Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users, but generally include hallucinations, an altered sense of time, place, and reality, and emotional effects, which can range from hilarity to heightened anxiety. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It is important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms may have legal implications, as they are considered illegal in some places.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psychedelic mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms |
| Chemical compounds | Psilocybin, psilocin, β-carbolines (e.g. harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine, harmaline) |
| Effects | Hallucinations, distorted senses (visual, auditory, tactile), emotional changes (heightened anxiety, hilarity, paranoia), euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, nausea, yawning, vomiting, panic reactions, psychosis |
| Duration of effects | 3–8 hours, with the first 3–4 hours being the 'peak' |
| Onset of effects | 20 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion |
| Forms | Fresh or dried mushrooms, extracts, edibles, tea |
| Legality | Illegal federally in the US (listed as Schedule 1 narcotic), illegal in Australia, but laws vary across US states and cities (e.g. decriminalized in Denver and Oakland) |
| Risks | Poisoning from ingesting the wrong type of mushroom, flashbacks, bad trips, negative psychological consequences, addiction, accidental injury or death |
| Benefits | Potential therapeutic effects for depression, eating disorders, and addiction, spiritual benefits similar to meditation |
| Microdose | About 10% of a recreational dose, or 0.1 to 0.3 g of dry mushrooms, taken up to three times per week |
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What You'll Learn
The risks of taking psychedelic mushrooms
While magic mushrooms are known to induce a positive experience, there are several risks associated with their consumption.
Poisoning
Psychedelic mushrooms closely resemble poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to accidental poisoning, with symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mental Health Risks
Magic mushrooms can have varying effects on individuals, depending on their underlying mental health. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can induce intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror. It can also cause unwanted side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and short-term psychosis. Regular users may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing and distressing. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions may face an elevated risk of side effects, including a relapse or worsening of their condition.
Physical Health Risks
The physical side effects of magic mushrooms include increased heart rate, nausea, and muscle twitches. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of mushrooms can lead to severe consequences, including breathing problems or even death.
Bad Trips
The risk of a "bad trip" increases with higher doses or stronger mushrooms and can be influenced by feelings of anxiety or a negative setting. During a bad trip, individuals may experience paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, and impaired judgment, which can lead to risk-taking behaviours and traumatic injuries. Combining magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, further elevates the risks of serious side effects.
Addiction
While current research suggests that psilocybin has a low risk of addiction, regular use may lead to tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs, such as LSD and mescaline, can occur.
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How to identify and avoid poisonous mushrooms
It is crucial to identify and avoid poisonous mushrooms when foraging for edible ones. While there are many edible gilled mushrooms, some of the most poisonous varieties also have gills. Therefore, it is generally advisable to avoid all gilled mushrooms unless you can identify them with absolute certainty.
Amanita mushrooms, for instance, are among the deadliest in the world, and some of the most toxic types belong to this group. They typically have white gills and spores and grow from a sack-like or bulbous structure called a volva, which may be hidden by leaf litter or under the soil surface. The Destroying Angel and the Death Cap, both belonging to the Amanita family, are particularly deadly. Death Caps, for instance, have a 6-inch-wide cap that can be sticky to the touch and comes in various colours, including yellow, brown, white, or green. They also have white gills and emit a faint, honey-sweet smell that some describe as an unpleasant, cleaning-product odour. Young Death Caps may resemble puffballs, including the genera Calvatia, Calbovista, and Lycoperdon, as well as tropical edible paddy-straw mushrooms.
Jack-o-lantern mushrooms are another example of poisonous varieties that are often mistaken for chanterelles. They can cause vomiting and diarrhoea for several days but will not kill you. They have fine gills under their caps and grow on wood, whereas chanterelles have no gills and can be pulled apart like a stick of string cheese.
False morels, or Gyromitra, are also toxic mushrooms that should be avoided. Some species contain a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical called gyromitrin, which affects the central nervous system and can lead to nausea, convulsions, comas, and even death. False morels have a wavy and crumpled cap, whereas true morels have a pitted cap and a smooth, hollow stem.
To avoid poisonous mushrooms, it is important to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them. Using a field guide or joining a local mycological group can help you become an expert at identifying different varieties. Additionally, there are some general guidelines to follow:
- Avoid mushrooms with red on the cap or stem, as many poisonous mushrooms have this characteristic.
- Check the colour of the gills. White gills often indicate a poisonous mushroom, whereas edible varieties usually have pink or reddish-brown gills.
- Smell the mushroom. Poisonous varieties tend to have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odour, while edible mushrooms typically have a pleasant earthy aroma.
- If you are ever unsure about a mushroom's edibility, it is best to leave it alone.
