Sarah Brown
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe, are fungi that contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are known for their hallucinogenic effects and are often consumed for recreational or therapeutic purposes. Interestingly, these mushrooms exhibit a unique feature where they instantly turn blue when cut or bruised. This colour change is a result of a chemical reaction involving oxygen and specific compounds within the mushroom's cell walls. While the blue pigments' exact purpose remains unknown, they are believed to be linked to protection against predators. In terms of appearance, magic mushrooms typically have whitish-gray stems and dark brown caps with light brown or white centres. When dried, they take on a rusty brown colour with patches of off-white.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colors | Monochromatic gray, peach, purple, green, maroon, orange, brown |
| Color change | Some mushrooms change colors when damaged or injured. For example, some mushrooms turn blue when cut or picked. |
| Cause of color change | A chemical reaction that occurs when certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom are exposed to air. |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms turn blue when picked or cut
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of several species that instantly develop a blue coloration when they are picked, cut, or bruised. The mechanism that underlies this "bluing" has puzzled scientists for decades.
The blue pigment is not just a single compound but a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products. Most of them are quinoid psilocyl oligomers—compounds similar to indigo, a deep blue pigment used to dye jeans. The blue compounds and indigo share structural similarities in the indole core, and in both cases, the basis for the colour is a quinoid.
The colour change is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs when certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom are exposed to air. Once the cap is nicked and the cell walls are broken, oxygen in the air interacts with these compounds and changes their colour. For example, when Gyroporus cyanescens is exposed to air, the variegatic acid in this mushroom is converted to the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide.
The purpose of the blue pigments remains a mystery. One hypothesis is that they serve a protective role as an on-demand repellent against predators. The compounds might produce reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to any insect nibbling on the mushrooms.
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They contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the psychedelic compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and investigational drug found in over 200 species of mushrooms. It is a prodrug, meaning it is biologically inactive on its own but is converted by the body into psilocin, the compound responsible for the psychedelic effects.
The discovery of psilocybin in magic mushrooms is credited to Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, who first isolated it from the Psilocybe mexicana mushroom species in 1958. Since then, psilocybin has been isolated from over a dozen genera of mushrooms, including Panaeolus, Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina. The most potent species are members of the Psilocybe genus, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies, particularly in Mesoamerica, where their use was first documented by Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century. In the 1950s, Valentina and R. Gordon Wasson, European Americans, participated in indigenous mushroom ceremonies and publicized their experiences, sparking further interest in the psychedelic properties of these fungi.
The psychological effects of consuming psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, an altered sense of time, distorted perception, euphoria, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. The physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are subjective and can vary significantly among individuals. Additionally, combining magic mushrooms with certain medications or other drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and their possession is outlawed in most countries. However, the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin are being explored in some jurisdictions, with ongoing clinical trials and legalization for specific uses in certain states in the US.
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Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug in the US
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", are known for their distinctive blue colour when cut or plucked. This colour is the result of a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, most of which are quinoid psilocyl oligomers, compounds similar to indigo, a deep blue pigment.
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in these mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I drug in the US. Schedule I drugs are defined as substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. They are considered to have the most restrictive regulatory controls and are deemed unsafe even for medical use. The classification is based on the drug's abuse or dependency potential, with Schedule I drugs deemed to have the highest potential for abuse and the capacity to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence.
The classification of psilocybin as a Schedule I drug places it in the same category as other substances such as heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), and methaqualone. However, the classification of psilocybin as a Schedule I drug has been a subject of debate due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Some researchers argue that psilocybin has significant potential as a medication for therapy-resistant depression and advocate for its medicinal value to be recognised.
While psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, it is important to note that its legal status is evolving. Several states across the US have legalised psilocybin for therapeutic use, recognising its potential in the treatment of mental health disorders. These changes in state-level legislation reflect a growing body of research supporting the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin when used in controlled settings and under professional supervision.
