Michael Davis
There are over 15,000 species of fungi in the UK, with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Fungi have long been a source of fascination and mistrust, with many species growing in dark and damp places. While some mushrooms are edible, others are poisonous and can lead to stomach upsets, comas, or even death. Magic mushrooms, which contain psilocybin and psilocin, are classified as Class A drugs in the UK due to their hallucinogenic effects. This classification means that it is illegal to possess, give away, or sell these mushrooms, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Despite the risks associated with their use, there is ongoing research into the potential medical benefits of magic mushrooms, including their possible use as an antidepressant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classification | Class A drug |
| Types | Fly agaric, liberty caps, Psilocybe semilanceata, Basidiomycetes |
| Effects | Hallucinogenic, flashbacks, nausea, vomiting, psychological dependence |
| Legality | Illegal to possess, give away or sell |
| Penalties | Possession: 7 years imprisonment and a fine; Supply: life imprisonment and a fine |
| Medical uses | Possible antidepressant properties, ongoing research |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are Class A drugs
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are hallucinogenic when ingested. They are often sold raw or dried, and the most common types in the UK are liberty caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) and fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Liberty caps are small, tan-coloured mushrooms, while fly agarics are red and white spotted toadstools. Liberty caps are usually eaten raw, and have a strong earthy taste and rubber-like texture.
The active ingredients in liberty caps, psilocybin and psilocin, are hallucinogens and can cause nausea and vomiting. They are Schedule 1 drugs, meaning they currently have no accepted medical use. However, researchers have conducted studies on the possible medical uses of magic mushrooms, and campaigners want psilocybin to be moved to Schedule 2, the same category as medical cannabis. A small study in 2021 showed that psilocybin performed as well as a conventional antidepressant, and on other measures such as work and social functioning, mental well-being, and the ability to feel happy, psilocybin outperformed the conventional antidepressant.
The greatest risk associated with using magic mushrooms is picking the wrong type of mushroom and being poisoned. Eating some varieties, especially Amanita phalloides and Amanita virosa, can be fatal. Magic mushrooms are not addictive, but users can become tolerant of the effects quickly, meaning they will need to take more to get the same effect. Additionally, those with mental health issues should avoid magic mushrooms, as they can exacerbate existing conditions.
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Liberty caps are the most common type
In the UK, there are many types of wild mushrooms, some of which are poisonous and can cause stomach upsets, comas, and even death. Magic mushrooms, which contain psilocybin, are classified as Class A drugs in the UK. This means that it is illegal to possess, give away, or sell them. The penalties for possession can be up to 7 years in prison and/or a fine, while supplying someone else can result in life imprisonment and/or a fine.
Liberty caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) are one of the most common types of magic mushrooms in the UK, along with fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). Liberty caps are small, tan-coloured mushrooms with a rubber-like texture and a strong earthy taste. They are usually eaten raw and can cause hallucinations, as well as nausea and vomiting in some cases. Liberty caps contain the active ingredients psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for their psychoactive effects.
The use of liberty caps has become more common in the UK, especially among teenagers. They are typically found in the autumn and grow in pastures, parks, gardens, and wherever there is decaying wood. While they may vary in appearance, they can be identified by their small, conical caps that are grooved and often split at the edges, with a darker bottom edge. The gills underneath the cap start out light grey/black with a lighter edge and then turn dark purple/black as the spores are released.
Liberty caps were brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and were later specified as Class A drugs in the Drugs Act 2005. This means that it is illegal to pick, prepare, eat, or sell liberty caps in the UK. The maximum penalties for possession and supply of liberty caps are the same as for other Class A drugs, with rare cases of maximum sentences being used in practice.
While liberty caps are the most common type of magic mushroom in the UK, it is important to note that they can be dangerous. As with all drugs, it is best to start with a small dose, and it is recommended to keep an example of the mushroom after eating to help with identification in case of any adverse effects. Mixing drugs is always risky, and magic mushrooms can interact with mental health issues, making them worse. Additionally, regular use can lead to psychological dependence, with users feeling a desire to consume liberty caps regularly.
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Fly agaric is more potent but rare
In the UK, magic mushrooms are classified as a Class A drug. This classification is due to their psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects, which are caused by compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid. While fatal poisonings are extremely rare, magic mushrooms can indeed cause poisoning, especially in those seeking a hallucinogenic experience.
