Michael Davis
Psilocybin mushrooms, often called magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that have been used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous groups worldwide. They are considered sacred and have been used for healing, divination, and spiritual rites in various cultures. While psilocybin mushrooms are currently controlled substances and illegal to possess in many places, they have also been tested as a treatment for chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is crucial to exercise caution as they may resemble other mushroom species, some of which are poisonous. To identify psilocybin mushrooms, one can look at characteristics such as cap shape and size, gill attachment and colour, and spore deposit structure and colour. They are often found in grassland habitats, especially wetter areas, and can be identified through careful observation and education on mushroom species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Active Ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin |
| Appearance | Bell or cone-shaped caps ranging from 1-10 cm in diameter; thin, tightly packed gills in off-white to deep brown |
| Habitat | Grasslands, especially wetter areas; coastal dune grasses and creeks; temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly Europe |
| Identification | Spore print test; taking a class; using field guides or mushroom books |
| Precautions | Do not consume wild mushrooms without a mycologist's opinion; some look-alike species are poisonous |
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What You'll Learn
- Cap shape and size: Bell or cone-shaped caps, 1-10cm in diameter
- Gill attachment and colour: Thin, delicate gills, off-white to deep brown
- Habitat: Grasslands, coastal dune grasses, creeks, urban spaces
- Spore colour: White or coloured spores can be found on stems or ground
- Effects: Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, euphoria
Cap shape and size: Bell or cone-shaped caps, 1-10cm in diameter
The cap shape and size are important characteristics to identify psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms". These mushrooms typically have bell or cone-shaped caps that can vary in size from approximately 1 to 10 cm in diameter.
Some specific varieties of psilocybin mushrooms with bell or cone-shaped caps include:
- Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as "liberty caps", which have conical or bell-shaped caps with a diameter between 5-22mm.
- Psilocybe baeocystis, commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, with conical caps ranging from 15-55mm in diameter.
- Psilocybe mexicana, commonly found in Central and South America, with conical or bell-shaped caps ranging from 10-20mm in diameter.
- Psilocybe cubensis, commonly found in subtropical environments, with caps that start as cones and become bell-shaped, ranging from 4-10cm in diameter.
- Psilocybe cyanescens, commonly found in North America, Western Europe, and parts of the Middle East, with wavy caps that can measure between 15-50mm in diameter.
It is crucial to correctly identify psilocybin mushrooms as they may resemble other poisonous mushrooms. Additionally, only mushrooms containing psilocybin will induce psychedelic effects. Foraging for psilocybin mushrooms without proper training can be risky, and one wrong pick can lead to serious health consequences.
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Gill attachment and colour: Thin, delicate gills, off-white to deep brown
When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to pay attention to the gills. The gills of magic mushrooms are often thin and delicate, with a radial pattern. They are typically packed tightly together and contain spores. The gills are located on the underside of the cap, with the edges of the gills facing towards the stem.
The colour of the gills can vary widely, ranging from off-white to deep brown, depending on the maturity of the mushroom. Younger mushrooms may have gills that are grey or light brown, while mature mushrooms may have gills that are dark brown or almost black. The gills of some psilocybin mushrooms may also have lighter-coloured edges.
It is important to note that poisonous mushrooms can also have white gills, so relying solely on gill colour for identification can be dangerous. Additionally, using a magnifying glass or loupe can aid in examining the gills and other small details of the mushroom's structure for accurate identification.
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Habitat: Grasslands, coastal dune grasses, creeks, urban spaces
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, can be found in grasslands, coastal dune grasses, creeks, and urban spaces. They are relatively scarce in the wild, and their appearance depends on their specific habitat.
In grasslands, look for psilocybin mushrooms in cow dung piles or manure-rich soil. They start out looking like small, white puffball mushrooms, and as they mature, they develop a stem and a tan-coloured cap with a dark spot in the centre.
In coastal dune grasses, psilocybe azurescens, also known as the "Flying Saucer Mushroom," is a potent variety that often grows along the northern Oregon Coast. They favour dune grasses, wood chips, and lawns with high lignin content.
Along creeks, psilocybin mushrooms can be found in relatively humid areas of North America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.
In urban spaces, psilocybin mushrooms are surprisingly common. They can be found in garden beds with wood chip mulch, office parks, and even apartment complexes. This is due in part to "urban spore bombing," where activists spread psilocybin spores in urban environments to promote their growth.
It is important to note that ingesting wild mushrooms without proper knowledge or consultation with a mycologist can be dangerous and potentially deadly. While psilocybin mushrooms have distinct characteristics, such as bell or cone-shaped caps, thin gills, and a wide range of colours, other poisonous mushrooms may look similar. Always exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify and ingest psilocybin mushrooms.