The evolving legal status of psilocybin highlights the dynamic nature of drug policy and the ongoing efforts to balance public health and safety with the potential therapeutic benefits of certain substances. As research continues to explore the complex effects of psilocybin, its legal classification may be subject to further review and potential reclassification in the future.
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Magic mushrooms are unpredictable and may be poisonous
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are typically brown or tan, but some varieties turn blue when cut or bruised. While magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, they are unpredictable and may be poisonous.
Magic mushrooms are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be crushed into a powder and prepared in capsule form or covered in chocolate. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or 5–10 minutes when taken as a tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. These effects may include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. However, some people may have negative experiences, such as feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or short-term psychosis.
The unpredictability of magic mushrooms lies in the fact that their effects can vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors. For example, taking magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. Mixing magic mushrooms with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can increase the likelihood of a "bad trip" and lead to panic. Additionally, people on psychiatric medications should avoid magic mushrooms as they could experience a relapse or worsening of their condition.
The risk of poisoning from magic mushrooms is also a significant concern. Magic mushrooms closely resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms, and it is easy to mistake one for the other when foraging or purchasing from unreliable sources. Poisoning symptoms can include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, tachycardia (fast heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur after consuming mushrooms.
While magic mushrooms are not typically life-threatening, consuming a large amount or a strong batch can result in overdose symptoms. Additionally, regular and long-term use of magic mushrooms may lead to tolerance development, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This can create a cycle of increased consumption and heightened risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, some individuals may experience flashbacks and long-term changes in personality, mood, and social activities, even after discontinuing mushroom use.
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They can cause flashbacks, even years after taking them
Magic mushrooms or Psilocybe are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are known for their psychedelic effects, which can cause hallucinations and altered sensory perception. While these effects typically wear off within days or weeks, some individuals may experience flashbacks long after the drug use has ceased.
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition characterized by flashbacks or the re-experiencing of the effects of hallucinogenic drugs like magic mushrooms. HPPD is a rare disorder, and it is challenging to determine its prevalence due to underreporting by individuals with a history of recreational drug use and a lack of familiarity with the condition among medical professionals. However, it is recognized in medical manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Individuals with HPPD may experience brief, random flashbacks known as Type 1 HPPD, or more pervasive and disturbing flashbacks categorized as Type 2 HPPD. These flashbacks can be triggered by stress, anxiety, fatigue, or even thinking about past drug experiences. While some flashbacks can be pleasant and enjoyable, others can be distressing and interfere with an individual's ability to function.
The mechanisms underlying HPPD and flashbacks are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that the only certain cause of HPPD is previous hallucinogen use, particularly with drugs like LSD, magic mushrooms, DMT, and occasionally MDMA. The frequency and type of drug use may also play a role, with regular users being more susceptible to flashbacks.
Managing flashbacks can be challenging, but individuals can seek support from mental health professionals or therapists specializing in psychedelic integration. Calming and self-soothing activities, such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, and mindfulness, can help ease psychological discomfort and maintain a sense of control during flashbacks. Additionally, identifying triggers and practicing stress management or improving sleep habits can help reduce the occurrence of triggered flashbacks.
While psychedelic mushrooms are typically associated with their hallucinogenic effects, it is important to be aware of the potential for flashbacks, even years after initial use. Understanding the risks and impacts of hallucinogen use can help individuals make informed decisions and seek appropriate support if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are whitish-grey with dark brown caps that are light brown or white in the center. They are also known to turn blue when cut or picked.
The blue color is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs when certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom are exposed to air.
No, many blue-bruising mushrooms are toxic. It is important to identify the individual species before consuming any wild mushrooms.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound, meaning it can cause people to see, hear, and feel sensations that seem real but are not. The effects are highly variable and unpredictable, and may include disturbing hallucinations and flashbacks.
No, psilocybin is considered one of the most well-known psychedelics and is illegal in most places. It carries risks and has the potential to be poisonous and unpredictable in its effects.
