Emily Johnson
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. While some people use them as a recreational drug, they are mostly illegal in the US and classified as a Schedule I substance. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from euphoria and peacefulness to paranoia, delusions, and frightening hallucinations. However, the biggest risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is their resemblance to poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to accidental poisoning and even death. Additionally, the more frequently one consumes magic mushrooms, the weaker their effects become due to the concept of tolerance formation, which occurs due to the body's innate ability to resist the effects of psychoactive substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Mushrooms | Can cause hallucinations, muscle weakness, confusion, delirium, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and even death |
| Magic Mushrooms | Contain the hallucinogenic chemical Psilocybin, which can cause euphoria, sensory distortion, anxiety, panic, paranoia, and bad trips |
| Tolerance | The more often you take magic mushrooms, the weaker the effects become due to the body's innate ability to resist the effects of a psychoactive drug |
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What You'll Learn
Poisonous mushrooms
The vast majority of mushroom-related deaths are caused by species in the genus Amanita, which are often mistaken for other species, especially when immature. The Destroying Angel (Amanita verna or Amanita bisporigera) is one of several species of all-white mushrooms that are incredibly toxic and very similar in appearance to edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms. The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) is perhaps the deadliest of all mushrooms, found throughout Europe and closely resembling edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. Its heat-stable amatoxins withstand cooking temperatures and quickly damage cells throughout the body. Within 6 to 12 hours after consumption, violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea appear, causing a rapid loss of fluids from the tissues and intense thirst.
Other poisonous mushrooms include the Jack O'Lantern, which has true gills that end abruptly all at the same spot along the stem, and the Autumn Skullcap (Galerina marginata), which is sometimes mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms. The Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus) and the Fool's Webcap (Cortinarius orellanus) are two species of webcap that are very similar in appearance to each other and to a number of edible varieties. Conocybe filaris is an innocent-looking lawn mushroom that is especially common in the Pacific Northwest, featuring the same mycotoxins as the Death Cap mushroom.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with the mushrooms they intend to collect, as well as with any similar-looking toxic species. If you are unsure if a mushroom is safe to eat, don’t eat it. It is recommended that you only eat mushrooms you have bought from the supermarket, a greengrocer, or another reputable source.
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Hallucinogenic effects
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound, is found in certain mushrooms, commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms'. The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and last between four and twelve hours. However, people can experience flashbacks, or hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, anywhere from weeks to years after using the hallucinogen. The length, intensity, and type of "trip" someone will experience are hard to tell, as the amount of psilocybin and psilocin in any given magic mushroom is unknown, and mushrooms vary in the amount of psychoactive content they contain.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can include hallucinations, peacefulness, and euphoria. They can also include paranoia and bad trips. Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex, affecting perception, cognition, and mood. Other possible effects include an altered perception of time and space, intense changes in mood and feeling, spiritual awakening, derealisation, distorted thinking, visual alteration, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, unusual body sensations, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and frightening hallucinations. The effects of psilocybin vary between people, and factors such as the user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment may affect their response.
Magic mushrooms are often prepared by drying and are eaten by being mixed into food or drinks. Some people eat freshly picked psilocybe mushrooms, while others consume them as brewed tea or prepare them with a food item to mask their bitter taste. Manufacturers may also crush dried mushrooms into a powder and prepare them in capsule form, or cover them with chocolate.
Magic mushrooms are illegal in most places and are classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for misuse. However, certain cultures have used the hallucinogenic properties of some mushrooms for centuries, and modern medical research is studying their potential use as a treatment for some mental and behavioural health conditions. As this research continues to show promise, there is advocacy for removing some of the longstanding legal restrictions on mushroom possession.
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Tolerance formation
With magic mushrooms, cross-tolerance can happen with other psychedelics that work through the same 5HT receptors. This includes LSD (and other lysergamides), mescaline, and MDMA. If you take magic mushrooms today and LSD tomorrow, the LSD will be weaker.
To avoid tolerance formation, it is important to take tolerance breaks. If you are microdosing daily, you should plan to take a break once a month for at least a week to maximize the effectiveness of the mushrooms.
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Gastrointestinal illness
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and while they are a tasty addition to many dishes, they can be tough on the stomach. Of the 10,000 known species of large mushrooms, only around 300 are edible, and even these can cause gastrointestinal illness. The cell walls of mushrooms contain chitin, an indigestible fibre. Some people lack the enzyme needed to break down trehalose, another compound in mushrooms, and this can lead to severe digestive problems.
Even edible mushrooms must be handled and cooked properly to prevent illness. Wild mushrooms should be avoided as they may be toxic, and even breathing the vapours from boiling certain mushrooms can be harmful. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and nausea. These symptoms can start within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last for several hours. In some cases, there may be no symptoms for up to 12 hours, and this delay can be critical as it may be too late to use the only antidote—a stomach pump.
The most common poisonous mushrooms are those that cause gastrointestinal irritation, often referred to as "backyard mushrooms" or "field mushrooms". These are the most commonly ingested toxic mushrooms, and they can cause severe illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. In more serious cases, these symptoms can progress to blood disorders, seizures, and liver and kidney damage.
Amanita mushrooms, also known as "death caps", are responsible for the majority of deaths from mushroom poisoning. They cause liver failure, which can be deadly. These mushrooms are particularly dangerous because they resemble non-poisonous species and do not have a distinct taste or smell. Their toxin is also resistant to heat, so cooking does not destroy it.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to assume that no wild mushrooms are safe to eat. It is also crucial to be able to identify poisonous mushrooms and to know which mushrooms are safe to eat.
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Physical effects
The physical effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms, magic mushrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps, philosopher's stones, liberties, amani, and agaric, can vary from person to person. The effects also depend on the potency and amount consumed. The physical effects of consuming these mushrooms may include:
Dilated pupils: Mushrooms containing psilocybin can cause dilated pupils, which is a physical change that can be observed in the eyes.
Drowsiness: Psilocybin mushrooms can induce drowsiness, leading to a feeling of sleepiness or a decreased level of alertness.
Headaches: Some people may experience headaches after consuming psilocybin mushrooms. This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and gastrointestinal issues.
Increased vital signs: The consumption of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and a rise in body temperature. These physical changes can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or other health issues.
Lack of coordination: Psilocybin mushrooms can cause a lack of coordination, impairing motor skills and leading to unsteady movements.
Muscle weakness: One of the most commonly reported physical effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms is muscle weakness. This can make it difficult to perform physical tasks and may result in a feeling of fatigue.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary widely, and not everyone will experience the same physical symptoms. Additionally, there is a risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin mushrooms, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, organ failure, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms and consume them under the guidance of experts or medical professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are weak to the concept of tolerance formation. This means that the more often you take magic mushrooms, the weaker the effects become. Tolerance formation is a problem with many substances, not just psychedelics. The body can become tolerant of the effects of caffeine, medications, and even some supplements.
The effects of mushrooms range from euphoria and peacefulness to hallucinations and delusions. Other possible effects include drowsiness, impaired concentration, muscle weakness, paranoia, and confusion. It is important to note that the amount of psilocybin and psilocin contained in any given magic mushroom is unknown, and mushrooms vary in the amount of psychoactive content they contain.
Mushrooms carry several risks. Psilocybin is considered one of the most well-known psychedelics and is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and no accepted medical use. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can also result in death, as some mushrooms are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal illness or even liver and kidney failure.