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Spore colour: White or coloured spores can be found on stems or ground
Spore colour is a crucial factor in distinguishing between psilocybin and toxic mushrooms. Since spores are microscopic, it is impossible to determine their colour by simply looking at them. Therefore, spore prints are one of the most powerful tools to identify the colour of spores and, consequently, the mushroom species.
To make a spore print, start by selecting a mature mushroom with a fully opened cap. Carefully remove the stem to allow the cap to sit flat. Place the cap gill-side down on half white and half black paper (some prefer white paper only) or on foil if you want to preserve the print. Cover the cap with a glass, bowl, or container to prevent drafts from disturbing the spores. Leave it undisturbed for at least six hours, and preferably overnight. After removing the cap gently, you should see a pattern of white or coloured spores on the paper.
True Psilocybe species typically produce purple-brown to dark purplish-black spore prints. In contrast, toxic mushrooms, such as Cortinarius species, produce rusty or orange-brown spore prints. White spores may indicate Amanita, a poisonous lookalike species.
It is important to note that even with spore prints, accurately identifying psilocybin mushrooms can be challenging. Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms in shape and colour. Therefore, it is recommended to seek expert guidance and utilise tools such as field guides, spore prints, and expert communities to confirm the species before consumption.
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Effects: Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, euphoria
It is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms". While they can provide feelings of euphoria, they can also lead to nausea and vomiting. Magic mushrooms can be found in the wild, but they are relatively scarce. They are more commonly found near urban spaces than in the deep wilderness. For example, they can often be found growing in coastal dune grasses and along creeks in humid areas of North America, such as Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. They also tend to grow in garden beds with wood chip mulch, and have been found in office parks and apartment complexes.
Magic mushrooms may resemble other mushrooms, some of which are poisonous, so it is crucial to know the difference. They may have caps shaped like bells or cones, with diameters ranging from approximately 1 to 10 cm. The gills are often thin and delicate, ranging in colour from off-white to deep brown, and are located on the underside of the cap, pointing towards the stem.
If you plan to collect mushrooms, it is recommended that you take a class or consult a field guide or mushroom book. You should collect both young and old mushrooms from a cluster or group, as some important features may only be present at one stage of development. Note the location, habitat or substrate, and fresh colour, and store the mushrooms in a small paper bag or tube of wax paper. Twist the ends of the tube to keep the collection together, as you do not want to risk mixing safe and poisonous species.
Once you have collected your mushrooms, there are several steps you can take to identify whether they are psilocybin mushrooms. First, select a plump mushroom and cut it off at ground level. Clean off any old leaves or other debris, and look carefully for fly larvae or worm holes. If you find any insects or worm holes, discard the mushroom. Then, place a piece of paper under the cap and store it in a plastic sandwich bag or a container with a lid for four to eight hours. After this time, remove the cap and allow the print to dry for ten minutes. A pattern of white or coloured spores should be visible on the paper. If no spores are present, the mushroom may be immature or sterile.
If you consume psilocybin mushrooms, you may experience nausea and vomiting, as well as muscle weakness and drowsiness. These effects can vary between people, depending on factors such as mental state, personality, and immediate environment. Other possible side effects include euphoria, hallucinations, distorted thinking, dizziness, lack of coordination, unusual body sensations, paranoia, confusion, and frightening hallucinations. It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms are a controlled substance, and there are potential health risks associated with their consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms grow in grassland habitats, especially wetter areas. They are often found in urban spaces and near cities with subtropical climates. They can be found in coastal dune grasses and along creeks.
Psilocybin mushrooms may have caps that are shaped like bells or cones and can vary in size from approximately 1 to 10 cm in diameter. The gills are often thin and delicate, ranging in colour from off-white to deep brown.
It is important to exercise caution when attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms, as some similar-looking mushrooms may be poisonous. To identify psilocybin mushrooms, you can examine their habitat, substrate, structure, and colour. You can also create a spore print by placing the mushroom cap on a piece of paper, which will reveal a pattern of spores.
Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can induce perceptual, cognitive, and emotional changes. The mind-altering effects typically begin 20-30 minutes after ingestion and can last for up to 6-8 hours. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and euphoria.
Psilocybin mushrooms are controlled substances and are illegal to possess in many countries. While they have been used traditionally by Indigenous groups for healing and spiritual purposes, they can also lead to harmful effects and health risks. It is important to be cautious and seek proper identification before consuming any wild mushrooms.
