Michael Davis
Psilocybin mushrooms, more commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are often used recreationally, but also have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies. Magic mushrooms are known to cause hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness, with effects lasting around four to six hours. While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence, there are still risks associated with their use, and the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in many places.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, Alice, tweezes, hongos, pizza toppings |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin, β-carbolines, harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmaline |
| Effects | Heightened emotions and senses, laughter, giggles, mental and emotional clarity, hallucinations, altered state of consciousness, perceptual changes, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, distorted sense of reality, mixing up senses, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, increased connectedness to the world |
| Use | Recreational, spiritual, healing, self-treatment of medical disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, problematic substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders |
| Form | Fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, powder, tablets, capsules, extracts, food products, mushroom edibles |
| Safety | No physical or psychological dependence, low risk of life-threatening symptoms, no known withdrawal effects apart from potential mild psychological effects or feeling tired, illegal in some jurisdictions |
| Ongoing research | Potential therapeutic uses, microdosing, stacking |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are used recreationally and to improve mental health
- They are hallucinogenic and can cause a distorted sense of reality
- They are not physically addictive, but can cause a 'bad trip'
- They are illegal in some countries, including Canada and Australia
- Research suggests they may be used to treat mental health disorders
Magic mushrooms are used recreationally and to improve mental health
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that have been used for thousands of years in traditional ceremonies by indigenous peoples in parts of Mexico and Central America. They are also used recreationally, with 9.68% of US adults having used psilocybin at least once in their lifetime, according to an annual survey. The effects of magic mushrooms are often hallucinatory and can include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as heightened emotions and senses.
The use of magic mushrooms has also been linked to improved mental health. Some people take very small amounts of psilocybin regularly, a practice called microdosing, in the hopes of improving their mental state, increasing productivity, and reducing pain. Microdosing is believed to be beneficial for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There is significant anecdotal evidence to support these potential benefits, and researchers are actively investigating psilocybin's potential in treating mental health disorders.
Psilocybin therapy has shown promising results in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and other mental health disorders. It has also been effective in easing fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer. In addition, psilocybin appears to elevate a personality quality known as "openness," which includes sensitivity, imagination, and an appreciation for the values and viewpoints ofothers. This improved openness may be linked to psilocybin's ability to increase neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form new connections.
However, it is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms also carries risks. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely from person to person, and they can lead to negative experiences known as "'bad trips,'" which may include paranoia, anxiety, fear, and panic. The production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are also illegal in many places, including Canada and Australia. Therefore, it is recommended that people interested in using psilocybin for mental health purposes do so only under the care of a trained therapist or facilitator in a controlled setting.
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They are hallucinogenic and can cause a distorted sense of reality
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms.
Magic mushrooms can cause a distorted sense of reality. They can induce hallucinations, affecting people's senses and making them see, hear, or feel things that are not there. This can lead to a "'bad trip", which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dose, type of mushroom, personality, and history of drug use.
The mushrooms have a long history of use, dating back to indigenous people in Central America who used them for healing and spiritual rituals as early as 3000 B.C. Today, some people use them recreationally or in the hope of improving their mental health and well-being. While there is ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, it is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some places, and their use can come with risks and side effects.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically last for four to six hours and can include heightened emotions, increased creativity, and a sense of mental clarity. However, they may also cause anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is worth noting that there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, and the risk of serious harm is relatively low compared to other drugs.
In conclusion, magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can distort a person's sense of reality by inducing hallucinations and altering their perceptions. While they have been used traditionally for centuries and show potential for therapeutic benefits, it is important to approach their use with caution due to their illegal status in some places and potential side effects.
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They are not physically addictive, but can cause a 'bad trip'
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can vary greatly. One mushroom may have different concentrations of the active ingredients compared to another. The effects of magic mushrooms can last approximately four to six hours.
Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive. According to leading mycologist Paul Stamets, they are "non-addictive, life-changing substances." However, it is possible to become tolerant of the drug's effects with regular use. There are also some potential mild psychological withdrawal effects, such as feeling tired.
Magic mushrooms can cause a "bad trip," particularly at high doses. These experiences may be frightening and may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. They can also lead to perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and distort an individual's sense of reality. The effects of magic mushrooms can be intense, ranging from bliss to terror, and may include physical side effects such as increased heart rate, nausea, and muscle twitches.
While magic mushrooms have been used traditionally for healing and spiritual rituals, and there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic uses, it is important to approach them with caution. They are illegal in many places, and their production, sale, and possession can carry penalties. Additionally, there are risks associated with their use, and they can affect everyone differently.
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They are illegal in some countries, including Canada and Australia
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are illegal in several countries, including Canada and Australia. These mushrooms contain hallucinogenic compounds, primarily psilocybin and psilocin, which induce altered states of consciousness and distort an individual's perception of reality.
In Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are prohibited. The Canadian government classifies psilocybin and psilocin as controlled substances, and their use is restricted. While there is ongoing research interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly for treating mental health disorders, no products containing psilocybin have been approved for therapeutic use in Canada or elsewhere.
Similarly, in Australia, federal and state laws impose penalties for possessing, using, selling, or driving under the influence of magic mushrooms. Despite their illegal status, a small percentage of Australians have reported using psilocybin mushrooms, according to surveys.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, potency, and individual biology. While some users seek spiritual experiences or self-treatment for mental health issues, others may experience negative consequences, including heightened emotions, anxiety, paranoia, and distorted senses. It is important to note that the illegal production and sale of magic mushrooms may result in unsafe products contaminated with dangerous substances.
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies across the globe, and it is essential to refer to local laws and regulations for specific information regarding their legal status in a given region.
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Research suggests they may be used to treat mental health disorders
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms", interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain to trigger various psychedelic effects. Research indicates that controlled psilocybin therapy may be useful for treating several psychiatric disorders.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms may be used in whole form, for example, consumption of dried or fresh mushrooms, or may be turned into extracts or food products such as mushroom edibles or mushroom tea. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin in 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Psilocybin has been the subject of clinical research for its potential in treating anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in 12 patients for the treatment of psychological distress associated with the existential crisis of terminal disease. Patients received either active psilocybin or niacin, and the study found no increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias in the psilocybin group. Another case report describes a 38-year-old male with OCD who had multiple medication failures. After consuming magic mushrooms, he experienced an increase in anxiety but noticed a significant reduction in his intrusive thoughts the next day.
A growing body of research suggests that psilocybin may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and substance use disorders. It is also being investigated for smoking cessation, Alzheimer's disease, eating disorders, and more. While there is no approved therapeutic product containing psilocybin, clinical trials have shown promising results.
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