Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. They are consumed for their mind-altering effects, which can include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. While the use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits, and they are currently being studied as a treatment for mental health disorders. However, it's important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms can carry risks, including disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, magic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Drug classification | Schedule I substance in the United States |
| Legality | Illegal in most of the U.S. and Canada |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, powder, tablets, capsules |
| Administration | Oral (not intravenous) |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, heightened emotions and senses, giggling, mental and emotional clarity, altered state of consciousness, perceptual changes, panic, anxiety, flashbacks, reduced sense of self or ego, increased connectedness to the world |
| Risks | Poisoning from poisonous mushrooms, bad trip, unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, accidental injury, hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder |
| Treatment potential | Substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavioural conditions, psychiatric conditions, smoking cessation, alcohol use disorder |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' effects and risks
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and actions. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects can vary from person to person and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They should never be injected intravenously, as this can lead to serious health issues such as septic shock and multi-system organ failure. The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin, which are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. Individuals using magic mushrooms experience hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, heightened emotions and senses, and an altered state of consciousness.
The use of magic mushrooms can also lead to negative experiences, commonly known as a "bad trip". These experiences may be frightening and may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, a distorted sense of self, anxiety, panic, and short-term psychosis. The risk of a bad trip may increase with higher doses or if the user has feelings of anxiety or stress before taking the mushrooms. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment can reduce the risk of a bad trip. Additionally, magic mushrooms should not be taken with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, as this can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects.
There is a low risk of addiction to magic mushrooms, but there is a risk of accidental poisoning from mistaking poisonous mushrooms for magic mushrooms. Regular use of magic mushrooms may cause users to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin and cross-tolerance with other drugs, such as LSD and mescaline. Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, or "hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder", involving previous magic mushroom experiences. These flashbacks can be disturbing and can occur anywhere from weeks to years after the drug was last taken.
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The therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is a powerful psychedelic with a wide range of potential effects. Magic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, including in religious rituals, and are known to cause hallucinations, sensory distortion, and altered states of consciousness. While the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose, researchers are exploring its therapeutic potential.
Research suggests that psilocybin may have short-term and long-term antidepressant effects and could be useful in treating mental health disorders. Clinical trials have shown promising results in using psilocybin to treat substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additionally, psilocybin therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for cancer-related psychiatric disorders. The Heffter Research Institute, for example, focuses on studying the therapeutic uses of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, to reduce suffering in individuals with addiction and cancer-related psychiatric disorders.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms is not without risks. Adverse side effects can range from mild to moderate and may include disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The risk of a ""bad trip"" increases with higher doses or feelings of anxiety before consumption. Additionally, there is a potential for accidental poisoning if poisonous mushrooms are consumed mistakenly. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and under the guidance of medical professionals.
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How to avoid a bad trip
While there is increasing interest in the therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms, it is important to be aware of the risks and potential negative experiences associated with their consumption. The only sure way to avoid a bad trip is to abstain from using hallucinogens altogether. However, if you choose to consume magic mushrooms, there are several guidelines you can follow to minimize the risk of a negative experience:
Set and Setting: The environment and your state of mind play a crucial role in shaping your experience. Choose a calm, safe, and peaceful environment, preferably a familiar and quiet place. Ensure you are in the right frame of mind and feel safe and comfortable with the people around you.
Planning: Understand that the effects of magic mushrooms can last for 4 to 12 hours. Plan your trip by discussing with a trusted friend beforehand about things you can do if you encounter a challenging experience. It is also advisable to have a sober buddy who can provide support and assistance if needed.
Avoid Mixing Substances: Stick to one substance at a time. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, including cannabis, alcohol, or certain medications, can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects. Additionally, avoid operating heavy machinery or driving during your trip, as your judgment and coordination may be impaired.
Know Your Substance: Whenever possible, check your drugs. Utilize test strips or seek drug-checking services to determine the composition, strength, and potential contaminants of your mushrooms. This can help you make informed decisions about dosage and manage expectations.
Personal History and Health: Be mindful of your personal and family history of mental health problems. Hallucinogens can trigger symptoms of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and flashbacks. Additionally, if you are living with a heart condition, it is important to consider that hallucinogens can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
It is important to remember that even with these precautions, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely and are unique to each individual. Always prioritize your safety and well-being when considering the use of hallucinogens.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms, with laws often reflecting the terms of the UN Convention. For example, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002. In these countries, possession and use of psilocybin are generally prohibited and may carry severe legal penalties.
However, there is ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in some jurisdictions. In the US, most state courts have considered the mushrooms a "container" of illicit drugs, and therefore illegal. However, there are exceptions, such as Oregon, which has licensed "psilocybin service centres" where adults can legally consume magic mushrooms in a supervised setting. Similarly, Colorado has legalized certain uses of psilocybin, and some cities have deprioritized arrests and prosecution for personal possession. In Canada, while activities with magic mushrooms are generally illegal, there may be exemptions granted by Health Canada.
There is also a growing movement for the decriminalization of psilocybin, with advocates drawing comparisons to the rapid legalization of cannabis. Some jurisdictions have already taken steps towards decriminalization, including Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Denver in California, Washtenaw County in Michigan, and several cities in Massachusetts. These jurisdictions have typically prioritized other crimes over the possession or use of psilocybin, rather than fully legalizing the substance.
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The history of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are naturally occurring fungi that cause hallucinations when ingested. They have been used for centuries, with some historians suggesting that cave paintings from as early as 9,000 BCE in North Africa and Europe may depict their use. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica, a hallucinogenic species of mushroom, was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago.
In Mesoamerica, the native peoples, including the Aztecs, have a long history of using psilocybin mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing. The Aztecs referred to the mushrooms as teōnanācatl, or "god's flesh," and they were reportedly served at the coronation of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II in 1502. Spanish missionaries in the 1500s attempted to destroy all evidence of this usage, but some records remained, intriguing ethnopharmacologists in the 20th century.
In the 1950s and 1960s, magic mushrooms began to gain attention in Western popular culture. R. Gordon Wasson, a banker and ethnomycologist, introduced psilocybin mushrooms to the United States after participating in a mushroom ceremony in Oaxaca, Mexico. He brought samples back to the Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman, who isolated the psilocybin and produced pills for research purposes. Thousands of doses were administered in clinical settings, and psilocybin was considered a potential treatment for various conditions, including alcoholism and anxiety. Timothy Leary, a counterculture icon, also played a significant role in popularizing magic mushrooms in the US during this time, distributing them widely during the height of the hippie movement.
Despite their growing popularity, magic mushrooms were made illegal in the United States in 1970. However, this did not stop their use, and in 1976, writer and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna released a book called "Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide," which further contributed to their popularity. In recent years, there has been a push for decriminalization and recognition of the medicinal properties of magic mushrooms. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that they can be used to treat conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. As a result, several cities in the US have decriminalized magic mushrooms, and there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects. They are often referred to as "shrooms" and have been used for thousands of years, including in religious rituals.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the amount consumed, the setting, and the individual's state of mind. Common effects include hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, heightened emotions and senses, and sensory distortions.
While magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction and a low level of toxicity, there are still health risks associated with their consumption. Adverse side effects may include disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic, and flashbacks. It is also possible to accidentally consume poisonous mushrooms, which can result in serious health issues or even death.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They should not be injected intravenously as this can lead to serious health issues. It is important to be cautious when taking any drug, including magic mushrooms, and to avoid combining them with other substances.
Magic mushrooms are currently illegal in most parts of the world, including the United States and Canada, where they are classified as a Schedule I substance. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits, and some cities in the U.S. have decriminalized the possession of small amounts for personal use.
