Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Some mushrooms contain the hallucinogenic drugs psilocybin and psilocin, which are often referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms. These mushrooms can induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and confusion. While some experience negative effects, others believe that mushrooms are sacred herbs that enable people to attain superior spiritual states and a sense of euphoria. In addition to their psychological effects, magic mushrooms have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, such as depression and substance use disorders. However, it's important to note that the use of any drug carries risks, and the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classification | Psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogen |
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Short-term effects | Heightened emotions and senses, happiness, creativity, laughter, giggling, mental and emotional clarity, hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, perceptual changes, distorted sense of self, paranoia, anxiety, panic, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, psychosis |
| Long-term effects | Flashbacks, visual distortions, changes in emotions or perception |
| Side effects | Unwanted side effects include nausea, yawning, feeling drowsy, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis |
| Treatment | Researchers have explored psilocybin's therapeutic benefits. It has been recommended for the treatment of depression, nicotine and alcohol addiction, and other substance use disorders. |
| Legality | Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug in the United States, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute. However, some cities have decriminalized possession of small amounts for personal use. Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled substances in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). |
| Risks | Poisoning from ingesting poisonous mushrooms, accidental ingestion by children, increased blood pressure and heart rate which could be harmful for those with cardiac diseases, unpredictable and dangerous behaviour, bad trips |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are a natural drug with hallucinogenic effects
- They are classified as a Schedule 1 drug and are mostly illegal in the US
- There are no known withdrawal effects, but tolerance develops rapidly
- They can be eaten, brewed into tea, or mixed with food
- Research indicates they could be useful in treating mental health conditions
Magic mushrooms are a natural drug with hallucinogenic effects
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a natural drug with hallucinogenic effects. They contain the drug psilocybin, which produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as the quantity consumed, past experiences, and expectations of the experience.
Psilocybin is classified as a hallucinogen and can cause side effects such as nausea, yawning, drowsiness, nervousness, paranoia, panic, hallucinations, and psychosis. It is important to note that magic mushrooms are not without risks, and some people may experience unpleasant physical and mental effects, such as anxiety, frightening hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. In rare cases, individuals may experience hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, also known as flashbacks, which can occur anywhere from weeks to years after taking the drug.
The use of magic mushrooms has a long history, dating back thousands of years among indigenous people in America and Europe. They have been used for both spiritual and medicinal purposes, with many believing that they enable people to attain superior spiritual states. In modern times, psilocybin use may be recreational or sought out by those desiring a transcendent spiritual experience. Additionally, researchers have explored the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, with studies suggesting its effectiveness in treating conditions such as depression, addiction, and emotional distress associated with life-threatening illnesses.
It is important to note that the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different regions. While they remain illegal in most of the United States, several cities have decriminalized their possession, and Oregon has established a legal framework for therapeutic use. In Canada, activities involving magic mushrooms, such as sale, possession, and production, are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada.
Overall, magic mushrooms are a natural drug with hallucinogenic effects that have been used for various purposes throughout history. While they may offer potential therapeutic benefits, it is crucial to approach their use with caution due to the associated risks and legal considerations.
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They are classified as a Schedule 1 drug and are mostly illegal in the US
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are natural mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug. They are often consumed for spiritual and medicinal purposes. However, they are classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the US and are mostly illegal.
Schedule 1 drugs, according to federal law, cannot be prescribed for medicinal use, and no prescriptions may be written for them. Psilocybin falls under this category and is considered a drug with no known medical potential. However, researchers from Johns Hopkins University have recommended reclassifying psilocybin to Schedule IV, citing its therapeutic benefits in treating depression, nicotine and alcohol addictions, and substance use disorders. They also found that psilocybin has a low potential for abuse and is relatively safe, with a low risk of harm to users and society.
The classification of psilocybin as a Schedule 1 drug means that it is illegal in most parts of the US. While some cities like Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Ann Arbor have decriminalized mushrooms, it is still not legal to possess or use them. Instead, these cities have chosen not to allocate resources to impose criminal penalties on individuals found in possession of the drug. Oregon has gone a step further by establishing a legal framework for receiving psilocybin therapeutically, becoming the first state to do so.
The illegal status of psilocybin in most of the US is a barrier to its potential medical applications. Reclassification to Schedule IV would allow for its prescription and facilitate its use in clinical settings. This reclassification is supported by research indicating that psilocybin has a low risk of abuse and is relatively safe compared to other drugs.
