Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, scientifically known as psychedelic or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of fungus containing psychoactive compounds. The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, causes hallucinations and intense mood swings, potentially leading to panic attacks or dangerous behaviour. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary in length and intensity, depending on the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage consumed, and individual factors such as metabolism and mood. While some people view magic mushrooms as a recreational substance, they can have serious negative effects, and there is a risk of mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, which can be fatal. Possession of magic mushrooms is illegal in many places, although some cities have decriminalized it for personal use in limited quantities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, liberty caps |
| Active substances | Psilocybin, psilocin, β-carbolines |
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place and reality, nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, flashbacks, delayed headaches |
| Dosage | 1.0-3.5-5.0 g of dry mushrooms, 10-50 g of fresh mushrooms, 10-50 mg of psilocybin, 0.1-0.3 g for microdoses |
| Legality | Class A drug, illegal to have, give away or sell |
| Poison control | Call Victorian Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) in case of poisoning, call 000 for an ambulance in an emergency |
| Addiction | Non-addictive, no physical dependence |
| Therapeutic benefits | Potential to rewire the brain and ease depression, anxiety, cluster headaches |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms are illegal drugs
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, some of which are edible and safe for human consumption, while others are poisonous. Certain types of mushrooms, known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", contain the substances psilocybin and psilocin, which have hallucinogenic effects. These mushrooms are often used as recreational drugs and can induce a trip or an altered state of consciousness. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary, ranging from mild feelings of drowsiness or relaxation to more intense hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and distorted senses of time, place, and reality. The duration and intensity of the trip depend on factors such as the dosage, the potency of the mushrooms, and individual factors like mood and personality.
While magic mushrooms have been used for medicinal and religious purposes in various cultures throughout history, they are currently illegal in many parts of the world. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This classification indicates that these substances have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. As a result, many countries have regulations or prohibitions in place regarding the sale, possession, and production of magic mushrooms. For example, in the United States, the federal regulation of psilocybin and psilocin was first introduced in 1965 through the Drug Abuse Control Amendments, and the US Psychotropic Substances Act also addresses the regulation of these substances. Similarly, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002 are all pieces of legislation that reflect the terms of the UN Convention.
The legal status of magic mushrooms can vary across different jurisdictions, and there may be loopholes or ambiguities in the laws. For instance, in some places, the spores of psilocybin mushrooms are legal to possess or sell because they do not contain the drugs themselves. This has led to an underground economy and social networks supporting the illicit trade of spores and cultivation materials. However, in certain jurisdictions, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores have been specifically prohibited, such as in California, Georgia, and Idaho in the United States.
Despite the illegal status of magic mushrooms in many places, there have been recent developments towards decriminalization and regulated use. For example, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Additionally, in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms, and Australia approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it is important to note that the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-containing products have not been widely assessed or approved by health authorities.
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They cause hallucinations and mood swings
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain psilocybin, are hallucinogenic. They can cause hallucinations and distort users' senses and sense of reality, making them see, hear, or feel things that are not there. They can also cause visual or auditory hallucinations, and distort how users perceive objects and people in their environment. The effects of psilocybin are generally similar to those of LSD, including an altered perception of time and space and intense changes in mood and feelings. Users may experience euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the user's mood, personality, and expectations and the environment they are in. The quantity of mushrooms consumed, their strength, and the user's past experiences with psychedelic drugs can also influence the effects. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. It is challenging to predict the type of trip each user will have, and there is no way to end a bad trip until it has run its course, which could take hours.
In rare cases, consuming large amounts of magic mushrooms can lead to severe side effects, such as a long-term mental health condition called psychosis or even death. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from mistaking magic mushrooms for poisonous mushrooms, which can have serious consequences.
While the potential therapeutic applications of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance addiction are being explored, it is important to note that psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States. This means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. However, research in this field is ongoing, and the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy are being investigated.
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They can be dangerous and unpredictable
While some people may view magic mushrooms, or shrooms, as a recreational substance, they can be dangerous and unpredictable. The active ingredient in shrooms, psilocybin, can lead to hallucinations and intense mood swings, potentially causing panic attacks or even dangerous behaviour. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip vary and depend on how strong the mushrooms are, how much someone took, the user's mood, personality, and expectations.
