Emily Johnson
Should you do mushrooms? This is a complex question with no easy answer. Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are considered illegal drugs in many places due to their hallucinogenic effects, but they have been used by humans for thousands of years and are currently being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits. While some people view them as a recreational substance, they can have serious negative effects, including intense mood swings, panic attacks, and dangerous behaviour. They can also lead to tolerance and dependence, with regular use increasing the risk of addiction. Furthermore, it can be difficult to identify psilocybin mushrooms, as they closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms, which can make people violently ill or even kill them. If you choose to use magic mushrooms, it is important to do so in a safe, peaceful environment and with someone who can supervise you and provide support in case of a bad trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality | Illegal in most places, but decriminalized in a few cities |
| Health Benefits | Potential benefits for psychiatric and behavioral conditions, addiction treatment, and alcohol use disorder |
| Risks | Hallucinations, intense mood swings, panic attacks, dangerous behavior, flashbacks, distorted sense of time and reality, nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, death |
| Safety Precautions | Use with a buddy, plan your trip, avoid mixing substances, know your dealer, test your drugs, be in the right frame of mind, avoid driving |
| Abuse Potential | Not considered highly addictive, but can lead to tolerance and dependence with regular use |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, but some cities have decriminalised them
- They can cause hallucinations, mood swings, panic attacks, and dangerous behaviour
- They may have therapeutic potential for treating addiction and mental health disorders
- They can be eaten, brewed into tea, or mixed with food, chocolate, or candy
- They can be identified by their long, thin stems and wide caps that are dark brown around the edges
Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, but some cities have decriminalised them
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects. They are typically consumed in their dried or powdered form, or brewed into a tea. While magic mushrooms have been used by humans for thousands of years and have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in various cultures, they remain illegal in most places.
Under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I drug, defined as a drug with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. As a result, many countries have some level of regulation or prohibition of psilocybin mushrooms, with possession and use prohibited under almost all circumstances. For example, in the US, federal law and most states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. Similarly, in the UK, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 prohibits the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms.
However, there has been a growing movement to decriminalize magic mushrooms in certain places. Some cities in the US have deprioritized enforcement of drug laws prohibiting magic mushrooms, although these are policy changes rather than changes to the drug laws themselves. For instance, in Oregon, "psilocybin service centers" have been licensed, where adults 21 and older can legally buy, possess, and consume psilocybin under supervision. Additionally, Colorado is the only state where personal use and private cultivation of small amounts of magic mushrooms are legal for adults 21 and older, although restrictions apply.
In addition to the United States, other countries have also made moves towards decriminalization. For example, in November 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. Similarly, Australia has approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
While the trend towards decriminalization and legalization of magic mushrooms is growing, it is important to note that the potential risks associated with their consumption remain. These risks include mistakenly ingesting poisonous mushrooms, which can be dangerous or even fatal, as well as adverse psychological and physiological effects such as hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-informed about the legal and health-related implications of magic mushroom use before making a decision.
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They can cause hallucinations, mood swings, panic attacks, and dangerous behaviour
While some people may view magic mushrooms, or shrooms, as a recreational substance, they can have serious negative effects. The active ingredient in shrooms, psilocybin, can lead to hallucinations and intense mood swings, potentially causing panic attacks or even dangerous behaviour.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be unpredictable and risky, especially at high doses or in unsafe settings. The "trip" may be mild, leaving a person feeling drowsy or relaxed, but higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring on hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The person may have a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. The first effects are usually felt within 20 to 40 minutes of ingesting the mushrooms, and the peak effects tend to last 2 to 3 hours. This is when the visuals are most intense, and you may experience a dreamy, detached feeling. After the peak, the trip enters a plateau phase, which can last for another 1 to 2 hours. During this time, the effects are still noticeable but less intense than at their peak.
Regular use of psilocybin can lead to tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of addiction. One of the biggest risks associated with psilocybin mushroom use is that they look very similar to some types of poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal. It is also important to note that magic mushrooms are currently illegal in many places, although some cities and states have recently moved towards decriminalizing their use.
If you are considering taking magic mushrooms, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to reduce those risks. This includes finding a buddy who won't be tripping, choosing a safe and peaceful place, and being in the right frame of mind. It is also important to know your dealer and, whenever possible, check your drugs using test strips or a drug-checking service.
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They may have therapeutic potential for treating addiction and mental health disorders
While psilocybin mushrooms, or "shrooms", are often associated with recreational use, there is a growing body of research that highlights their therapeutic potential in treating addiction and mental health disorders.
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been the subject of numerous studies exploring its therapeutic benefits. For example, research has shown that psilocybin can help alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder in adults for up to a year with the help of supportive psychotherapy. Another study found that 75% of participants with depression who received psilocybin-assisted therapy still responded to the treatment, with 58% experiencing complete remission from depression.
