Michael Davis
Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, are a type of drug that changes a person's awareness of their surroundings, thoughts, feelings, perceptions, sensations, self-awareness, and emotions. Some hallucinogens like Peyote are natural and have been used in cultures for a long time, while others like LSD are synthetic. Psilocybin, the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is also a hallucinogen. It is available in tablet or capsule form or can be consumed by brewing the mushrooms as tea or adding them to food. PCP, or phencyclidine, is also a hallucinogen but does not fit easily into any one drug category because it can also relieve pain or act as a stimulant. It was developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic but was taken off the market due to its hallucinogenic side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are mushrooms? | Mushrooms containing psilocybin are available fresh or dried and are typically taken by mouth. They may be brewed as a tea or added to other foods to mask their bitter flavor. |
| Mushroom types | Shrooms, magic mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms |
| Effects of mushrooms | Hallucinations, heightened sensory awareness, impaired judgment, an altered perception of time, inability to distinguish fantasy from reality, panic reactions, psychosis, flashbacks, risk of psychiatric illness, impaired memory, tolerance, long-term changes in personality |
| PCP | PCP stands for phenylcyclohexyl piperidine, also known as phencyclidine. It is most often called "angel dust." |
| Effects of PCP | Numbness, slurred speech, loss of coordination, increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, sweating, dizziness, paranoia, fearfulness, anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, difficulty communicating, psychosis, violent or bizarre behavior, death |
| Similarities between mushrooms and PCP | Both are hallucinogens or psychedelics, i.e., they alter a person's perception of reality, thoughts, feelings, and awareness of their surroundings. |
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What You'll Learn
PCP vs. Psilocybin
Psilocybin, the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms, 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 can be ingested by eating the mushrooms raw, cooking them, or brewing them into a tea. Chocolate has also become a popular way to mask the bitter flavor of the mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin include heightened sensory awareness, impaired judgment, hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. "Bad trips" may cause frightening hallucinations, terror, depression, or panic attacks. However, psilocybin has been shown to have potential therapeutic effects, including the treatment of depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, cluster headaches, phantom limb pain, and chronic pain.
PCP, or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (also known as phencyclidine), was originally developed in the 1950s as a general anesthetic. However, it was discontinued in 1965 due to serious side effects. PCP can be swallowed, sniffed, injected, or smoked. The effects of PCP include an out-of-body feeling, detachment from one's surroundings, auditory hallucinations, mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, hostility, psychosis, numbness, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. High doses of PCP can cause seizures, coma, and death.
Both PCP and psilocybin are hallucinogens, which are drugs that alter a person's perception of reality and change their thoughts and feelings. However, they differ in their chemical composition, route of administration, and specific effects. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain types of mushrooms, while PCP is a synthetic drug. Psilocybin is typically ingested orally, while PCP can be administered in various forms, including orally, intranasally, intravenously, and via smoking. The effects of psilocybin are more sensory-focused, while PCP creates an out-of-body experience and a sense of detachment. Additionally, psilocybin has shown therapeutic potential in treating certain mental health conditions, whereas PCP was discontinued as an anesthetic due to its serious side effects.
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Effects of mushrooms
Mushrooms containing psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, are available fresh or dried and are typically ingested orally. They may be brewed as a tea or added to other foods to mask their bitter flavour. The effects of mushrooms generally begin after about 30 to 45 minutes and can last as long as 6 hours.
The short-term effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically include euphoria, visual and auditory hallucinations, intensified emotions, an altered sense of time, and spiritual experiences. However, a ""bad trip" may cause frightening hallucinations, terror, depression, panic attacks, fear, paranoia, and other unwanted effects.
Long-term use of psilocybin mushrooms has been associated with potential alterations in brain chemistry, specifically affecting the serotonin system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. One recognised long-term effect is the development of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which involves perceptual changes that can persist for weeks or even months after the use of psilocybin and other psychedelics.
It is important to note that nearly all hallucinogens, including psilocybin mushrooms, are illegal, and researchers do not consider any amount of use safe. Additionally, some mushroom species are extremely poisonous and can cause severe illness or even death.
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History of PCP
Phencyclidine (PCP), also known as phenylcyclohexyl piperidine, is a dissociative anaesthetic that is mainly used recreationally for its significant mind-altering effects. The history of PCP dates back to the 1950s when it was first synthesised by Michigan chemist Victor Maddox. It was initially developed as an anaesthetic for surgery and was marketed as such. However, due to its adverse side effects, including psychosis, anxiety, paranoia, and dysphoria, its use in humans was discontinued in 1965, and by 1967, it was restricted to veterinary practice.
