Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, or 'shrooms', are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic substances psilocybin and psilocin. They are considered illegal drugs and are classified as a Class A drug in the UK. The effects of magic mushrooms are similar to those of LSD, including an altered perception of time and space, and intense changes in mood and feeling. Users may also experience paranoia, anxiety, and nervousness. The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, and adverse side effects may require medical treatment. There is also a risk of poisoning, as some types of poisonous mushrooms look very similar to magic mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened and distorted senses, euphoria, paranoia, anxiety, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, flashbacks, increased well-being, distorted perception of time and space, intense mood changes, fear, nervousness, psychosis, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, tiredness, mild psychological effects |
| Legality | Illegal in many places, including the US (except for a few cities) and the UK. |
| Risks | Poisoning, accidental ingestion, overdose, bad trips, addiction, negative impact on mental health, death |
| Benefits | Potential treatment for psychiatric and behavioral conditions, depression, and anxiety |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinations and sensory distortion
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and can cause sensory distortion. The psilocybin in magic mushrooms works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception. This can lead to visual or auditory hallucinations and distort how some people perceive objects and people in their environment. Users may experience, see, feel, or even taste things that are not real. The senses are heightened and distorted, to the point where users have claimed to "hear colours" and "see sounds".
The effects of magic mushrooms are similar to those of LSD and typically begin after about 30 to 45 minutes, lasting as long as 6 hours. The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and last between 4 and 6 hours. The strength of magic mushrooms varies depending on their freshness, the season, and where they grow.
The effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and vary widely. They can be euphoric and pleasurable, with users feeling drowsy or relaxed. However, higher doses or stronger mushrooms can bring about hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. A distorted sense of time, place, and reality may occur, and too large a dose can lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis.
The risk of a bad trip, or an unpleasant experience, increases with higher doses or if the user has feelings of anxiety beforehand. A bad trip can be terrifying and disturbing, and flashbacks may occur afterwards. It is recommended to take magic mushrooms in a comfortable and safe environment, and to have an experienced friend present.
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'Bad trips' and paranoia
Bad trips are a common occurrence among users of psychedelics like magic mushrooms. A bad trip is a negative experience that can happen after taking a drug, particularly hallucinogenic drugs like magic mushrooms or LSD. The experience of a bad trip can vary from person to person, but it often involves feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. In some cases, bad trips can lead to feelings of ego dissolution or a sense of losing oneself.
There are several factors that can contribute to the likelihood of having a bad trip. One factor is the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. Unpleasant or triggering surroundings can induce traumatic memories or unpleasant emotions, increasing the risk of a bad trip. Additionally, consuming a larger dose of mushrooms can also increase the risk. Pre-existing mental health conditions, particularly psychosis, can further elevate the chances of experiencing a bad trip. It is also important to note that mixing mushrooms with other drugs, such as stimulants, depressants, or certain prescription medications, can have unpredictable and dangerous effects, increasing the risk of a bad trip and potential overdose.
To help someone who is experiencing a bad trip, it is crucial to provide a positive and supportive environment. Reducing triggers and creating a calm and quiet atmosphere can be beneficial. It is important to remove any subtle things that may cause psychological discomfort, fear, paranoia, or anxiety, as these can exacerbate a bad trip. It can be helpful to remind the person that they are in a safe place and to encourage them by talking about positive experiences or fond memories.
While bad trips can be frightening, some individuals have reported that these experiences have led to valuable insights. Through narrative sense-making or storytelling, users can transform frightening experiences into meaningful ones, facilitating continued psychedelic use even after unpleasant encounters.
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Physical effects and overdose
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs. They contain psilocybin, which is converted to psilocin in the body and is responsible for the characteristic hallucinogenic effects, euphoria, and sensory changes when ingested.
The physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion and can last for up to six hours. Initial physical effects may include nausea, yawning, and body temperature fluctuations. Psilocybin mushrooms can also cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. Other physical effects may include dilated pupils, abdominal pain, muscle pain, mucus in the lungs, slow heart rate, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms.
While psilocybin mushrooms have low toxicity and are not considered physically addictive, it is possible to overdose on them. An overdose on psilocybin mushrooms may cause uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms, some of which can be severe. Typical signs of a psychedelic mushroom overdose include anxiety, panic attacks, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, death from a psilocybin mushroom overdose is very rare, and the lethal dose in humans is unknown.