Psilocybin has also been found to be effective in smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment studies. In October 2021, Johns Hopkins received a grant from the National Institute of Health to explore psilocybin's potential in treating tobacco addiction. This is significant as it is the first federal grant in 50 years to investigate the therapeutic effects of a classic psychedelic.
In addition to addiction treatment, psilocybin has shown potential in treating mental and behavioural health disorders. When taken in a controlled setting, psilocybin can induce self-described "spiritual" experiences that lead to positive changes in a person's attitude, mood, and behaviour. It has been found to elevate a personality trait known as "openness", which includes sensitivity, imagination, and appreciation for diverse values and viewpoints.
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms is promising, it is important to note that they are currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the US federal government, indicating that they have no accepted medical use in treatment. However, as research progresses and more evidence of their potential health benefits emerges, there may be a shift in their legal status and an increased exploration of their therapeutic applications.
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They can be eaten, brewed into tea, or mixed with food, chocolate, or candy
While there are many ways to consume mushrooms, it is important to distinguish between the various types of mushrooms and their potential effects on the human body. "Shrooms" or psilocybin mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic properties and can induce mind-altering effects. The biggest risk associated with these mushrooms is their close resemblance to poisonous mushrooms, which can have fatal consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption. In some cities, the possession of psilocybin mushrooms has been decriminalized, and research is exploring their potential health benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions. However, these treatments are not yet approved by the FDA, and more data is needed to confirm their reliability.
For regular, non-hallucinogenic mushrooms, there are numerous ways to incorporate them into your diet. They can be eaten raw, such as in salads, providing a simple way to benefit from their nutrients. Cooking methods like stir-frying or sautéing mushrooms with various ingredients and spices offer both flavor and nutrition. Mushrooms are versatile and can enhance dishes like stir-fries, burgers, tacos, and pizzas. They can also be blended into smoothies for an extra dose of nutrients without altering the taste. For a creative twist, try making stuffed mushrooms by removing the stems and filling them with cheese, herbs, or other healthy ingredients.
Brewing mushrooms into tea is another option for consumption. This method is common with hallucinogenic mushrooms, but it can also apply to regular mushrooms for their potential health benefits. When consumed as food or tea, mushrooms provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Certain varieties, such as Portabella and Maitake, are excellent sources of Vitamin D.
Additionally, mushrooms can be mixed with food, chocolate, or candy to mask their bitter taste. This technique is often used with hallucinogenic mushrooms to make them more palatable. When consuming mushrooms in any form, it is important to be mindful of potential risks and always prioritize safety, especially when dealing with hallucinogenic varieties.
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They can be identified by their long, thin stems and wide caps that are dark brown around the edges
If you're thinking of consuming mushrooms, it's important to be aware of the risks involved. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin and psilocin are considered illegal drugs in many places due to their hallucinogenic effects, which can be similar to those of LSD. While some advocate for the potential health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, these uses have not been approved by the FDA, and more research is needed.
Identifying mushrooms by their physical characteristics alone can be dangerous, as some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms. For example, the Mycena inclinata species, commonly known as the clustered bonnet or oak-stump bonnet cap, has a reddish-brown bell-shaped cap and a whitish to yellow-brown stem that becomes reddish-brown towards the base. While considered non-poisonous, its edibility is doubtful, and consumption is best avoided.
Psilocybin mushrooms typically have long, thin stems and wide caps that are dark brown around the edges and lighter in the center. The underside of the cap is generally dark brown with gills, and the edge can be wavy, flat, or pointed. However, it's important to note that poisonous mushrooms can share these exact traits, so relying solely on visual identification can be unsafe.
To reduce the risks associated with mushroom consumption, it's crucial to work with an established guide or grower who produces trusted quality mushrooms. Additionally, always start with a small dose to gauge the effects, and be mindful of potential interactions with any medications you may be taking. Having a sober buddy present during the experience can also help ensure your safety and enhance the fun, spiritual, or educational aspects of the trip.
Before consuming mushrooms, it's essential to consider your motivation, the legality of mushroom use in your region, and the potential risks to your health and relationships. While some people may find mushroom trips enjoyable and enlightening, it's important to prioritize safety and make informed decisions about substance use.
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Frequently asked questions
No, magic mushrooms are not safe to consume. They are illegal in most places and can be confused with poisonous mushrooms, which can make you very ill or even kill you. They can also cause negative side effects, such as nausea, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and in some cases, a "bad trip".
Some people seek a spiritual experience from taking magic mushrooms, and many report feelings of unity, joy, transcendence of the ego, improved mood, clarity of thought, and a sense of well-being. There is also ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms, particularly in treating addiction.
The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, can lead to hallucinations, intense mood swings, panic attacks, and dangerous behaviour. Regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of addiction. Magic mushrooms can also cause flashbacks and alter your perception of time and reality, which can be dangerous if you try to drive.
People take magic mushrooms by eating them, mixing them with food to mask the bitter taste, or brewing them into a tea. Some users also grind them into a powder and put them in capsules, chocolate, or candy.
