John Miller
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually appear within 15 to 45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. They can vary from person to person and include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches. The experience, or 'trip', is strongly dependent on the user's state of mind ('set') and the environment they are in ('setting'). The use of magic mushrooms can lead to negative experiences or 'bad trips', and flashbacks may occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, Shrooms, Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin, β-carbolines (e.g. harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine) |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Euphoria, Muscle weakness or relaxation, Drowsiness, Lack of coordination, Nausea, Vomiting, Hilarity, Lack of concentration, Dilated pupils, Increased heart rate and blood pressure |
| Duration of effects | 4 to 6 hours |
| Onset of effects | 15 to 45 minutes after ingestion |
| Legality | Illegal to possess, use, sell, or drive under the influence in Australia. Illegal to possess, sell, or produce in Canada unless authorized by Health Canada. Controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. |
| Risks | Bad trips, Flashbacks, Psychosis, Panic reactions, Overdose (rare), Death (very rare) |
| Therapeutic potential | Increasing interest in therapeutic uses, but no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin currently exist |
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What You'll Learn
History of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, have a long and complex history that dates back thousands of years. One of the earliest known depictions of hallucinogenic mushroom use is a 4000 BCE cave painting in Spain, which illustrates what appear to be Psilocybe hispanica mushrooms, a species known for its hallucinogenic properties.
In Mesoamerica, psilocybin mushrooms have been consumed in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies for centuries. The South American Aztec Indians referred to these mushrooms as teonanacatl, meaning "god's flesh," and they were used in religious and healing rituals. Spanish missionaries in the 1500s attempted to destroy all records and evidence of mushroom use, but a 16th-century Spanish friar and historian mentioned teonanacatl in his writings, sparking interest in the 20th century.
In the 1950s, a photo essay in a popular magazine described mushroom use in Mexico to the Western world. This led to Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann isolating psilocybin and psilocin from the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom in 1958. His employer, Sandoz, marketed and sold pure psilocybin to physicians and clinicians worldwide for psychedelic therapy.
In the 1960s, psilocybin gained popularity in the United States, with American researchers studying its healing properties and potential medical applications. Timothy Leary, a psychology professor at Harvard, became a prominent advocate for the benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. He conducted experiments, such as the Concord Prison Experiment, and coined the phrase "turn on, tune in, and drop out" to encourage the use of the drug. Musicians and celebrities, such as Bob Dylan and John Lennon, also contributed to the growing popularity of psilocybin mushrooms during this time.
Despite the promising research in the 1960s, increasingly restrictive drug laws in the following decades curbed scientific research into psilocybin. However, its popularity as an entheogen grew, partly due to increased access to information on mushroom cultivation. Today, psilocybin-assisted therapies are gaining renewed interest, with professionals exploring their potential applications in mental health treatment.
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Effects of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical responsible for the drug's psychoactive properties. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically appear around 20 minutes to half an hour after ingestion and can last up to 6 hours.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms are highly subjective and vary among individuals. They can cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and distort how a person perceives reality. Users may see colours, shapes, or scenes, hear things that aren't real, or lose their sense of time and space. Psilocybin also affects mood and emotions, with users reporting feelings ranging from bliss to terror. Physical side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, increased heart rate, and lack of coordination.
The "set and setting" of psilocybin use also play a crucial role in determining the effects. "Set" refers to a person's state of mind, previous encounters with psychedelics, and expectations of the experience, while "setting" refers to the environment in which the drug is taken. A comfortable and familiar environment with trusted friends can contribute to a positive experience, while a negative environment may lead to a "bad trip".
While psilocybin mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence, regular users may experience mild psychological effects or fatigue upon withdrawal. Additionally, some users may experience flashbacks involving previous psilocybin experiences, which can be disturbing if the recalled experience was frightening. These flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to years after drug use and may be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in various cultures and locations worldwide, potentially dating back thousands of years. In modern times, they are used recreationally or by those seeking spiritual experiences. Researchers are also exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Legality of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The legal status of unauthorised actions with psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognised medical uses. However, psilocybin mushrooms have had numerous medicinal and religious uses in dozens of cultures throughout history and have a significantly lower potential for abuse than other Schedule I drugs.
The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances (adopted in 1971) requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, and parties to the treaty are required to restrict the use of the drug to medical and scientific research under strictly controlled conditions. Most national drug laws have been amended to reflect the terms of the convention. Examples include the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the US Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978, the Australian Poisons Standard (October 2015), and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 1996. The possession and use of psilocybin is prohibited under almost all circumstances and often carries severe legal penalties.
