Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin. They are psychedelic and hallucinogenic, affecting the senses, thinking, sense of time, and emotions. While some people use them recreationally, they are mostly illegal in the US and can be dangerous. The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and influenced by factors such as dosage, age, weight, and emotional state. While some people may have a positive experience, others may suffer from anxiety, paranoia, and frightening hallucinations. Consuming a large amount of mushrooms can lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis, and in very rare cases, death. Poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin mushrooms can also cause severe illness or even be fatal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, panic attacks, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, distorted sense of time, place and reality, flashbacks |
| Side effects | Poisoning, liver failure, kidney failure, neurological issues, abdominal cramping, excessive sweating, salivation, bronchospasm, bronchorrhea, bradycardia, psychosis, death |
| Drug interactions | Ice, speed, ecstasy, psychiatric medications, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, over-the-counter medications, prescribed medications |
| Legality | Illegal in most of the U.S. except for Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor, and Oregon |
| Treatment potential | Relief from emotional distress for people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses, treatment for mental and behavioral health conditions, cluster headaches |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are often poisonous and can be fatal
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are fungi that contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin. While they are mostly illegal in the U.S., some U.S. cities have decriminalised the possession of magic mushrooms. They are often consumed for recreational purposes and can induce euphoria and hallucinations. However, they can also cause adverse side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. In rare cases, consuming large amounts of magic mushrooms can lead to severe poisoning and even death.
Magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even be fatal. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to poisoning, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to more severe consequences like liver and kidney failure. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid potential health risks.
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and influenced by factors such as dosage, age, weight, and emotional state. While some people experience a peaceful high, others may encounter anxiety, paranoia, and disturbing hallucinations. The risk of a bad trip, or negative experience, increases with higher doses or stronger mushrooms. Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms with other drugs or alcohol can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.
To reduce the risks associated with magic mushrooms, it is essential to be cautious about their use. This includes controlling the amount consumed and the environment in which they are ingested. It is also advised not to consume magic mushrooms simultaneously with other substances, especially without prior knowledge of their potential interactions. Furthermore, individuals with a history of mental illness should exercise caution, as hallucinogens can trigger mental and emotional problems.
While magic mushrooms are often associated with harmful consequences, ongoing research suggests potential therapeutic benefits. Studies indicate that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be effective in treating conditions such as life-threatening cancer diagnoses and cluster headaches. However, it is important to note that these substances are currently only utilised in controlled research and medical settings under professional supervision.
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They can cause nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks
Consuming mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to a variety of effects, including nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. These feelings are common side effects of hallucinogenic drugs, which distort an individual's senses, thoughts, and emotions.
Nausea is an early effect of consuming magic mushrooms, along with excessive yawning. These initial effects typically occur 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours. The "trip" begins after these early symptoms, and its intensity can vary. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can lead to more intense side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness.
The risk of a bad trip, or negative effects, increases with higher doses of psilocybin and is also influenced by an individual's mood, personality, expectations, and emotional state. During a bad trip, individuals may experience terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. These experiences can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, leading to injuries.
In addition to the psychological effects, consuming mushrooms can also cause gastrointestinal issues. Some individuals may experience stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. These physical symptoms are common features of mushroom poisoning, especially when small quantities of toxic mushrooms are ingested.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and influenced by various factors, including dosage, age, weight, and history of mental illness. While some individuals may experience positive effects, such as a peaceful high or euphoria, others may encounter negative side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks.
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Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places
Consuming mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to a variety of effects, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. While some people use psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms or "shrooms", as a recreational drug, it can also cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. In very rare cases, consuming a huge amount of mushrooms can even cause death.
In the US, most state courts have considered the mushroom a "container" of illicit drugs and therefore illegal. However, there is ambiguity in many national, state, and provincial drug laws about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, and a strong element of selective enforcement in some places. For example, in the US, the spores of psilocybin mushrooms do not contain the drugs and are legal to possess in many areas, creating a loophole in the law. In addition, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is often considered drug manufacture and is severely penalized, though some countries and one US state (New Mexico) have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
While magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, there have been recent moves towards decriminalization and regulation in some jurisdictions. For example, in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and in 2023, Australia approved psilocybin for use in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. In addition, some research indicates that psilocybin mushrooms could be useful in treating some mental and behavioral health conditions, although more research is needed, and these treatments are not yet approved by the FDA.
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They can induce a 'bad trip' with terrifying thoughts
Consuming mushrooms that contain psilocybin can lead to a range of effects, including euphoria and hallucinations. However, one of the risks associated with psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", is the potential for a "bad trip". A bad trip can involve terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The risk of experiencing a bad trip may be influenced by various factors, including dosage, personality, emotional state, and history of mental illness.
The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and unpredictable, and it is challenging to know exactly how a person will be affected. While some individuals may experience a mild trip with feelings of drowsiness or relaxation, others may encounter more disturbing effects. Higher doses or stronger mushrooms can increase the likelihood of a bad trip, leading to terrifying thoughts and intense paranoia.
The risk of a bad trip may also be influenced by the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. It is important to be mindful of the surroundings and to ensure a safe and comfortable space when taking magic mushrooms. Additionally, combining magic mushrooms with certain substances, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can further increase the chances of a bad trip.
It is worth noting that the only way to completely eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by refraining from consuming magic mushrooms. While the effects of a bad trip are temporary and typically resolve with time, they can be distressing and impact an individual's sense of reality and judgment. In some cases, individuals may experience flashbacks or relive parts of their trip even after the effects have worn off.
Furthermore, it is crucial to be cautious when identifying and sourcing magic mushrooms. Some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and misidentification can lead to severe illness or even death. Unless one has extensive knowledge and experience in mushroom identification, it is not safe to consume mushrooms solely based on their visual characteristics.
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Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs is unpredictable and dangerous
Consuming magic mushrooms, or shrooms, can be dangerous. While some people use them as a recreational drug, they can induce anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. The effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and influenced by factors such as dosage, age, weight, personality, emotional state, environment, and history of mental illness.
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic drugs that can cause unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, leading to injuries. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can further increase the risks and unpredictability of their effects. Combining magic mushrooms with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can heighten the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. Additionally, consuming magic mushrooms with alcohol is not advised.
The use of magic mushrooms may also interact negatively with psychiatric medications. People taking psychiatric medications should refrain from consuming magic mushrooms as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of their condition. The effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable, and combining them with other substances can further enhance this unpredictability, making it challenging to anticipate the outcome.
Furthermore, it is essential to be cautious when identifying magic mushrooms. Some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and even professionals sometimes mistake them. Consuming poisonous mushrooms can result in severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms before consumption to mitigate the risks associated with ingesting toxic varieties.
While magic mushrooms are mostly illegal in the United States, some cities have decriminalized their use, and research is exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. However, it is important to note that the therapeutic use of psilocybin is currently limited to controlled research and medical settings under professional supervision.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are fungi that contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin. They are commonly used as recreational drugs and can induce euphoria and hallucinations.
Yes, magic mushrooms can be dangerous. They can induce anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and panic attacks. Consuming large amounts of mushrooms can lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis. Poisonous mushrooms can also closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, making it hard to distinguish between the two. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death.
Research has shown that psilocybin mushrooms have various benefits for physical and mental health. For example, studies have shown that magic mushrooms can be effective in relieving emotional distress in people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses.
