Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects. They are considered one of the safest drugs in the world, with a very low percentage of users seeking emergency medical treatment. However, there are still risks associated with their use, such as negative physical and psychological effects, and the possibility of a bad trip. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the user's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and the environment in which they take the drug. While magic mushrooms have been found to have potential benefits for mental and behavioural health conditions, they remain illegal in most places.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest recreational drugs in the world, with minimal harmful effects. |
| Emergency Medical Treatment | In a survey of almost 10,000 people, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment. This is five times less than for LSD. |
| Toxicity | There is no known lethal dose for pure psilocybin mushrooms. They are far less toxic to internal organs than heroin or cocaine. |
| Dependence | There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms. |
| Legality | Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most places, including the US, Canada, and the UK. However, possession has been decriminalized in a few US cities. |
| Benefits | Research suggests psilocybin mushrooms may have benefits for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. They are also being studied for their potential in treating behavioral conditions and substance use disorders. |
| Risks | The biggest risk with magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, which can be fatal. Consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to negative experiences ("bad trips"), heightened emotions and senses, and in some cases, panic attacks, confusion, or depersonalization. |
| Duration | The effects of magic mushrooms typically last between 3 to 6 hours, with effects beginning within 15-45 minutes when eaten and 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world
- The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person
- There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms
- Magic mushrooms are illegal in most parts of the world
- The biggest risk with magic mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are considered one of the safest drugs in the world. According to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, out of almost 10,000 people who took them, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment. This is significantly lower than other recreational drugs such as LSD, MDMA, cocaine, and synthetic cannabis.
The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive properties of magic mushrooms, including hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. While magic mushrooms can cause perceptual changes and distorted senses, they are not known to be toxic to the body or lethal, even in large amounts.
One of the biggest risks associated with magic mushrooms is accidentally consuming the wrong type of mushroom. Magic mushrooms can look similar to poisonous mushrooms, which can cause serious harm or even death. It is important to accurately identify the type of mushroom before consuming it to avoid accidental poisoning.
In terms of psychological effects, magic mushrooms have been found to have minimal harmful effects and may even have potential benefits for mental health. Studies suggest that psilocybin mushrooms could be useful in treating various mental and behavioral health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits, and the use of magic mushrooms can still lead to negative experiences, such as \"bad trips\" or flashbacks.
While magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest drugs, it is important to note that they are illegal in many places and should be approached with caution. They can affect individuals differently, and it is always advisable to be in a safe and comfortable environment when using any psychoactive substance.
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The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are considered one of the safest drugs in the world, with no known lethal dose. However, it's important to note that any drug use comes with risks, and magic mushrooms are not an exception. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and it's essential to be aware of these potential variations before consuming them.
The variability in the effects of magic mushrooms on different individuals can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment play a significant role. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before consuming magic mushrooms may result in a "bad trip." Being in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a positive experience, while being in a noisy and crowded place may lead to a negative one.
Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can depend on the user's previous encounters with psychedelic drugs and their expectations of the experience. The dose also matters, as higher doses of psilocybin may increase the risk of negative experiences. It's worth noting that magic mushrooms can also cause flashbacks, which are visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception that can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken.
The physical effects of magic mushrooms are typically mild and may include delayed headaches, which usually don't last longer than a day. However, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms that resemble magic mushrooms. While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical dependence, tolerance can develop rapidly with continued use.
It's important to note that combining magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. Magic mushrooms should not be taken with certain psychiatric medications, as they may worsen the underlying condition. Overall, while magic mushrooms are considered relatively safe, it's essential to approach their consumption with caution and be aware of the potential variations in effects from person to person.
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There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. They are often consumed orally, with effects felt within 30 minutes and lasting for 3 to 6 hours. Magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest drugs in the world, with a low risk of toxicity and no known lethal dose.
While magic mushrooms have been deemed non-addictive by some sources, there is evidence that regular use can lead to tolerance and cross-tolerance with other drugs. This means that with continued use, even high amounts of the drug may no longer produce the desired effects. However, it's important to distinguish between physical or psychological dependence and addiction, which involves a range of factors beyond tolerance.
There is little evidence to suggest that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms. The effects of magic mushrooms typically wear off within a few hours, and there is no toxicity associated with their use. However, it's worth noting that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and consuming a large amount or a strong batch may result in negative experiences or "bad trips."
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically dependent-forming, some individuals may experience flashbacks or disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic after taking the drug. These negative experiences can be influenced by factors such as dosage, individual mood, and environment. Additionally, combining magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, can increase the risk of serious side effects and adverse events.
It is also important to consider that magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, and their production, sale, and possession are controlled and regulated. Despite some promising research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. Therefore, while magic mushrooms may be one of the safest drugs in terms of toxicity, it is crucial to approach them with caution due to their psychological effects and legal status.
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Magic mushrooms are illegal in most parts of the world
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are illegal to consume, possess, grow, or sell in most parts of the world. Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, is listed as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. As a result, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms, such as the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
However, there is ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in some places, and a growing number of states are imposing reduced penalties for certain Schedule I drugs, including psilocybin. In the United States, for example, a few cities have enacted resolutions that make investigations and arrests for possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms among the lowest priorities for law enforcement. Additionally, some jurisdictions specifically allow the sale and possession of Psilocybe spores since they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. As a result, there is an active underground economy involved in the sale of spores and cultivation materials.
In recent years, there have been some changes in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in certain jurisdictions. For instance, in 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced that it would regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes. Similarly, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalise psilocybin mushrooms, and Australia approved psilocybin for prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
Despite these changes, magic mushrooms remain illegal in most parts of the world. Possession and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms are still illegal under federal law in the United States, and most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms of the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. While there is advocacy for change and a growing body of research highlighting the potential health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms, they are still classified as Schedule I drugs in most jurisdictions.
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The biggest risk with magic mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world, according to Adam Winstock, a consultant addiction psychiatrist and founder of the Global Drug Survey. However, the biggest risk with magic mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms. Magic mushrooms look much like ordinary mushrooms, and there are many different types of poisonous mushrooms that can cause sickness and even result in death.
In fact, according to the Global Drug Survey 2017, which had around 120,000 participants in 50 countries, the biggest risk with magic mushrooms is people picking and eating the wrong mushrooms. Death from toxicity is almost unheard of with magic mushrooms, with poisoning from other fungi being a much greater risk.
It is important to be able to identify different types of mushrooms and to know what you are taking. If in doubt, do not consume mushrooms that you suspect might be poisonous. If you believe you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact poison control or a poison information centre immediately. If the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a seizure, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, call an ambulance.
While magic mushrooms are considered one of the safest drugs, it is important to remember that they are still illegal in most places. In the United States, for example, psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug, which means it is illegal to have, sell, or give away psilocybin mushrooms. However, there is advocacy to change this, and in a few cities across the country, possession of psilocybin mushrooms has been decriminalized.
In conclusion, while magic mushrooms are considered relatively safe in terms of toxicity, the biggest risk is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, which can have severe and even fatal consequences. It is crucial to be able to identify mushrooms correctly and to seek immediate medical help if you suspect mushroom poisoning.
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