Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are often eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. Magic mushrooms can induce feelings of euphoria, connection, and a distorted sense of time. However, they can also lead to frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. Magic mushrooms have a long history of use for both spiritual and medicinal purposes, but they are illegal in most places and can carry risks such as accidental poisoning from mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms. It is important to be careful when identifying and consuming magic mushrooms due to these potential dangers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, philosopher's stones, liberties, amani, agaric |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion |
| Other compounds | Norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted perception of objects and people, panic, psychosis, flashbacks, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, drowsiness, yawning, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, change in consciousness, change in perception, chills, euphoria, facial flushes, fast heart rate, feelings of wellbeing, headache, higher body temperature, increased sweating, irregular heart rate |
| Dosage | Subthreshold or microdoses: <2.5 mg; Low doses: 5 to 10 mg; Intermediate or "good effect" dose: 20 mg; High or ego-dissolution doses: 30 to 40 mg |
| Duration of effects | 3 to 8 hours, with the first 3-4 hours being the 'peak' |
| Onset of effects | Within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion |
| Risk factors | Poisoning from picking the wrong type of mushroom, accidental ingestion by children, unpredictable and dangerous behavior, risk of addiction, history of mental illness, use in combination with other drugs, age, weight, personality |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic mushrooms may be fresh or dried
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They may be eaten fresh, cooked, brewed into a tea, or mixed with food. They can also be mixed with tobacco or cannabis and smoked. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Magic mushrooms can be sold illegally in the form of dried whole mushrooms or powder. Dried magic mushrooms are a rusty brown colour with isolated areas of off-white. A 5.0 g dose of dried mushrooms is often referred to as a "heroic dose". In terms of psilocybin dosing, subthreshold or microdoses are less than 2.5 mg, low doses are 5 to 10 mg, the intermediate or "good effect" dose is 20 mg, and high or ego-dissolution doses are 30 to 40 mg. Microdosing has become a popular technique for many users, which involves taking less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms for an experience that is not as intense or powerful, but still recreationally enjoyable.
The most potent species of magic mushrooms are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. The Psilocybe genus has a history of use among the native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic drugs, meaning they can cause you to see, hear, and feel sensations that seem real but are not. They can induce anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion in some. The psychological consequences of psilocybin use include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis may also occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose.
Psychedelic Mushrooms: A Guide to Safe Ingestion
You may want to see also
Magic mushrooms can induce anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are well-known for their ability to induce hallucinations and alter consciousness. While these mushrooms are being considered for their potential mental health benefits, they can also induce anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks in some individuals.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary depending on dosage, preparation, and personal metabolism. The "trip" can last anywhere from three to eight hours, with the first 3-4 hours being the most intense. During this time, users may experience perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted sense of time and space, and emotional shifts.
While some people may experience positive effects such as euphoria, relaxation, and enhanced performance, others may encounter negative consequences, including anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. Feelings of anxiety and paranoia are commonly reported side effects of magic mushroom consumption. The risk of experiencing these negative effects may be heightened if the user is already feeling stressed, anxious, or in a negative environment before taking the mushrooms.
Additionally, the dosage of magic mushrooms can play a significant role in the intensity of the experience. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can increase the likelihood of a "'bad trip'," which may include frightening hallucinations, paranoia, fear, and other unpleasant emotions. Even with smaller doses, there is no guarantee that unwanted effects won't occur, as individual factors also come into play.
It is important to note that while magic mushrooms are considered one of the least toxic drugs, they can still have physical and psychological side effects. Some people may experience paranoia, anxiety, or panic attacks even after consuming microdoses. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional guidance when considering the use of magic mushrooms, especially for therapeutic purposes.
Reishi 415: The Ultimate Mushroom Superfood
You may want to see also
Shrooms can be eaten, brewed in tea, or mixed with food
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
When consuming shrooms, it is important to be aware of the risks and potential negative effects. The experience or 'trip' is strongly dependent on the user's state of mind and the environment they are in. A negative environment or a person's anxiety or stress can contribute to a 'bad trip'. Additionally, as the effects of shrooms alter a person's sense of reality and affect judgment, activities such as driving while under the influence of shrooms are likely to cause accidents.
It is also important to note that not all mushrooms are safe for consumption. Some mushroom species can make people violently ill or even be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify hallucinogenic mushrooms before consuming them.
There are various ways to consume shrooms, and the effects can vary depending on dosage and preparation method. Shrooms can be eaten directly, either fresh or dried. However, due to their bitter taste, some people prefer to mix them with food or brew them into a tea. When consuming shrooms as food or tea, the effects may take slightly longer to onset, typically around 30 to 45 minutes. Microdosing is another popular technique, where people take less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms for a less intense experience that is potentially non-hallucinogenic.
Regardless of the consumption method, it is essential to be mindful of the risks and potential consequences associated with shroom consumption. While the effects of shrooms can be recreationally enjoyable or even spiritually transcendent for some, they can also lead to negative experiences, including anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Additionally, flashbacks involving previous shroom experiences can occur weeks, months, or even years after the initial consumption.
Preparing Shimeji Mushrooms: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hallucinations can be mild or severe, and may occur in flashbacks
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in several other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, and Gymnopilus.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe. Some people may experience positive effects such as euphoria, hilarity, and muscular relaxation. On the other hand, adverse side effects can include hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. Visual and auditory hallucinations are common, with users seeing or hearing things that aren't there or are distorted. These hallucinations can be frightening and lead to a ""bad trip". The likelihood of a bad trip is influenced by the user's mood, personality, expectations, and environment.
The intensity and duration of the effects of magic mushrooms depend on factors such as dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism. The first 3-4 hours after ingestion are typically referred to as the ""peak", with more vivid visuals and distortions in reality. The effects can last for up to 8 hours, and even longer due to psilocybin's ability to alter time perception.
One of the risks associated with magic mushroom use is the potential for flashbacks, where users relive a previous mushroom trip. Flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to years after the initial drug experience and can be triggered by various factors such as stress, tiredness, or the use of other drugs. These flashbacks are typically visual distortions accompanied by changes in emotions or perception and usually last for a minute or two. While rare, some people may experience more severe and persistent flashbacks, a condition known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
It is important to note that the only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip or flashbacks is to refrain from consuming magic mushrooms. These mushrooms can be difficult to identify, as they resemble ordinary mushrooms, and there is a risk of accidental poisoning from ingesting the wrong type. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms are unpredictable, and it is challenging to determine the strength of a particular batch.
Mushrooms: The Bloating Mystery Solved
You may want to see also
Magic mushrooms are often mistaken for poisonous mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, ranging from euphoria, hilarity, and muscular relaxation to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The experience, often referred to as a trip, is strongly dependent upon set and setting. A negative environment or a person's anxious state of mind can contribute to a bad trip, while a comfortable and familiar environment can set the stage for a pleasant experience. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours, although some sources state that the effects can last up to eight hours.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can have risks and may affect everyone differently. In addition to the potential for poisoning, magic mushrooms are unpredictable in their effects, just like other drugs. Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to tolerance, and consuming a large amount can result in overdose symptoms. While not considered addictive, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks or disturbing hallucinations involving a previous magic mushroom experience. These flashbacks can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise and can last for a minute or two.
Fried Mushrooms: Vegan or Not?
You may want to see also