The biggest risk of a psilocybin mushroom overdose is the potential for misidentifying poisonous and potentially lethal wild mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning can result in various physical side effects, ranging from uncomfortable to deadly. For example, Amanita Phalloides, also known as death caps, can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to liver damage and potentially requiring a liver transplant.
If someone is exhibiting the symptoms of a psilocybin mushroom overdose, they should seek medical attention, especially if they are having trouble breathing, have lost consciousness, or are experiencing a "bad trip" with severe panic, paranoia, or psychosis. Treatment for a mushroom overdose is generally dictated by the specific symptoms displayed and should be supportive, ensuring the person is in a safe and comfortable environment.
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Addiction and tolerance
Addiction to psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", is a complex issue that has been the subject of ongoing research and debate. While some sources claim that magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, others acknowledge the potential for psychological dependence and the development of tolerance.
Magic mushrooms contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which can induce hallucinations, sensory distortions, and changes in perception, thought, and mood. Despite their potential for therapeutic use in treating mental health disorders, they are largely illegal and carry potential health risks.
The risk of addiction to magic mushrooms is often considered lower compared to commonly abused substances like opioids or stimulants. Research suggests that psilocybin does not typically lead to addiction, and physical addiction is rare. However, it's important to distinguish between physical and psychological dependence. While users may not experience physical symptoms upon discontinuing mushroom use, they may develop a psychological reliance on the substance.
The potential for psychological dependence on magic mushrooms is a significant concern. Prolonged use can lead to a person's brain functioning abnormally, as mushrooms interfere with the natural production of essential hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This can result in emotional instability, psychological distress, and impaired mental well-being. Additionally, the development of tolerance is a crucial factor in mushroom use. With repeated use, individuals may require increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired effects, leading to a spiral of compulsive use that can impact their lives negatively.
Addressing mushroom addiction involves seeking professional help from trained therapists and reputable rehab centres. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach, helping individuals identify negative thought patterns and coping mechanisms that contribute to substance use. Accurate information about the risks and consequences of mushroom use, along with the promotion of healthy coping skills, is also essential in preventing and addressing addiction and tolerance issues associated with magic mushrooms.
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Legality and risks
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms" or "magic mushrooms", varies across different jurisdictions. In the United States, psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute. However, some cities in the US have decriminalised the possession of psilocybin mushrooms, allowing residents to possess small amounts without facing criminal charges. Oregon and Colorado have also decriminalised psilocybin mushrooms, allowing their use for mental health treatment in supervised settings. Other US states, such as California, Georgia, and Idaho, have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores due to their use in drug manufacture.
Internationally, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is similarly varied. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, but the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included due to pressure from the Mexican government. Many countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan, have amended their national drug laws to reflect the terms of the convention, resulting in strict regulations around psilocybin. In contrast, the Canadian province of Alberta has recently allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. In Australia, psilocybin has been approved for use in prescription medications for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
While the legality of psilocybin mushrooms is complex and evolving, it is important to consider the risks associated with their consumption. The biggest risk is the possibility of ingesting poisonous mushrooms, as they can look very similar to psilocybin mushrooms. Accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms can result in minor gastrointestinal illness, and severe cases may require medical attention. Additionally, consuming a large quantity or a strong batch of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to a "'bad trip', characterised by fear, paranoia, and other unpleasant effects. Cross-tolerance with other drugs, such as LSD and mescaline, is also a factor to consider. While psilocybin is not considered addictive, regular users may develop a tolerance to its effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired results.
It is worth noting that consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms, which are not classified as scheduled substances, can lead to psychedelic effects similar to intoxication from alcohol, including potential blackouts at high doses. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely, and adverse side effects may require medical treatment. Delayed headaches are also a possible consequence of mushroom consumption, typically lasting less than a day.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance. They are mostly illegal in the U.S. but are being studied for their potential health benefits.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person. They can include perceptual changes, such as hallucinations, a distorted sense of time, place, and reality, anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. The effects usually begin within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption and can last up to six hours.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, they can have adverse side effects, and it is possible to experience a "bad trip". In addition, there is a risk of poisoning from mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin mushrooms. It is advised to seek medical advice before consuming magic mushrooms.
