusetts, New York, Western Europe, New Zealand, and parts of Western Asia |
| Season | Late spring to late autumn, with peak season in October-November |
| Identification | Spore prints, physical traits (size, texture, gills, stem and cap, etc.), and expert opinion |
| Effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, cognitive changes, emotional changes, mystical states, flashbacks, and adverse effects in some cases |
| Consumption | Eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea |
| Safety | Serious health risks, including death; illegal in some places |
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What You'll Learn
- Know the risks: adverse effects can last long after a 'bad trip' ends
- Find someone who can help identify mushrooms—the wrong kind can be deadly
- Learn about the habitat: some species prefer damp fields, while others grow on rotting logs
- Identify the physical traits: how big are they What colour are they Are they slimy or dry
- Understand the legal situation in your area
Know the risks: adverse effects can last long after a 'bad trip' ends
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify and consume hallucinogenic mushrooms. While they can induce a hallucinogenic trip characterised by kaleidoscopic visions, intense colours, and an increased appreciation of music, a ""bad trip" can also occur, leading to terrifying thoughts of losing control, paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
The adverse effects of a bad trip can persist long after the psilocybin has left the system. Some people experience flashbacks, visual distortions that bring about changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise, and can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. Experts call this phenomenon hallucinogenic persistent perceptive disorder (HPPD), a severe cognitive disorder that can lead to depression, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicidal thoughts.
The risk of a bad trip is heightened if a person takes higher doses of psilocybin or has feelings of anxiety before consumption. Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms with other drugs or alcohol can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to unpredictable and dangerous behaviour. It is also important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can be hard to predict, and there is no way to end a bad trip until it has run its course, which could take hours.
To minimise the risks associated with hallucinogenic mushrooms, it is crucial to be in a good state of mind, surrounded by trusted friends, and in a safe environment before consumption. It is also recommended to have someone help identify the mushrooms to avoid ingesting poisonous varieties, as the wrong kind can be deadly or cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions. Remember, the only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking magic mushrooms.
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Find someone who can help identify mushrooms—the wrong kind can be deadly
It is crucial to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms. Ingesting a wild mushroom without a mycologist's opinion could be deadly, causing adverse health consequences. While only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, appearances can be deceptive.
To prevent misidentification of mushrooms, it is essential to consult a local mycologist for accurate identification. Local mycology organizations or online forums can help determine the genus and, in some cases, the species of the mushroom. Additionally, there are mobile applications available that can aid in the accurate identification of magic mushrooms.
Spore prints are another reliable method of mushroom identification. To create a spore print, cut the stem at the highest point possible without damaging the gills on the underside of the cap. Place the mushroom gill-side down on a piece of paper, and within six hours, the spores will imprint onto the paper, revealing the unique signature of the mushroom.
It is important to note that even experts find it challenging to identify mushrooms, and misidentification can have severe consequences, including death. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to consume anything unless you are 100% certain of its identity.
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Learn about the habitat: some species prefer damp fields, while others grow on rotting logs
When it comes to picking hallucinogenic mushrooms, knowledge is power. It is important to learn about the habitat of these mushrooms, as different species thrive in different environments. Some species favour damp fields, while others grow on rotting logs or dead trees.
Psilocybe semilanceata, for example, is a grassland species that prefers wetter areas. It is widely distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe. Unlike some other grassland species, P. semilanceata does not grow directly on dung but feeds off decaying grass roots.
Other species, such as Galerina, favour rotting wood. This species should be approached with caution as it can be mistaken for other hallucinogenic mushrooms such as Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe azurescens, and Psilocybe stuntzii.
Amanitas and Cortinarius, on the other hand, prefer the forest floor, moss, or leaf litter. These species are often found in mossy forests, which provide the shade and moisture they need to thrive.
The best time to forage for hallucinogenic mushrooms is typically during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, as the increased moisture levels provide ideal conditions for their growth. Fall and spring are the peak seasons for harvesting these mushrooms.
