Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychoactive chemical psilocin upon ingestion. 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 mushrooms have a long history of use in spiritual rituals and healing practices, and researchers are currently exploring their therapeutic potential for treating conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. While some people take magic mushrooms for their psychoactive effects, the mushrooms can also cause unpredictable, dangerous behavior and disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin, which is converted to psilocin in the body |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, sensory distortion, altered perception, spiritual experiences, self-discovery, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, panic, flashbacks |
| Legality | Varies by region. For example, in the US, buying spores of mushroom species containing psilocybin is legal in most states, but the mushrooms themselves are federally banned. |
| Risks | Poisoning, misidentification of mushrooms, contamination, unpredictable behaviour, seizures, flashbacks, negative experiences or "bad trips", physical and psychological risks when combined with other substances |
| Therapeutic benefits | Potential to treat depression, PTSD, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders, substance use disorders, and emotional distress in people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms' key ingredient: psilocybin
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This substance is converted into psilocin in the body, which is the chemical that produces psychoactive effects. The effects of psilocybin include sensory distortion, euphoria, and hallucinations. These effects can vary from person to person and can also depend on the dose and type of mushroom used.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms. It is a hallucinogenic chemical that occurs in certain mushroom varieties, commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms". The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been found in approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea. The effects typically last approximately four to six hours. The duration of the effects may depend on the individual's metabolism and the amount of psilocybin ingested. It is important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary significantly, even within the same species.
Magic mushrooms have been used for recreational purposes and are one of the most widely used psychedelic drugs. They have also been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use. However, it is important to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution as they can induce disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing a "'bad trip", which can be frightening and involve negative emotions and a distorted sense of self.
The use of magic mushrooms is regulated in many places due to the psychoactive properties of psilocybin. For example, in Canada, activities involving magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin, such as sale, possession, and production, are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada. Similarly, in Australia, federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms.
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How psilocybin works in the body
Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms. When ingested, it is converted into psilocin, the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These parts of the brain affect mood, cognition, and perception. Hallucinogens also work in other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses.
Brain scans reveal that psilocybin reduces neural activity in the claustrum, the area of the brain believed to be responsible for setting attention and switching tasks. The scans showed that psilocybin reduced neural activity in the claustrum by 15% to 30%. This lowered activity was associated with stronger subjective effects of the drug, such as emotional and mystical experiences.
Psilocybin also changed the way the claustrum communicated with brain regions involved in hearing, attention, decision-making, and remembering. It temporarily disrupted a critical network of brain areas responsible for reflective thinking, such as daydreaming and remembering. This interference explains the drug's mind-bending effects, such as scrambling one's sense of space, time, and self.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
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The effects of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. 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 duration of the effects also depends on the user's size and what other drugs they may have taken.
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, sensory distortion, and euphoria. They can also distort how some people perceive objects and people in their environment. The quantity of the drug consumed, the user's past experiences, expectations, and state of mind can all affect their reaction to psilocybin. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. Moreover, the use of magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Mixing magic mushrooms with ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic.
Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences. These flashbacks are usually visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception and can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
The biggest danger to one's health when taking magic mushrooms is consuming a poisonous mushroom by mistake. Magic mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms that can cause severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is important to be certain about the type of mushroom before consuming it.
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The risks of taking magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms, there are still several risks associated with their consumption.
Firstly, magic mushrooms can cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, which may lead to injuries. They can induce hallucinations, distort sensory perception, and heighten emotions and senses. These effects can be disturbing or frightening, leading to feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Additionally, magic mushrooms may interact with other substances, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, increasing the chances of a "bad trip" and leading to panic.
Another significant risk is the possibility of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms. Magic mushrooms resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, and incorrect identification can result in mushroom poisoning, which may include symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. This risk is heightened when purchasing magic mushrooms illegally, as these may be contaminated with other dangerous substances.
Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to tolerance and an increased risk of a "bad trip". Some individuals may also experience flashbacks, involving visual distortions and changes in emotions or perception, which can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last consumption. While physical symptoms typically do not occur after stopping the use of magic mushrooms, further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits associated with their consumption.
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The legality of magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic and can cause a range of effects, including euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. They have been used for recreational and medicinal purposes. While the legality of magic mushrooms varies by jurisdiction, they are generally controlled or prohibited in many countries due to the presence of psilocybin, a Schedule I drug under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
In the United States, the federal government classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, there are variations in how state and local laws address magic mushrooms. For example, Colorado and Oregon have legalized certain uses, and some cities have deprioritized arrest and prosecution for personal possession. On the other hand, California, Georgia, and Idaho specifically prohibit the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, while New Mexico courts have ruled that growing magic mushrooms do not constitute "manufacturing" a controlled substance.
Outside the United States, the legality of magic mushrooms also varies. For instance, Germany and certain Canadian provinces have criminalized the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. In contrast, the District of Columbia passed an initiative allowing the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Internationally, mescaline, DMT, and psilocin are Schedule I drugs, but the plants containing them are not subject to the same level of control.
The legal landscape surrounding magic mushrooms is complex and evolving. While some jurisdictions are relaxing restrictions, others maintain strict prohibitions. It is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in your area to understand the legal status of magic mushrooms and the potential consequences of their possession, cultivation, or consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms can range from euphoria to hallucinations, and they have a long history of being associated with spiritual experiences and self-discovery.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These regions of the brain affect mood, cognition, and perception. Psilocybin may cause visual or auditory hallucinations and distort how some people perceive objects and people in their environment.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 20 to 40 minutes when eaten and can last up to 6 hours. The effects can vary from person to person, but they typically include perceptual changes, such as hallucinations and sensory distortion. Some people may also experience feelings of euphoria, connection, and a distorted sense of time.
Magic mushrooms are generally not considered to be addictive, and they have a low risk of poisoning since they look similar to poisonous mushrooms. However, they can cause unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour, and some people may experience negative effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. It's important to be careful when taking any type of drug, including magic mushrooms, as the effects can vary depending on individual factors such as mood and environment.