One notable type of magic mushroom is Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria), which is easily recognisable due to its bright red cap with distinctive white spots or warts and a white stem. It is often found in groups under birch trees in autumn and is considered the classic fairy tale toadstool. Fly Agaric is poisonous to humans and can cause stomach cramps and hallucinations. Although deaths are rare, it is advised never to consume mushrooms that have not been properly identified.
Fly Agaric is indeed more potent than other magic mushrooms, containing higher concentrations of psychoactive compounds. Its name originates from its historical use as an insecticide when sprinkled in milk to kill flies. This practice was recorded in Germanic and Slavic-speaking parts of Europe, as well as pockets of France and Romania.
Despite its toxicity to humans, Fly Agaric is consumed by some animals, including red squirrels, slugs, and fungus gnats. It is also culturally significant, believed to be the Christmas mushroom and featured in fairy tales. However, its use as a hallucinogen is still rare compared to other types of magic mushrooms, such as liberty caps, which have become more common, especially among teenagers.
In conclusion, while Fly Agaric mushrooms are rare in terms of recreational use, they are indeed more potent due to their higher concentrations of psychoactive compounds. Their distinct appearance, cultural significance, and ecological role contribute to their notoriety, despite their toxicity to humans.
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Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic drug found in certain types of mushrooms, is classified as a Class A drug in the UK. This means that it is illegal to possess, give away, or sell. The maximum penalty for possession is seven years' imprisonment and a fine, while supplying someone else can result in life imprisonment and a fine. However, in practice, maximum sentences are rarely used.
Psilocybin is present in mushrooms such as liberty caps (Psilocybe semilanceata), which are described as small, tan-coloured mushrooms that are commonly found in the UK during autumn. These mushrooms have hallucinogenic effects when consumed and can cause flashbacks, nausea, and vomiting. They have been used as a legal alternative to LSD and have gained popularity, especially among teenagers.
The classification of psilocybin as a Class A drug indicates that it currently has no accepted medical use. However, researchers with licenses to study Class A drugs are investigating the potential medical applications of psilocybin. A small study in 2021 suggested that psilocybin may be as effective as conventional antidepressants and may even outperform them in certain areas, such as work and social functioning, mental well-being, and the ability to feel happy.
While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, psychological dependence can develop, leading to a desire to use them regularly. The greatest risk associated with their use is ingesting the wrong type of mushroom, as some varieties, such as Amanita phalloides and Amanita virosa, can be fatal. It is crucial to never consume mushrooms that have not been positively identified, and if any negative side effects occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.
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Medical uses are being researched
In the UK, mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin (e.g. liberty caps) are classified as Class A drugs. This classification means that they are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, there is ongoing research into the potential medical uses of magic mushrooms, and campaigners are pushing for their reclassification.
Magic mushrooms have been used for pleasure in the UK since the 1970s as a legal alternative to LSD. While they are now banned and classified as Class A drugs, there is growing interest in their potential therapeutic benefits. Researchers with licences to study Class A drugs are investigating the possible medical applications of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms.
Psilocybin has been shown in research to have the potential to treat a range of psychiatric and behavioural disorders, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol addiction, and cocaine addiction. It has also been found to be effective in helping people quit smoking and in providing relief from cluster headaches and end-of-life psychological distress. A small study in 2021 found that psilocybin performed as well as a conventional antidepressant (SSRI) and outperformed it in terms of work and social functioning, mental well-being, and the ability to feel happy.
Despite these promising findings, psilocybin therapy for medical use is carefully controlled to mitigate potential risks. Researchers are working to prove the safety and efficacy of psilocybin treatment to regulatory bodies such as the FDA in the US. While some are optimistic about the potential for psilocybin to be approved for medical use, the path toward decriminalisation and legalisation is uncertain and faces significant social stigma and legal challenges.
In addition to magic mushrooms, other types of medicinal mushrooms are being studied for their health benefits. These include Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and have a range of reported benefits, including immune-boosting properties, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and potential antitumor and immunomodulatory activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are fungi that have hallucinogenic effects when eaten. They are often sold raw or dried.
Magic mushrooms are classified as Class A drugs in the UK. This means it is illegal to possess, give away or sell them.
Possession of magic mushrooms can result in up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying someone else, even friends, can lead to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
The greatest risk associated with consuming magic mushrooms is picking the wrong type and being poisoned. Certain types of mushrooms, such as Amanita phalloides and Amanita virosa, can be fatal if consumed. Additionally, magic mushrooms can worsen existing mental health issues and lead to psychological dependence.
