Laura Smith
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are fungi that contain the naturally occurring psychedelic psilocybin. Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. However, psilocybin has been used in various cultures and locations across the world, potentially as far back as 8,000 years ago, and is currently being researched as a potential treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active chemical | Psilocybin |
| Other names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, caps, boomers |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, anxiety, panic, paranoia, flashbacks, delayed headaches, changes in perception of time and space, intense changes in mood and feelings, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea |
| Use | Recreational, spiritual, medical |
| Medical use | Potential treatment for substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
| Safety | Not addictive, but has potential for abuse. May cause a "bad trip". May be toxic or poisonous. |
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What You'll Learn
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. It is the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms. This chemical is found in approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5% psilocybin, plus trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance.
Psilocybin is most commonly consumed in the form of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, such as Psilocybe species like Psilocybe cubensis. It may also be prepared synthetically, but outside of research settings, it is not typically used in this form. Psilocybin mushrooms are available fresh or dried and are usually taken orally. They may be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be added to other foods to mask their bitter flavour. In rare cases, people have intravenously injected mushroom extracts, but this can lead to serious medical complications.
The effects of psilocybin include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. The effects can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, and expectations. Some people may have a positive experience, while others may have terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. It's important to note that the length and intensity of each trip can vary, and it's hard to predict what sort of trip each user will have.
Psilocybin has been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been outlawed in most countries. However, psilocybin is being studied as a possible medicine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions. It is in late-stage clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression and has been approved for this use in Australia as of 2023.
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How do people use magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, contain the hallucinogenic drugs psilocybin and psilocin. They are available fresh or dried and are typically ingested by mouth. They may be brewed as a tea or added to other foods to mask their bitter flavour. The effects of magic mushrooms include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality.
The biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. It is also hard to know how strong mushrooms are, and the length and intensity of each trip can vary. It depends on how strong the mushrooms are, how much was taken, the user's mood, personality, expectations, age, unique biology, sex, and history of drug use.
Some trips may be enjoyable, but others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In very rare cases, if someone takes a huge amount of mushrooms, the side effects can be severe enough to cause death. Some mushroom users also experience flashbacks where they relive some part of a drug trip when they are no longer high. These flashbacks can come on without warning and may be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience is recalled.
Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies. Some people use them recreationally or to try to improve their mental health. Researchers are testing psilocybin's potential to treat mental health disorders like substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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What are the effects of magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are hallucinogenic when ingested. They are eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. 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. However, in some people, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can last longer.
The active chemical in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which occurs in certain mushroom varieties. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that causes changes in sensory perception and thought patterns. It is found in approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5 percent psilocybin, along with trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely and can be unpredictable. They can include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. Some people may experience feelings of detachment, fear, or panic. The intensity of the effects depends on the user's mood, personality, and expectations. If a person takes a large dose of mushrooms, they may act unpredictably, laughing a lot, becoming fixated on certain things, being emotional, or getting paranoid.
There are risks associated with the use of magic mushrooms. Firstly, it is important to know what type of mushroom you are consuming, as many poisonous mushrooms look very similar to magic mushrooms. Accidental consumption of poisonous mushrooms can result in minor gastrointestinal illness, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Additionally, magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently, and some people may experience a ""bad trip,"" which can include terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs or medications can also be unpredictable and dangerous.
While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, regular use can lead to rapid tolerance development, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Cross-tolerance with other drugs, such as LSD and mescaline, has also been observed. Furthermore, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing. Overall, it is important to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and be aware of the potential risks and adverse effects.
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What are the risks of consuming magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic and hallucinogenic compound. They are considered illegal drugs in most places, including the US. While some research suggests that psilocybin may help relieve symptoms of some mental health conditions, consuming magic mushrooms comes with several risks.
Firstly, it is difficult to know how strong mushrooms are, and it is challenging to identify the hallucinogenic varieties from the poisonous ones. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to poisoning, which can cause severe illness and even be fatal. Even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types, so it is important not to consume mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain that they are safe.
Secondly, consuming magic mushrooms can lead to unpredictable experiences, which may be positive or negative. Negative experiences, known as "bad trips", can include fear, paranoia, anxiety, and short-term psychosis. Factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations can influence the nature of the experience. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment can reduce the risk of a bad trip. However, there is no way to end a bad trip once it has started, and it may be hours before the effects wear off.
Thirdly, consuming large amounts of magic mushrooms can lead to overdose symptoms, which are not fatal but can be very unpleasant. These symptoms include tachycardia (heart beating too fast), hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperthermia (body tissue becomes too hot), nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to increased tolerance, meaning that higher doses are required to achieve the same effect.
Finally, consuming magic mushrooms can lead to long-term adverse effects, including changes in personality and flashbacks, known as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Flashbacks can occur without warning and may happen days, months, or even years after taking mushrooms. They can be triggered by stress, tiredness, exercise, or the use of other drugs.
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Can magic mushrooms be used to treat medical conditions?
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are considered illegal drugs in many places due to their mind-altering effects and potential for misuse. However, there is ongoing research into the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and its potential to treat various medical conditions.
Psilocybin has been found to have the potential to treat a range of psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Research has shown promising results in using psilocybin to treat conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders, and end-of-life psychological distress associated with cancer diagnoses. It has also been suggested that psilocybin may help with managing addictions to substances such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs.
In 2018, researchers from Johns Hopkins University recommended reclassifying psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule IV to allow for its medical use. Schedule I drugs, including psilocybin, are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. By reclassifying psilocybin, it could become available by prescription and be used in controlled clinical trials to further study its therapeutic effects.
Despite the potential benefits, there are also risks associated with the use of magic mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin can be unpredictable, and users may experience negative side effects such as visual distortions, altered perception of time and reality, and "bad trips" that can lead to terrifying thoughts, paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Additionally, there is a risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for magic mushrooms, which can have severe health consequences, including death. Therefore, it is crucial that individuals do not consume mushrooms without proper identification and understanding of their potential effects.
While magic mushrooms may hold promise for treating certain medical conditions, more research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety. As of now, psilocybin-based treatments have not received approval from regulatory bodies such as the FDA in the United States or Health Canada. Ongoing research and clinical trials aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of magic mushrooms in medical contexts.
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Frequently asked questions
The effects of consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, can vary from person to person and depend on the quantity consumed. Some people may experience euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion, while others may have terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death.
Yes, there are several risks associated with consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms. Firstly, it is difficult to determine the strength of mushrooms, and there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming toxic or poisonous mushrooms, which can be life-threatening. Consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms can also lead to negative experiences or "bad trips", delayed headaches, and flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences. Mixing mushrooms with other drugs or medications can also be unpredictable and dangerous.
While the risks associated with consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms are well-documented, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms. Psilocybin is being studied for its potential to treat conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders. Some people also microdose psilocybin, taking small amounts regularly to improve mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
