Sarah Brown
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and heightened emotions and senses. The use of psilocybin mushrooms has been associated with both benefits and risks, with ongoing research exploring its potential therapeutic effects in treating various mental health disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms, Mushies, Blue Meanies, Golden Tops, Liberty Caps |
| Active Ingredients | Psilocybin, Psilocin, Norpsilocin, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, Heightened Emotions and Senses, Distorted Reality, Altered State of Consciousness, Increased Laughter, Mental Clarity |
| Therapeutic Effects | Potential to Treat Mental Health Disorders (Substance Use Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, OCD), PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury |
| Dosage | 1.0-3.5-5.0 g of Dried Mushrooms, 10-50 g of Fresh Mushrooms, 10-50 mg Psilocybin |
| Microdose | <1.0 g of Dried Mushrooms, 0.1-0.3 g Taken up to Three Times a Week |
| Duration of Effects | 4-6 Hours |
| Onset of Effects | 5-45 Minutes (Depending on Consumption Method) |
| Legality | Illegal in Most Places, Legalised for Therapeutic Use in Oregon |
| Dependence | Little Evidence of Physical or Psychological Dependence |
| Toxicity | Low Level of Toxicity, Low Risk of Fatal Events |
| Risks | Misidentification of Mushrooms, "Bad Trip" (Extreme Fear, Anxiety, Paranoia), Impaired Judgement |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and psychedelic drugs
- They can be eaten fresh, cooked, dried or brewed into tea
- They are not physically addictive, but can cause short-term mental and physical effects
- They are being researched for therapeutic use in treating mental health disorders
- They are illegal in many places
Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic and psychedelic drugs
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are hallucinogenic and psychedelic drugs. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychoactive chemical psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation, resulting in psilocin, which is responsible for the drug's psychedelic effects. These effects include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, and changes in thinking, emotions, and senses.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, dried, or cooked mushrooms, as well as extracts or food products such as edibles or mushroom tea. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly within and between different species of mushrooms. Recreational doses typically range from 1.0 to 5.0 grams of dried mushrooms, with a "heroic dose" considered to be 5.0 grams or more.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last approximately four to six hours. The specific effects can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can also differ depending on the concentration of active ingredients. While some people may experience heightened emotions, creativity, and a sense of mental clarity, others may have a ""bad trip,"" characterized by extreme fear, anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations.
There is ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. However, it is important to note that the use of psilocybin also carries risks and may lead to adverse effects, especially when consumed in unsupervised settings or in combination with other substances.
While physical and psychological dependence on magic mushrooms is rare, tolerance to the drug's effects can develop with regular use. Additionally, there are risks associated with misidentifying mushrooms, as some poisonous mushrooms can resemble psilocybin-containing mushrooms and lead to severe illness or even death. Overall, it is crucial to approach the consumption of magic mushrooms with caution and to be aware of the potential risks and effects.
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They can be eaten fresh, cooked, dried or brewed into tea
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. This is converted into psilocin in the body, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, dried, or brewed into tea.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can vary greatly. The effects usually appear within 15-45 minutes and last for around four to six hours. When eaten fresh, the effects usually begin in 30 minutes, while they can take as little as 5-10 minutes to take effect when taken as a soup or tea. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species. A typical recreational dose of psilocybin mushrooms is between 1.0 and 3.5–5.0 g of dried mushrooms and 10 to 50 g of fresh mushrooms. A microdose, on the other hand, is about 10% of a recreational dose, or 0.1 to 0.3 g of dried mushrooms, taken up to three times a week.
Magic mushrooms can cause heightened emotions and senses, and people may feel happy, creative, and giggly. They may also experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, they can also cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality, mixing up their senses. A "bad trip" may occur, particularly at high doses, which can be frightening and include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. It is important to note that there are health risks associated with taking psilocybin, especially when unsupervised and outside of a clinical setting.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for their hallucinogenic effects for thousands of years, and they may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. More recently, researchers have been testing psilocybin's potential to treat mental health disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin's therapeutic use in 2020.