While magic mushrooms have been used for their psychoactive and spiritual effects for thousands of years, their Schedule 1 classification in the US has limited their exploration for medicinal use. The ongoing research and changing legal landscape regarding psilocybin indicate a potential shift in its classification and increased recognition of its therapeutic benefits.
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There are no known withdrawal effects, but tolerance develops rapidly
While there are no known physical withdrawal effects from consuming mushrooms, some potential mild psychological effects have been observed. These include feelings of tiredness, headaches, mood changes, and cravings to use again. In addition, some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD), involving a previous magic mushroom experience. These flashbacks can happen anywhere from weeks to years after the drug was last taken and can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
Tolerance to the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can develop rapidly with continued use, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time. This is known as "cross-tolerance" and occurs with other hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD and mescaline. The development of tolerance can occur in as little as four days of regular use, and discontinuing use for a week or so will return individuals to their normal tolerance level.
It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and adverse side effects can range from mild to moderate. While the risk of addiction is considered low, some individuals may experience psychological dependence and require medical treatment for potential long-term effects. Additionally, the only way to eliminate the risk of a "bad trip" is by not taking magic mushrooms, as higher doses or feelings of anxiety before taking them can increase this risk.
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They can be eaten, brewed into tea, or mixed with food
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are hallucinogenic drugs that can induce a range of effects, including perceptual changes, hallucinations, and an altered sense of reality. While some individuals seek out the peaceful high and spiritual experiences associated with magic mushrooms, it's important to understand the various ways they can be consumed. They can be eaten, brewed into tea, or mixed with food, each method offering distinct advantages and considerations.
Eating magic mushrooms is one of the most common methods of consumption. They can be consumed fresh or dried, and some people even cover them with chocolate to enhance the taste. Eating magic mushrooms typically leads to the effects appearing within 30 minutes, with the duration lasting between four and six hours. It's important to note that the effects can vary from person to person, and factors such as dosage, individual biology, and environment play a role in the overall experience.
Brewing magic mushrooms into tea is another popular option. This method involves infusing the mushrooms in hot water, creating a tea-like beverage. The effects of mushroom tea are often felt more quickly, sometimes within 5 to 10 minutes, making it a faster-acting approach. Similar to eating mushrooms, the duration of the effects typically lasts a few hours. Tea provides a convenient way to consume mushrooms, especially for those who find the taste of mushrooms unpleasant.
Additionally, magic mushrooms can be mixed with food, offering a discreet and creative way of consumption. This method allows for flexibility in incorporating mushrooms into various dishes, such as soups or baked goods. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks. Mixing mushrooms with food may delay the onset of effects compared to other methods, and the time it takes for the effects to manifest can vary depending on the type of food and individual factors.
While consuming magic mushrooms through these methods can induce a range of experiences, it's crucial to approach them with caution. Magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, and their consumption carries risks. Accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms is a serious concern, and adverse side effects such as nausea, paranoia, and panic attacks can occur. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable, and factors such as dosage, setting, and individual mindset can influence the overall experience. Therefore, it's essential to be well-informed, aware of potential risks, and responsible when considering the consumption of magic mushrooms through any of these methods.
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Research indicates they could be useful in treating mental health conditions
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples of America and Europe. In modern times, psilocybin is used recreationally, but researchers have also explored its potential therapeutic benefits.
In 2018, researchers from Johns Hopkins University recommended reclassifying psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule IV to allow for medical use. As a Schedule 1 drug, psilocybin cannot be prescribed for medicinal use. Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that psilocybin was an effective treatment for depression, nicotine and alcohol addictions, and other substance use disorders. Studies have also shown that psilocybin was effective in relieving the emotional distress of people with life-threatening cancer diagnoses.
In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted breakthrough-therapy status to psilocybin-assisted therapy, aiming to improve the research process and hasten the development of drugs that show promise in treating serious illnesses. In 2022, Johns Hopkins Medicine published research showing that psilocybin treatment produced large decreases in depression, with severity remaining low for up to a year after treatment.
In May 2022, UK-based mental healthcare firm COMPASS Pathways completed an exploratory study of psilocybin therapy for patients with anorexia nervosa, with encouraging preliminary results. When taken under supported conditions, psilocybin can cause self-described "spiritual" experiences that generally result in positive changes in a person's attitude, mood, and behavior.
While psilocybin has shown promise in treating mental health disorders, there are still questions surrounding its mechanism of action, as well as stigma, funding, and regulatory hurdles that must be addressed before it can be adopted for regular therapeutic use.
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