The biggest danger to your health when taking magic mushrooms is accidentally eating a poisonous mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms can make you severely ill and can even be fatal. It is important to know what you are consuming as some mushrooms that contain psilocybin look very similar to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. Even professionals sometimes mistake these mushroom types. It can be very dangerous to attempt to identify psilocybin mushrooms on your own. If you believe you or someone else may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur. Contact a poisons information centre or, if the person has collapsed, stopped breathing, is having a fit, or is suffering an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call an ambulance.
If you are not 100% sure the mushrooms you have are psilocybin, do not take them. Several types of poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can share the exact visual characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms. It is typically not safe to make a decision simply based on looking at mushrooms, especially if you don’t have experience identifying them.
The unpredictable nature of psychedelic experiences with shrooms can also pose significant mental health risks, making them a substance that should be approached with caution. Magic mushrooms are not addictive, but as with LSD, you can become tolerant to the effects quite quickly, meaning you'll need to take more to get the same effect as before. Regular use of psilocybin can lead to tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of addiction. If you have any mental health issues, magic mushrooms can make them worse.
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Poisonous mushrooms look similar
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. While some mushrooms are edible, others are poisonous and can be harmful or even deadly if consumed. It is important to be able to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, especially when foraging for wild mushrooms.
One example of a poisonous mushroom that resembles an edible variety is the False Morel (Gyromitra spp.). This mushroom looks similar to the edible "true morel" (Morchella americana or Morchella punctipes), which has a pitted cap and a smooth, hollow stem. However, the False Morel has a wavy and crumpled cap and a nearly solid stem. Some species of False Morels contain a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical called gyromitrin, which can cause acute illness or even death.
Another example of poisonous mushrooms that can be mistaken for edible ones is the Amanita species, which includes the Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa or Amanita verna) and the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides). These mushrooms develop from "Amanita eggs", which are small, sack-like structures that protect the developing spores. The Destroying Angel, in particular, resembles edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms, leading to accidental consumption.
The Chanterelle mushroom, a popular species for foraging, can also have poisonous look-alikes such as the Jack O'Lantern Mushroom and the False Chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca). Chanterelles can be identified by their fertile surface, which is composed of "folds" rather than true gills, but these features can be subtle and difficult to distinguish for beginners.
It is important to exercise caution when identifying and consuming wild mushrooms. Always consult a trusted expert or guide when foraging, and do not consume any mushrooms unless you are certain they are safe. Even handling poisonous mushrooms can be risky, as toxins can be absorbed through extended skin contact.
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They may have health benefits
Mushrooms are a source of several antioxidants and vitamins and are low in calories. They are also a source of vitamin D, which is rarely found in plant-based produce. Mushrooms exposed to UV light or sunlight can increase their vitamin D content. White button, portabella, and cremini mushrooms provide the most vitamin D after exposure to UV light or sunlight. Maitake mushrooms also provide vitamin D without the need for sun exposure. Vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and muscles and assists with cell growth, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation.
Mushrooms are also rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and may decrease the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. They are also a source of vitamin C, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. Shiitake mushrooms are a good choice for vitamin B6.
Mushrooms are also a source of selenium, which helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. Selenium also supports the immune system and helps prevent damage to cells and tissues. Lion's mane mushrooms are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, boosting immune function and improving cognitive health. Chaga mushrooms are also known to lower blood pressure and may help prevent cancer.
Mushrooms are rich in fiber and polysaccharides, which are linked to improved insulin resistance and gut health. Polysaccharides stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria and suppress harmful bacteria. They also contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber, which acts as a prebiotic, fuelling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Research shows that a mushroom-rich diet can help with weight loss when combined with exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. Mushrooms are also known to lower cholesterol, especially in overweight adults. They also contribute to nutrients and plant compounds that help prevent cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque build-up, thus helping protect the heart.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms or psilocybin mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which has hallucinogenic and mind-altering effects.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary depending on the user, the dosage, and the type of mushroom. The experience, often referred to as a "trip", can include hallucinations, mood swings, paranoia, and panic attacks. The effects typically begin within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion and can last for several hours.
Magic mushrooms are considered illegal drugs in many places due to their hallucinogenic effects. They can also pose significant mental health risks, especially with regular use or in high doses. Additionally, there is a risk of mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms, which can have severe health consequences.
