Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that can alter a person's senses, emotions, thinking, sense of time, and perception of reality. They have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal, spiritual, and religious purposes. Today, they are often consumed for recreational, self-medicating, or spiritual reasons. Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, is converted by the body into psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties. While magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic benefits for treating mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Other names | Shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, philosopher's stones, liberties, amani, agaric |
| Effects | Euphoria, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, paranoia, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, psychosis, distorted sense of time and space, increased heart rate, sensory distortion, flashbacks |
| Side effects | Diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, headache, bad trip, accidental poisoning |
| Treatment | No way to end a bad trip until it has run its course; visit the emergency room in case of accidental poisoning |
| Legality | Illegal in most places; Schedule I drug in the US |
| Precautions | Should not be taken by people on psychiatric medications; may be dangerous when taken with other drugs; may be dangerous when consumed along with driving |
| Use | Recreational, spiritual, medicinal |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are classified as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
- The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin
- Magic mushrooms are typically consumed fresh, cooked, dried, powdered, or brewed into a tea
- Magic mushrooms rarely result in life-threatening symptoms, but large doses can be severe enough to cause death
- Magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical dependence, but regular use can lead to mild psychological effects and tolerance
Magic mushrooms are classified as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are classified as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This classification means that magic mushrooms are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical uses. The Convention, which was signed in Vienna, Austria, on 21 February 1971, is a treaty designed to control psychoactive drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and psychedelics.
The classification of magic mushrooms as Schedule I drugs reflects the concerns about the potential abuse and lack of recognised medical use for these substances. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in various cultures throughout history, and some researchers are currently exploring their potential therapeutic benefits.
The key active ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted by the body into psilocin. Psilocin is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms, as it affects how the brain works and how different brain regions communicate with each other. These altered patterns of brain activity contribute to the profound change in consciousness experienced by users.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as the user's mood, personality, expectations, and the surrounding environment. While some users may have enjoyable or meaningful experiences, others may suffer from negative effects, commonly known as a ""bad trip". The mushrooms can cause distorted sights and sounds, altered senses of time and space, and intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of mushrooms can lead to severe side effects and even death.
The legal status of magic mushrooms varies worldwide, with many countries having different levels of regulation or prohibition in place. While the United Nations Convention classifies psilocybin and psilocin as Schedule I drugs, it is worth noting that the spores of psilocybin mushrooms, which do not contain these drugs, may be legal to possess in certain jurisdictions. The interpretation and implementation of the Convention's regulations have led to a diverse range of national drug laws, with some countries criminalising the possession and use of magic mushrooms more severely than others.
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The active ingredients in magic mushrooms are chemicals called psilocybin and psilocin
Magic mushrooms are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain the active ingredients psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic and hallucinogenic compound. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Psilocybin is part of a group of drugs called psychedelics or hallucinogens, which can alter a person's sense of reality, leading them to see, hear, and feel things that are not real or to experience reality in a different way. It 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 is not considered addictive, and it is currently being studied for its potential to help treat various conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically include shifts in how a person perceives reality, with distorted sights and sounds and an altered sense of time and space. People who take psilocybin may also experience a range of emotional and physical side effects, such as intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror, increased heart rate, nausea, yawning, feeling drowsy, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis. The length and intensity of each "trip" can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, dosage, age, weight, biological sex, unique biology, and history of drug use.
It is important to note that magic mushrooms carry risks, and they are illegal in most places. They can be mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death. Additionally, some people may experience negative effects such as a bad trip or flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences. Therefore, it is essential to be well-informed about the potential dangers and to seek professional medical advice before considering the use of magic mushrooms.
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Magic mushrooms are typically consumed fresh, cooked, dried, powdered, or brewed into a tea
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that can cause hallucinations, perceptual changes, and distorted sights and sounds. While some people use them recreationally or to improve their mental health, it's important to note that they can also have negative effects, such as a ""bad trip." The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and surroundings.
Magic mushrooms are typically consumed in various forms, including:
- Fresh: Some people consume magic mushrooms fresh by eating them directly. However, they have a bitter taste, so some users prefer to mix them with food to mask the flavour.