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Identify the physical traits: how big are they? What colour are they? Are they slimy or dry?
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin (aka "magic") mushrooms. While only 3% of known mushrooms are poisonous, they can look deceptively similar to non-poisonous mushrooms. Ingesting a wild mushroom without a mycologist’s opinion could be deadly and produce adverse health consequences.
Magic mushrooms look much like ordinary mushrooms, but there are certain tell-tale characteristics. For example, Guapile mushrooms typically feature a golden to caramel cap that becomes lighter with age, often showing a slight umbo (raised center). The stems are sturdy and white, bruising blue when touched. Compared to other strains, Guapile mushrooms can display a more rustic and earthy appearance, with some specimens having wavy or uneven caps as they mature. They are found in the wild growing on cow or horse dung in grassy areas.
Mexicana mushrooms have a deep yellow cap with a brown ring at the bottom, a skinny yellow stipe, and grayish-brown gills. The cap is conical with a similar nipple-like protrusion on top, resembling Liberty Caps. They are native to Central and North America and are usually found in grasslands.
Another variety of magic mushrooms has a wider, flatter cap with gold and orange tones, light-colored gills, and a whitish-gray stipe that is slightly thicker than Liberty Caps. They are found in the United States along the West Coast and prefer sandy substrates such as sea grasses, dunes, and decomposing wood.
In addition to physical traits, magic mushrooms are often found in specific locations and conditions. For example, they are relatively scarce in the wild, but they appear more frequently near urban spaces. They thrive in humid areas of North America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, where they can be found growing in coastal dune grasses and along creeks. The peak growing season for psilocybe mushrooms is typically October-November, as this is when the wet autumn rains come and they can fruit quickly.
Remember, it is always best to find someone who can help identify mushrooms before consuming them, as the wrong kind can be deadly or very toxic.
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Understand the legal situation in your area
The legal status of hallucinogenic mushrooms varies across the world. In some countries, such as Peru and Bolivia, psilocybin is legal. In others, including Canada, Australia, and Denmark, it is legal for medicinal use. However, in countries like Russia, India, and South Africa, psilocybin is illegal.
Within the United States, the federal government classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I controlled substance with "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." Possession and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal under federal law, and simple possession is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. However, state laws vary, and some states have enacted their own legislation regarding psilocybin mushrooms. For example, Colorado has legalized the personal use and private cultivation of small amounts of magic mushrooms for adults 21 and older, although buying and selling them is still illegal. Oregon has licensed "psilocybin service centers" where adults can legally buy, possess, and consume psilocybin under supervision. Other states, like Florida, explicitly prohibit the possession, sale, and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms, with severe penalties for those who violate these laws.
Due to the evolving nature of legislation in this area, it is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. Consult official government sources or seek legal advice if you have questions about the legality of picking hallucinogenic mushrooms in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
Identifying an exact strain of mushrooms can be challenging, even for experts. If you are serious about mushroom hunting, it is recommended to join a wild mushroom hunting course or group. You can also refer to a mushroom book or online forums to help identify the genus of the mushroom. Some tell-tale characteristics of magic mushrooms include the presence of the psychoactive substances psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be found in the wild, particularly in humid areas of North America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. They are also found in the East and West Coast of the USA, Central and Western Europe, New Zealand, and parts of Western Asia. The peak growing season for psilocybe mushrooms is in October and November.
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when picking hallucinogenic mushrooms. Do not pick and consume mushrooms unless you are 100% certain of their identity. Learning about identification and seeking expert help can help you avoid picking toxic mushrooms, which can be deadly. Before picking, consider the mushroom's physical traits, such as texture, colour, gills, stem, and cap.
The laws surrounding the possession and foraging of psilocybin-containing mushrooms vary from country to country and state to state. Make sure you are aware of the legal situation in your area and adhere to it.