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The effects of psilocybin and psilocin
Psilocybin and psilocin are the active ingredients in magic mushrooms. They are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. The effects of psilocybin and psilocin mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on several factors, including the dose, type of mushroom, and individual metabolism. The setting or environment in which the mushrooms are consumed can also significantly impact the experience.
When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the liver into psilocin, the compound responsible for the psychedelic effects. The onset of effects typically occurs within 20 to 50 minutes, with peak effects occurring after about 60 to 90 minutes. The duration of the effects is usually around four to six hours, although some sources state that they can last up to eight hours. The first 3-4 hours after ingestion are considered the "peak," during which users experience more intense visuals and distortions in reality.
The physical and psychological effects of psilocybin and psilocin can be diverse and range from mild to intense. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, excessive yawning, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. Some individuals may also experience increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Psychologically, psilocybin and psilocin can induce hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and changes in perception, including sensory distortions in sight, sound, and touch. They can also lead to emotional changes, such as anxiety, fear, paranoia, and nervousness. In some cases, users may experience a "'bad trip," involving terrifying thoughts of losing control, panic attacks, or fears of death. Additionally, psilocybin and psilocin can cause short-term increases in tolerance, making it difficult to achieve the same effects with repeated use over a short period.
It is important to note that the use of psilocybin and psilocin mushrooms comes with risks. While the mushrooms themselves have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence, combining them with certain substances, such as MAO inhibitors, can result in overdose and toxicity. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of the mushroom trip, including the potential for negative experiences and "bad trips," highlights the importance of responsible and informed use.
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The legality of psychedelic mushrooms
While the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of psychedelic mushrooms varies across different countries and even within different states and provinces.
In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first subjected to federal regulation by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965. Psilocybin is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, and the possession, manufacture, or distribution of psilocybin mushrooms is generally illegal under federal law. However, some US states, such as Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, have taken steps to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms and legalize their supervised use for therapeutic or medicinal purposes. Other states like California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
Outside of the United States, the legality of psychedelic mushrooms also varies. For example, psilocybin is legal for medicinal use in countries like Canada, Australia, and Denmark, while it is illegal in countries like Russia, India, and South Africa. In some jurisdictions, the spores of psychedelic mushrooms may be legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in other places, possessing spores may be considered illegal paraphernalia or evidence of intent to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms.
As research into the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances grows, the legal landscape is shifting. Interactive maps and trackers are being developed to help keep up with the changing laws and policies regarding psychedelic mushrooms and other psychedelic substances.
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How to grow your own psychedelic mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms have been receiving attention for their potential in treating mental health conditions. They are also a source of nutrition and have medicinal benefits. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of growing your own psychedelic mushrooms at home.
Firstly, it is important to note that in many countries, the cultivation and possession of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, so be sure to check the laws in your country before you begin.
To grow psychedelic mushrooms, you will need a freshly made, good-quality indoor grow kit. You can purchase these from specialist mushroom growers or independent grow companies, who will support your growing journey. Grey oyster mushrooms are a great option for beginners, but there are also other easy-to-grow varieties such as shiitake, lion's mane, and pink oyster mushrooms.
Once you have your kit, it is important to keep it well hydrated. All good grow kits will come with guidance and advice for watering and misting to create the perfect growing conditions. Many gourmet mushroom grow kits need light to grow, so keep them in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. This allows you to watch your mushrooms grow and some types will double in size every 12-24 hours.
Finally, be as clean and conscientious as possible to avoid mold contamination. Common mold contaminants are Trichoderma, cobweb mold, and black mold. Initially, it’s hard to tell the difference between newly forming Trichoderma and healthy mycelium. However, once it changes color (black, green, pink, or orange), discard the substrate quickly to avoid contaminating other bins or bags.
With these steps, you can successfully grow your own psychedelic mushrooms at home. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the potential benefits they may bring!
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of psychedelic mushrooms vary depending on dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. The first 3-4 hours after ingestion are typically referred to as the "peak", during which users experience more vivid visuals and distortions in reality. Other effects include nausea, vomiting, euphoria, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination.
Psychedelic mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including eating fresh or dried mushrooms, mixing them with food, brewing them into tea, or taking them as extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles.
The legality of psychedelic mushrooms varies depending on the jurisdiction. In some places, such as Oregon and Denver, the use and possession of psilocybin mushrooms have been decriminalized or given low law enforcement priority. However, in other places, such as Australia and federally in the United States, they are illegal and penalized.
Yes, there are several risks associated with taking psychedelic mushrooms. These include the possibility of a bad trip, flashbacks, negative interactions with other drugs or medications, and accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms. It is important to be in a safe and comfortable environment and to consume mushrooms in moderation to reduce potential risks.
