Emma Wilson
Psilocybin mushrooms, 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. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe cyanescens. Psilocybe cubensis, the most popular species, has been reported to contain 0.63% psilocybin and 0.6% psilocin, or about 1.2% of both combined. However, there is significant variation in different strains of Psilocybe cubensis, with the 'Penis Envy' strain considered to be more potent than other strains.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psilocybe azurescens |
| Common Name | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms |
| Active Compounds | Psilocybin, Psilocin, Baeocystin |
| Potency | Up to 1.8% Psilocybin, 0.5% Psilocin, 0.4% Baeocystin by dry weight |
| Average Potency | About 1.1% Psilocybin, 0.15% Psilocin |
| Appearance | Chestnut to caramel-coloured cap (3-10 cm diameter), covered by a gelatinous pellicle, strongly bruising blue when damaged |
| Habitat | Coastal dune grasses, deciduous wood-chips, sandy soils rich in woody debris |
| Origin | Native to the United States (Oregon, Washington, California, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania) |
| Legal Status | Illegal under US federal law; decriminalized in Oregon, Colorado, Seattle, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered perception, mood changes, muscular relaxation, dilated pupils, panic reactions, psychosis |
| Consumption Methods | Eating raw, dried, or cooked; making tea; chewing and swallowing; capsules; microdosing |
| Addiction | Compulsive and harmful use patterns possible |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybe cubensis
Along with other fungi that grow on cow dung, Psilocybe cubensis has a symbiotic relationship with cattle egrets, which disperse its spores over a much wider range. This type of spore dispersal is known as zoochory.
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Psilocybe azurescens
Fruitings of Psilocybe azurescens begin in late September and continue until late December or early January. While it is native to the United States, Psilocybe azurescens has been cultivated in several other countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and some states in the US where it is not illegal. Possession and/or cultivation of this species is prohibited in many countries, including the United States under federal law. However, some states and cities in the US have decriminalised possession of personal amounts of psilocybin mushrooms.
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Potency and dosage
Psilocybin mushrooms, 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. The potency and dosage of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the strain, method of consumption, and individual physiology.
Potency
The potency of psilocybin mushrooms can vary significantly between different strains and even within the same species. The most potent species are typically members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. P. azurescens, for example, can contain up to 1.8% psilocybin, 0.5% psilocin, and 0.4% baeocystin by dry weight. Other strains like the 'Penis Envy' variety of P. cubensis are also considered highly potent.
The balance of psychoactive compounds, including psilocybin and psilocin, can vary between mushroom types, leading to different effects. Some strains may produce a more introspective or spiritual experience, while others may enhance visual hallucinations or heighten euphoria. The potency of psilocybin mushrooms can also be influenced by genetic diversity, strain variability, and environmental factors.
Dosage
The dosage of psilocybin mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary not only between species but also within the same species. Psilocybin content typically ranges from 0.03% to 1.78% of the dried weight of the mushroom, with psilocin levels ranging from 0% to 0.59%. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically fall between 1.0 and 3.5–5.0 grams of dried mushrooms or 10 to 50 grams of fresh mushrooms.
However, microdosing has become a popular technique, involving the consumption of less than 1.0 gram of dried mushrooms for a gentler experience. A microdose is typically about 10% of a recreational dose, ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms and taken up to three times per week. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be influenced by individual physiology, and the same dose may have varying effects on different people.
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Therapeutic applications
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, have been used for their therapeutic properties since ancient times. The Psilocybe genus contains the active compound psilocybin, which is known to make individuals more alert, focused, and energized. The potency of these mushrooms varies significantly, with certain strains being more powerful and sought-after than others.
Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "Golden Teachers", is one of the most well-known strains of psilocybin mushrooms. It is commonly found in the southern and central regions of the United States, as well as in Mexico and Central and South America. This strain is typically larger in size, with caps that can reach up to 8 cm in diameter and a golden-yellow hue. Psilocybe cubensis has been shown to have therapeutic effects in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. By activating serotonin receptors in the brain, psilocybin helps to alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance connectedness with the world.
Penis Envy is another potent strain and a mutation of Psilocybe cubensis. It is known for its thick stem and smaller cap and offers deep visuals, introspection, and long-lasting effects. This strain is challenging to grow and requires careful handling. However, it rewards growers with highly potent yields. Penis Envy is often sought after by those looking for a transformative or therapeutic trip.
Golden Teacher is a popular strain known for its balanced, insightful experiences, making it perfect for microdosing. It offers a gentle guide to exploring one's mind rather than an overwhelming rollercoaster ride. This strain has shown promise in clinical studies for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Psilocybe Cyanescens, also known as "wavy caps", is a potent strain found in the Pacific West region of the United States and Canada. These mushrooms are often smaller but contain higher levels of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms.
Overall, the therapeutic applications of these powerful mushroom strains are vast, offering potential treatment for a range of mental health conditions and promoting personal growth and spiritual experiences. However, it is important to note that psilocybin should be used under the guidance of a trained professional due to its intense and unpredictable effects.
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Legal status
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", have a complex legal status that varies significantly across the world. While they are designated as Schedule I drugs by the United Nations (UN) Convention on Psychotropic Substances, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, their legal status differs across countries and regions.
In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal under federal law, but some states like Oregon, Colorado, and cities like Seattle and Oakland have decriminalised the possession of small amounts for personal use. Similarly, in Europe, the legal status varies, with countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom cultivating or possessing specific strains, while others like Spain create a grey area by allowing the use of natural compounds in private settings.
Brazil is one of the largest countries where psilocybin mushrooms are completely legal, while Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have regulations enabling their therapeutic use. Switzerland has the longest history of therapeutic psychedelic use and has created a legal framework for licensed psychotherapists to utilise psychedelics in treatment.
It is important to note that even within countries or states where psilocybin mushrooms are illegal, the spores of these mushrooms are often legal to purchase, as they only become illegal once germinated. This has created a market for vendors selling spores "for microscopic use only."
The legal status of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is evolving as more research highlights their therapeutic potential. However, the current classification as a Schedule I drug complicates research efforts and the development of therapeutic applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybe cubensis is the most common Psilocybe in tropical areas and the most popular species. However, Psilocybe azurescens is considered to be the most potent species, with up to 1.8% psilocybin content. Other potent species include P. semilanceata and P. cyanescens.
Consuming the most powerful mushroom strains can lead to a range of psychological consequences, including hallucinations, hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. A "bad trip" may also occur in a negative environment, resulting in heightened anxiety, panic reactions, or psychosis.
The most common form of consumption is ingestion, where the mushrooms can be eaten raw, dried, cooked into dishes, or made into tea. Other methods include chewing and swallowing, grinding into a powder, or taking them in capsule form. Microdosing has also become a popular technique, where less than 1.0 g of dried mushrooms is consumed for a gentler experience.