However, in many national, state, and provincial drug laws, there is ambiguity about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms, and the enforcement of these laws can be selective in some places. Most US state courts have considered the mushroom a "container" of illicit drugs, and therefore illegal. A loophole further complicates the legal situation—the spores of psilocybin mushrooms do not contain the drugs and are legal to possess in many areas. In some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to sell and possess because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.
In recent years, there have been some changes to the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in certain places. For example, in Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative that made "magic mushrooms" legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings from February 2021. In November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which allows for the possession and non-for-profit gifting or distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. A similar bill is currently pending in the California State Legislature.
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Risks of psilocybin mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects that people often associate with these mushrooms. While some people use these mushrooms recreationally for their mind-altering effects, they also have a long history of being used in spiritual and religious rituals. In recent years, there has also been growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders.
Psilocybin mushrooms can induce a range of physical and psychological effects, and the risks can vary depending on the individual and the context of use. One of the primary risks is the potential for a negative psychedelic experience, often referred to as a "bad trip." During a bad trip, users may experience anxiety, paranoia, panic, and distorted perceptions. These negative psychological effects can be frightening and may lead to unsafe behavior or even cause long-lasting psychological distress or trauma. The risk of a bad trip is higher in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, particularly those with psychotic disorders or severe anxiety.
Another risk is the potential for adverse interactions with other substances. Mixing psilocybin mushrooms with other drugs, including alcohol, can lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects. For example, combining mushrooms with antidepressants or other psychoactive medications can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rapid changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, and fever.
Additionally, there are physical risks associated with consuming psilocybin mushrooms. As with any wild mushroom, there is a risk of misidentification, which could lead to poisoning if toxic mushrooms are ingested. Psilocybin mushrooms can also cause nausea and vomiting, and in rare cases, they may trigger seizures or more severe physical health complications, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
It is also important to consider the legal implications. Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most countries, and possession, use, and supply are typically criminal offenses. While some places have decriminalized or legalized the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to be aware of the legal status where you are located to avoid legal consequences.
Finally, the use of psilocybin mushrooms may have long-term effects on mental health, particularly for vulnerable individuals. While the exact nature of the relationship between psychedelic mushroom use and mental health is still being studied, there is some evidence to suggest that their use may be a risk factor for the onset or exacerbation of mental health disorders in those who are predisposed. This is especially pertinent for individuals with a family history of mental illness or those who have previously experienced psychiatric symptoms.
In conclusion, while psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use and potential therapeutic benefits, it is crucial to approach them with caution and be aware of the associated risks. It is always advisable to seek professional guidance and ensure a safe and supportive environment if choosing to use these substances.
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Therapeutic uses of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, has a variety of therapeutic uses. It is currently being studied as a possible medicine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions such as cluster headaches. Psilocybin is typically consumed orally, in the form of dried or powdered mushrooms, but can also be prepared as an herbal tea or combined with other foods to mask its bitter taste. It can also be injected intravenously, though this method carries serious health risks.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This results in a range of psychological, perceptual, interpersonal, and physical effects, including hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, disorientation, lethargy, giddiness, and depression.
Research suggests that psilocybin may be particularly effective in treating anxiety and depression in people with cancer, promoting well-being, quality of life, and acceptance of their illness. A 2023 study found that adults who took a single 25mg dose of psilocybin with psychological support experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to adults who took a placebo. Another review suggests that psilocybin may have both short-term and long-term antidepressant effects.
Despite the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, there are regulatory hurdles and stigma associated with its recreational use that must be addressed before it can be adopted for regular therapeutic use. Possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been outlawed in most countries, and it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances. However, some countries and jurisdictions, such as New Mexico in the US, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not qualify as "manufacturing" a controlled substance, and some governments, such as in Amsterdam, promote the safe and legal use of psychedelic drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms can include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, anxiety, fear, nausea, muscle twitches, euphoria, muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users.
The effects of consuming psychedelic mushrooms typically appear within 15-45 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
Yes, there are risks associated with consuming psychedelic mushrooms. The production, sale, and possession of psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in some countries. Additionally, consuming psychedelic mushrooms can lead to negative experiences or "bad trips", flashbacks, and in rare cases, fatal events related to emotional distress and trip-induced psychosis.
Yes, psychedelic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in various cultures and regions, including in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts.
