Emma Wilson
Phencyclidine, more commonly known as PCP or angel dust, is a dissociative hallucinogen that can act as an anesthetic, depressant, stimulant, or hallucinogen depending on the dosage. While PCP is not found in mushrooms, there are other hallucinogenic substances that are. Psilocybin, for example, is a naturally occurring hallucinogen present in various species of wild-growing mushrooms, notably liberty caps in the UK. These mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are ingested for their psychedelic effects and can cause hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. Other hallucinogenic mushrooms include P. cubensis and P. cyanescens, which are also known to produce psychoactive effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is PCP? | PCP (phencyclidine) is most often called "angel dust." |
| PCP forms | It can be a pure, white crystal-like powder, or a tablet or capsule. |
| PCP consumption methods | It can be swallowed, smoked, sniffed, or injected. |
| PCP effects | Increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, sweating, dizziness, and numbness. |
| Mushrooms with phencyclidine | Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms. |
| Psilocybin mushrooms availability | These mushrooms are available in the US, Central America, Mexico, and South America. |
| Psilocybin mushrooms appearance | Fresh ones have dark brown or light brown caps with white in the middle and stems that are white or light gray. Dried ones may be reddish brown with beige spots. |
| Psilocybin mushrooms consumption methods | They are ingested orally, brewed as tea, or added to other foods to mask their bitter flavor. |
| Psilocybin mushrooms effects | Hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality, nausea, vomiting, lack of muscle coordination, and weakness. |
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What You'll Learn
PCP is not found in mushrooms
PCP, or phencyclidine, is a dissociative drug that causes a feeling of being detached from one's self, emotions, or tangible reality. It is commonly referred to as "angel dust" and is often sold illegally under the guise of other drugs such as mescaline or THC. PCP is known to cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, sweating, dizziness, and numbness. It was originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s but was taken off the market due to its hallucinogenic effects.
On the other hand, hallucinogenic mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," contain the active chemical psilocybin, which is known for its psychedelic properties. These mushrooms are typically ingested orally, either fresh or dried, and can induce hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and a sense of detachment from reality. They are classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating their high risk for abuse and addiction.
While both PCP and hallucinogenic mushrooms can induce hallucinogenic states, it is important to note that PCP is a synthetic compound, whereas psilocybin is a naturally occurring substance found in certain species of mushrooms. There is no evidence to suggest that PCP is present in mushrooms, and the two substances are distinct in terms of their chemical composition and effects.
The effects of ingesting hallucinogenic mushrooms can vary depending on the type and amount consumed, as well as individual factors such as personality and surroundings. In addition to hallucinations, users may experience nausea, vomiting, lack of muscle coordination, and weakness. In some cases, magic mushrooms can trigger more severe reactions, including anxiety, panic, terror, or psychosis. It is important to approach the use of hallucinogenic substances with caution, as they can have unpredictable effects on individuals.
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Psilocybin is the active chemical in 'magic' mushrooms
Phencyclidine, or PCP, is not found in mushrooms. It is a synthetic hallucinogen that has no medical use.
Psilocybin, on the other hand, is the principal psychoactive chemical in magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic drug that can be found in various species of wild-growing mushrooms, notably the liberty cap in the UK. These mushrooms can be eaten fresh or dried, or brewed into a tea. They can also be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies, and they may even be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. Today, they are used as recreational drugs, with people hoping to have an enjoyable, meaningful, or spiritual experience, or to improve their mental health. However, it is important to note that there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming a toxic mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the surrounding environment. People who take psilocybin may experience distorted sights and sounds, lose their sense of time and space, and feel intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror. Physical side effects may include an increased heart rate, nausea, dilated pupils, higher body temperature, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.
While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there is a risk of having a "bad trip", where the user may experience extreme fear, anxiety, panic, paranoia, or other negative psychological effects. Additionally, there is a risk of delayed headaches, which usually don't last longer than a day, and flashbacks involving previous magic mushroom experiences, which can be disturbing.
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Mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug
Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or angel dust, is not found in mushrooms. PCP is a synthetic drug that was first developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s but was taken off the market due to its hallucinogenic effects. On the other hand, psilocybin mushrooms are a naturally occurring source of hallucinogenic drugs. These mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in various cultures throughout history.
Despite their long history of use, psilocybin mushrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. This classification is given to drugs that have no currently accepted medical treatment use in the United States and lack accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Psilocybin mushrooms fall under this category due to their hallucinogenic effects, which can cause changes in thought, visual and auditory hallucinations, and an altered state of consciousness.