- Cooked: Cooking magic mushrooms is not commonly mentioned as a method of consumption. However, it is possible that some people may cook them before eating.
- Dried: After picking, certain types of magic mushrooms, such as liberty caps, are often dried and stored. Dried mushrooms can be eaten directly or brewed into a tea.
- Powdered: Synthetic psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can appear as a white crystalline powder. This powder can be dissolved in water to create a beverage.
- Brewed into a tea: Brewing dried magic mushrooms into a tea is a common method of consumption. The effects of magic mushrooms consumed as tea can occur within 5–10 minutes and typically last for 4 to 6 hours.
While the effects of magic mushrooms can vary, it's important to approach them with caution. Mixing magic mushrooms with certain medications or other drugs can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. Additionally, it's crucial to accurately identify the mushrooms before consumption, as some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble magic mushrooms and can cause severe illness or even death.
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Magic mushrooms rarely result in life-threatening symptoms, but large doses can be severe enough to cause death
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin and psilocin, the chemicals responsible for their psychoactive properties. They are known to induce hallucinations, distort a person's senses, and alter their perception of reality. While magic mushrooms are not known to cause life-threatening symptoms in most cases, there are risks associated with their consumption, particularly when taken in large doses.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 20 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. During this "trip," individuals may experience a range of physical and psychological effects. Physically, magic mushrooms can cause nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle weakness, and tremors. Psychologically, they can induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and distorted senses of time, place, and reality. It is important to note that the potency of magic mushrooms varies, and it is challenging to determine their strength before consumption.
The main danger associated with magic mushrooms is the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms or mushrooms laced with other substances. Many mushroom species are toxic and can cause severe organ damage or even death. Additionally, the unregulated nature of the mushroom market increases the risk of consuming unknown or harmful substances. The effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable, and a "bad trip" can lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. While rare, consuming a large amount of magic mushrooms can result in severe side effects that may lead to death.
The psychological risks of magic mushroom consumption are significant. Some individuals may experience flashbacks or relive parts of their drug trip long after the effects have worn off. These flashbacks can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise and can be disturbing, especially if they recall frightening experiences. Additionally, magic mushrooms can negatively impact individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions or increase the risk of developing long-term mental health disorders, such as psychosis.
It is crucial to approach magic mushrooms with caution and be aware of their potential risks. While they may offer therapeutic benefits and are being studied for their potential in treating mental health disorders, they should not be consumed recklessly. The unpredictable nature of their effects and the possibility of severe side effects highlight the importance of informed and responsible use.
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Magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical dependence, but regular use can lead to mild psychological effects and tolerance
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties that influence serotonin in the brain, leading to altered and unusual perceptions. Serotonin is a brain chemical that affects mood, cognition, and perception.
Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has a high potential for misuse and currently has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. However, psilocybin has been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in Central America, Europe, and potentially other locations. Modern researchers are now studying its potential to treat mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.
While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical dependence, regular use can lead to mild psychological effects and tolerance. Tolerance develops rapidly with continued use, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time. However, discontinuing use for about a week can return individuals to their normal tolerance levels.
Some people who regularly consume magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences. These flashbacks are typically visual distortions that involve changes in emotions or perception and can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise. While rare, some individuals may experience hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, where flashbacks persist anywhere from weeks to years after ingesting the drug.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic drugs, also known as psychedelics. They contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are hallucinogens that can cause an altered state of consciousness and affect all the senses. They are not narcotics.
The legal status of magic mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, but magic mushrooms are not regulated by UN treaties. Many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition, and in some places, the spores are legal to possess as they do not contain the drugs. In the US, most state courts have considered the mushroom a "container" of illicit drugs, and therefore illegal. However, in Oregon, they have been legalised for mental health treatment in supervised settings.
The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, but there are health risks associated with taking them, particularly when unsupervised. There is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms, but it is possible to become tolerant to their effects with regular use. There are also no known withdrawal effects. However, there have been reports of serious harm associated with intravenous injection of mushrooms, including septic shock and multi-system organ failure. It is also very hard to distinguish between magic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms, which can make people very sick or even kill them.
