Emma Wilson
Magic mushrooms are psychedelic drugs that contain the hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin, which binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, altering brain activity and causing profound changes in consciousness. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, with some people experiencing a mild trip characterised by drowsiness or relaxation, while others may have hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. The effects typically begin within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption and can last between 3 to 6 hours. While magic mushrooms are illegal in many places due to their potential risks and negative side effects, there is also a growing interest in their therapeutic potential for treating various mental health conditions. It is important to exercise caution when taking magic mushrooms due to the possibility of misidentifying poisonous mushrooms and the potential for adverse reactions or a bad trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin (converted to psilocin in the body) |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered thinking, altered emotions, altered perception, distorted sense of time, place and reality |
| Time to effect | 30 minutes (or 5-10 minutes when taken as tea) |
| Duration of effects | 3-6 hours |
| Form | Fresh or dried mushrooms, capsules, powder, tablets, liquid |
| Legality | Illegal in the US, but some cities have decriminalized possession |
| Poisoning risk | Yes, some mushroom species are toxic and can cause severe illness or death |
| Addiction risk | Current research suggests it is not addictive |
| Bad trip risk | Yes, influenced by dose, setting, state of mind, and use of other drugs |
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What You'll Learn
Methods of consumption: eating, tea, soup
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or liberty caps, are a wild variety of mushrooms that have hallucinogenic effects on the human brain. While they are considered a Class A illegal drug in the UK and the US, many parts of the world, including Canada, Austria, Portugal, and parts of the US, have decriminalized their recreational use.
Eating
Eating psilocybin mushrooms is a common method of consumption. They can be eaten raw, but this may cause side effects such as an upset stomach. They can also be cooked, although some believe that persistent heat may affect the drug's potency. However, this claim has been disputed, and some people find that cooking the mushrooms improves the effect of the high and makes it come on faster.
Tea
Another popular method of consumption is mushroom tea, which is made by steeping dried mushrooms in hot water. Tea can be a faster method of consumption compared to eating the mushrooms whole, and it may also provide more control over dosing. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as dosage, individual physiology, environment, and mindset.
Soup
Mushroom soup is another option for consuming psilocybin mushrooms. A simple recipe involves boiling the mushrooms, blending them with kombu dashi, and adding additional ingredients such as soy sauce or ginger. This method can also speed up the onset of effects compared to consuming the mushrooms raw.
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Effects: hallucinations, altered perception, distorted senses
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can range from euphoria to hallucinations. Magic mushrooms are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perception.
Magic mushrooms can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. These hallucinations can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled. Visual flashbacks can happen weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken. These flashbacks can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
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. The quantity of the drug consumed, the user's past experiences, expectations, mood, and environment can all affect their reaction to magic mushrooms. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe, calm, quiet, and relaxed environment before taking magic mushrooms can reduce the risk of having a bad trip.
It is important to be careful when taking any type of drug, including magic mushrooms. The effects of taking magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Magic mushrooms should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications as a relapse or worsening of the condition could occur. Poisonous mushrooms that resemble magic mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death.
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Negative effects: bad trips, accidental poisoning, flashbacks
The negative effects of taking psychedelic drugs such as magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be unpredictable. Magic mushrooms can induce a "bad trip", cause accidental poisoning, and lead to flashbacks.
Bad trips
A "bad trip" is a negative experience during a drug-induced "trip". The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, and a "bad trip" may include feelings of anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and distorted senses of time, place, and reality. A "bad trip" can also lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, which may result in injuries. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment before taking magic mushrooms can reduce the risk of a "bad trip".
Accidental poisoning
Magic mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness and even death. Poisoning symptoms may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention in case of suspected mushroom poisoning.
Flashbacks
Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, typically involving visual distortions and changes in emotions or perception. Flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled. They can occur without warning, from a few days to weeks, months, or even years after the last drug use. Flashbacks can be triggered by various factors, such as using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
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Legality: mostly illegal in the US, decriminalised in some cities
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", are mostly illegal in the US. Under federal law, the use, sale, and possession of psilocybin are illegal. Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, which means it is classified as a substance with "no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse".
However, there is a growing movement advocating for the decriminalisation of psilocybin. In recent years, several US cities and states have taken steps to decriminalise or deprioritise the enforcement of laws related to psilocybin mushrooms. This means that while the drug may still be illegal, prosecuting people for its use or possession is not a priority for law enforcement in these areas.
In May 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first city in the US to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms. The initiative did not legalise mushrooms but prohibited the city from spending resources to prosecute people for their use or possession. Following Denver's lead, several other cities and states have made similar moves. In November 2020, Oregon became the first state to decriminalise psilocybin and legalise its supervised use. The same month, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which decriminalised psilocybin drugs, including magic mushrooms. In January 2021, Washtenaw County, Michigan, and the cities of Somerville and Cambridge in Massachusetts also decriminalised the possession of entheogenic plants, including psilocybin mushrooms. In 2022, Colorado became the second state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms.
While the trend towards decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin mushrooms is growing, it is important to note that the drug remains illegal under federal law in the US. The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different jurisdictions, and it is essential to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your area.
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Safety: controlling dosage, identifying mushrooms, environment
When taking magic mushrooms, it is important to control the dosage, identify the mushrooms correctly, and be mindful of the environment.
Controlling Dosage
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that induces hallucinations and perceptual changes. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on dosage, with higher doses leading to more intense experiences. It is recommended to start with a low dose of no more than 1 gram of dried mushrooms or 10 mg of psilocybin. You can then gradually increase the dosage every 25 minutes if desired. A "heroic dose," as described by Terence McKenna, involves consuming 5 grams of dried mushrooms in silent darkness, resulting in an overwhelming psychedelic experience. However, such high doses are rare and should only be attempted by experienced individuals in a safe and comfortable setting.
Identifying Mushrooms
It is crucial to accurately identify magic mushrooms to avoid consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can be life-threatening. Magic mushrooms resemble ordinary mushrooms but can vary in appearance. Common types include golden tops, blue meanies, and liberty caps. They can also come in dried form or as capsules containing synthetic psilocybin powder.
Environment
The environment in which magic mushrooms are consumed, known as the "setting," plays a significant role in the overall experience. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a positive experience, while a noisy and crowded place may lead to negative effects. It is recommended to be in a good state of mind, surrounded by trusted friends, and in a safe and familiar environment to reduce the risk of a "bad trip." Combining magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescription medications, can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms can be consumed by eating them, mixing them with food, or brewing them into a tea.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour and can last between four and six hours.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations. They can also lead to negative experiences, known as "bad trips", which may include extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia. There is also a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming poisonous ones, which can be fatal.
Some people may experience flashbacks or hallucinations that can occur weeks, months, or even years after taking magic mushrooms. Regular use may also lead to tolerance, and there is a potential risk of addiction.