During the 1960s, PCP entered the streets as a recreational drug, with the first reports of its abuse emerging from Haight Ashbury, San Francisco, a hub of the hippie movement. The drug's mind-altering effects and various forms of administration, such as smoking, oral ingestion, and injection, made it popular within the psychedelic drug culture of that decade. PCP use continued to rise in the 1970s, with an estimated 6 million Americans aged 12 and older having tried it at least once in their lives.
In the 1980s, PCP use in America declined due to the widespread abuse and availability of crack cocaine. However, it remained prevalent among teenagers and young adults in central metropolitan areas. The 21st century has seen a resurgence of PCP use, with emergency room visits related to PCP toxicity and reactions on the rise.
PCP is sold in various forms, including white powder, crystal, tablet, capsule, and liquid, and it is often mixed with tobacco, cannabis, or other leafy substances. The drug's effects can range from numbness and intoxication at low doses to convulsions and coma at high doses. PCP is highly addictive, leading to psychological dependence, cravings, and compulsive behaviour. Its use can result in severe mental and physical health issues, including memory loss, depression, and an increased risk of suicide.
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How mushrooms are consumed
Consuming mushrooms, especially those of the hallucinogenic variety, can be dangerous. It is important to distinguish between the different types of mushrooms and to be aware of the potential risks involved in consuming them.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", contain the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. The effects of consuming these mushrooms typically appear within 15 to 45 minutes and can last for up to six hours. The length and intensity of the "trip" depend on the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and individual factors such as mood, personality, and expectations. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to negative experiences such as intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It is worth noting that it is challenging to predict the outcome of each mushroom trip.
Magic mushrooms can be consumed in various ways. They are often sold and consumed raw or dried. People may eat them directly, mix them with food to mask their bitter taste, or brew them into tea. It is crucial to exercise caution as some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can lead to severe illness or even death. Poisonous mushrooms may closely resemble hallucinogenic mushrooms, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Consuming a large quantity or a potent batch of hallucinogenic mushrooms can also result in adverse effects, including nausea, excessive yawning, and delayed headaches.
To reduce the risks associated with consuming magic mushrooms, it is essential to be mindful of the amount consumed and the environment in which they are taken. Ensuring a calm, quiet, and relaxed atmosphere can contribute to a more positive experience. Additionally, being in a positive state of mind and surrounded by trusted companions can help mitigate the chances of a "bad trip". It is also recommended to work with a guide or cultivate mushrooms at home to ensure their safety.
While the consumption of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, there is growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Clinical trials have shown promising results, but currently, there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. It is important to note that injecting mushrooms intravenously is strongly discouraged due to the serious health risks associated with it.
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Testing for mushrooms
Shrooms, or hallucinogenic mushrooms, contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, these compounds can induce changes in perception, emotion, consciousness, mood, and behaviour. The effects of shrooms typically last between 4 to 6 hours, but they are metabolised by the body relatively quickly.
Standard drug tests do not usually screen for psilocybin or psilocin, and mushrooms generally do not show up on 5-8,10,- or 12-panel tests. However, specialised tests designed to detect mushrooms do exist, and they may be used if there is a strong suspicion of recent mushroom use. These specialised tests include 10-panel tests, hair follicle tests, and blood and saliva tests. Hair follicle tests can detect mushroom compounds for up to 90 days, but they are costly and less common. Blood and saliva tests are also possible, but mushrooms are metabolised too quickly for these tests to be effective.
Urine tests are the most common type of drug test, and they can detect psilocybin for about 24 hours after use. The detection window can be longer, ranging from 24 hours to 3 days, depending on how frequently a person consumes mushrooms and how easily their body metabolises the drug. To ensure accurate results, individuals should avoid drinking excessive liquids before providing a urine sample, as this can result in an invalid test.
In addition to drug tests, mushroom testing laboratories also offer services such as potency testing, solvent testing, microbial testing, and heavy metal testing to ensure product safety and purity. These tests are particularly relevant in the context of the increasing cultivation and decriminalisation of psychedelic mushroom strains.
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Frequently asked questions
PCP, or phencyclidine, is a drug that was first developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s. It is available in various forms, including powder, tablets, capsules, and liquid. It can be swallowed, smoked, sniffed, or injected.
PCP causes users to feel detached, distant, and estranged from their surroundings. Users may also hear things that are not happening and experience severe mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, and hostility.
No, mushrooms are not considered PCP. Mushrooms are a natural source of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance. When ingested, mushrooms are broken down into their active components, psilocybin and psilocin, which act on the brain to produce changes in perception and behavior.
The effects of mushrooms include hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. Mushrooms can also cause heightened sensory awareness and impaired judgment.
The effects of mushrooms can last for several hours, depending on factors such as the dose and the individual. The half-life of psilocybin, the active compound in mushrooms, is 3 hours, while the half-life of psilocin, its active form, is 1.8 hours.