The classification of psilocybin mushrooms as a Schedule I drug has been controversial. While they are considered illicit drugs with no known therapeutic benefit, some argue that they should be reclassified. Johns Hopkins researchers suggest that if psilocybin clears the current phase III clinical trials, it should be moved to a schedule IV category, similar to prescription sleep aids. Additionally, some jurisdictions have enacted laws to specifically decriminalize the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. For example, in 2020, Oregon voters passed a ballot initiative that legalized "magic mushrooms" for mental health treatment in supervised settings.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide and is subject to change as more research is conducted on their potential therapeutic benefits. While they are currently classified as Schedule I drugs, there is ongoing debate and efforts to reevaluate their classification and explore their potential medicinal value. It is important to note that the legal implications of possessing, using, or distributing psilocybin mushrooms differ across jurisdictions, and it is essential to refer to the specific laws and regulations in each region.
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Mushrooms can be eaten fresh, dried, brewed as tea or added to food
Mushrooms are versatile and can be eaten in a variety of ways. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and they add a savoury umami flavour to dishes. Here are some common ways to consume mushrooms:
Fresh or Dried
Mushrooms can be eaten fresh or dried. Some mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms, contain psilocybin and psilocin, substances that can cause hallucinations. These mushrooms are often consumed fresh or dried to induce a hallucinogenic experience. However, it is important to note that consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms can be dangerous, and they are considered illegal in many places.
Added to Food
Mushrooms can be added to various dishes to enhance their flavour and texture. Common varieties such as white button, crimini, and portabella mushrooms are versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or mixed into pastas, salads, or ground meat dishes. Oyster mushrooms, known for their dense texture and unique shape, add a seafood-like flavour to meals.
Brewed as Tea
Hallucinogenic mushrooms can also be brewed into tea. This method of consumption may help to mask the bitter taste of the mushrooms. However, it is important to remember that consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms can have unpredictable effects, ranging from mild relaxation to intense paranoia and anxiety.
It is important to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms, as some varieties are extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death. It is recommended to choose mushrooms from a grocery store rather than foraging for wild mushrooms, as it can be difficult to correctly identify edible varieties.
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PCP is a white crystalline powder, sometimes sprinkled on marijuana
PCP, or phencyclidine, is a mind-altering drug that may lead to hallucinations and a profound distortion in a person's perception of reality. It is considered a dissociative drug, leading to a distortion of sights, colours, sounds, self, and one's environment. In its pure form, PCP is a white crystalline powder that readily dissolves in water or alcohol and has a distinctive bitter chemical taste. It is sometimes sprinkled on marijuana or parsley and smoked, with marijuana cigarettes dipped in PCP liquid referred to as "illy", "wet", or "fry". PCP is also applied to other leafy substances such as tobacco, mint, or oregano.
PCP was first developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s but was taken off the market for human use because of its hallucinogenic effects. It is now illegal and classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. PCP is easily manufactured and often sold as mescaline, THC, or other drugs. Users may snort, swallow, smoke, or inject PCP, with smoking being the most common route when used recreationally.
The effects of PCP can last for 4 to 6 hours and include increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, sweating, dizziness, and numbness. At lower doses, the effects can be similar to alcohol intoxication, while higher doses can cause hallucinations and symptoms similar to the effects of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. PCP is addictive, and long-term use can lead to mental and physical cravings, as well as compulsive behaviour to obtain and take the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from PCP include increased appetite, headaches, sleepiness, depression, and sweating.
PCP has sedative effects, and when mixed with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, it can lead to a coma or accidental overdose. High doses of PCP can also cause seizures, coma, and death, often due to accidental injury or suicide during intoxication. Psychological effects at high doses include delusions and hallucinations, with users referring to these experiences as a trip or a "bad trip" if the experience is unpleasant.
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Frequently asked questions
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a synthetic hallucinogen that was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. It is no longer used medically due to its serious adverse effects.
PCP causes users to feel detached, distant, and estranged from their surroundings. Users may also hear things that are not happening, develop severe mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, hostility, and psychosis. Other effects include numbness, slurred speech, and loss of coordination.
No, phencyclidine is a synthetic drug and is not found in mushrooms.
Psilocybin is the active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms. This chemical 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.
Psilocybin can cause a range of effects, from heightened sensory awareness to impaired judgment. It can cause hallucinations, an altered perception of time, and an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality.