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They are not physically addictive, but can cause short-term mental and physical effects
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 into psilocin, which causes the psychedelic effects associated with magic mushrooms. While psilocybin mushrooms are not physically addictive, they can induce short-term mental and physical effects.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically manifest within 15 to 45 minutes and can last for approximately four to six hours. The duration of effects may vary depending on the method of consumption, with ingestion of mushrooms in the form of soup or tea resulting in a faster onset of effects compared to consuming them fresh or dried. The dosage of psilocybin mushrooms also plays a role in the duration and intensity of the effects. A "heroic dose" of 5.0 g of dried mushrooms is considered a strong dose and may lead to more pronounced effects.
The short-term mental effects of psilocybin mushrooms can include heightened emotions and senses, distorted sense of reality, and altered states of consciousness. Individuals may experience hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. They may also perceive mixing of senses, such as seeing music or hearing colours. Additionally, magic mushrooms can induce a sense of mental and emotional clarity, heightened creativity, and excessive laughter. However, it is important to note that high doses or a ""bad trip"" may lead to negative psychological effects, including paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
In terms of short-term physical effects, psilocybin mushrooms can cause impaired coordination and altered perception of time. There is also a risk of engaging in activities that may lead to physical harm, such as driving dangerously or walking into traffic, due to reduced awareness of one's surroundings. While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, there is a potential risk of adverse events, such as breathing problems or heart attacks. However, the likelihood of life-threatening symptoms is relatively rare.
It is worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can differ significantly between species and even within the same species. Additionally, regular use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to increased tolerance, making it challenging to achieve the desired effects with higher doses.
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They are being researched for therapeutic use in treating mental health disorders
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. Psilocybin is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, and when ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Psilocybin mushrooms are being researched for their therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders. While there are health risks associated with taking psilocybin, particularly outside of clinical settings, it has a low level of toxicity and a low potential for causing fatal events like breathing problems or heart attacks. Research suggests that psilocybin does not typically lead to addiction, and there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms.
Psilocybin is being studied for its potential to treat various mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people have also reported taking magic mushrooms in hopes of achieving therapeutic benefits. However, additional research is needed to support this outcome and evaluate the long-term effects of repetitive use.
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin has garnered attention from organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institutes of Health, who are supporting research into its potential as a clinical treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses. In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin, although it remains banned in some cities within the state.
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They are illegal in many places
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that induce psychedelic effects. They are often consumed for recreational purposes and have been used in various cultural contexts throughout history. Despite their potential medicinal and religious applications, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many places due to concerns about their abuse and potential health risks.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across the globe, with some countries implementing different levels of regulation or prohibition. Psilocybin and psilocin, the primary psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Schedule I drugs are categorized as substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses. While the mushrooms themselves were not explicitly included in the convention due to Mexican government pressure, most countries have amended their national drug laws to align with the treaty's terms.
For example, in the United States, psilocybin and psilocin were first regulated by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, which aimed to control the unlicensed possession, manufacture, or sale of hallucinogenic drugs. The US Psychotropic Substances Act and similar legislation in other countries, such as the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, reflect the international classification of psilocybin mushrooms as controlled substances. These laws often carry severe legal penalties for possession and use.
In some jurisdictions, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores are specifically prohibited, as they are considered items used in drug manufacture. However, a few places, like New Mexico in the US, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not constitute the "manufacturing" of a controlled substance. Additionally, while the possession and use of psilocybin are generally prohibited, there have been recent developments towards legalizing psilocybin for supervised mental health treatment, as seen in Oregon and the District of Columbia in the United States.
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms is a complex issue that varies across different regions. While some advocate for their medicinal and therapeutic potential, concerns about abuse and health risks have led to their prohibition or strict regulation in many places. It is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations regarding psilocybin mushrooms in your jurisdiction to ensure compliance and understand the associated risks and consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This is converted into the psychedelic compound psilocin in the body upon ingestion, producing psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms can cause hallucinations, distort a person's sense of reality, and alter their thinking, emotions, sense of time, and senses. The effects can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the type of mushroom.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They may also be dried and turned into extracts or food products such as edibles. Microdosing, or taking less than 1 gram of dried mushrooms, has become a popular technique for a less intense experience.
While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity and does not typically lead to addiction, there are still health risks associated with its use. "Bad trips" can occur, leading to extreme fear, anxiety, paranoia, or psychosis. There is also a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming poisonous ones, which can be dangerous or even fatal.
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies by jurisdiction. In some places, activities such as the sale, possession, and production of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal unless authorized by the relevant health authority. However, some places, like Oregon in the US, have legalized the therapeutic use of psilocybin.
