Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile food ingredient with a savory umami flavor that can be eaten raw or cooked. They are a source of potassium, vitamin B6, and selenium, and some mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D. However, the term mushrooms is also used to refer to magic mushrooms or shrooms, which are fungi that contain the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin. Psilocybin produces mind-altering effects, including hallucinations, mood swings, and changes in perception, and has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions. While some people use magic mushrooms recreationally, they can also cause negative effects, such as nausea, paranoia, and dangerous behavior. It is important to distinguish psilocybin mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms, which can closely resemble them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effects | Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, distorted sense of time, place and reality, nausea, excessive yawning, drowsiness, relaxation, laughter, fixation on certain things, heightened emotions, flashbacks, delayed headaches |
| Drug interaction | Mixing mushrooms with other drugs is risky. |
| Legality | Possession of magic mushrooms is illegal in most places. |
| Addiction | Magic mushrooms are not addictive, but users can become tolerant to the effects quite quickly. |
| Poisonous | It is easy to mistake a poisonous mushroom for a magic mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms can make people severely ill or even kill them. |
| Treatment | Research suggests that magic mushrooms could be useful in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, including depression, anxiety, cluster headaches, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance abuse. However, these treatments are not approved by the FDA. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks
- They can be eaten raw, cooked, or in capsules, chocolate, or candy
- They are not addictive, but regular use may cause tolerance and dependence
- They are a source of potassium, vitamin B6, selenium, and sometimes vitamin D
- They are illegal in most places, but some cities have decriminalised them
Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are naturally occurring hallucinogens. They contain psilocybin, a psychedelic drug that, when ingested, is converted by the body into psilocin—a chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms can be similar to those of LSD and typically begin 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion, lasting up to 6 hours.
While the potential benefits of psilocybin mushrooms are being studied, there are risks associated with their consumption. Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, mood swings, and panic attacks. The hallucinations associated with magic mushrooms can be either visual or auditory, causing the user to see or hear things that are not real or are distorted.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on dosage, with higher doses leading to more intense and potentially adverse experiences. Mood swings and emotional changes are commonly reported after consuming larger doses of magic mushrooms. Users may experience paranoia, anxiety, and nervousness, which can lead to panic attacks. The sense of time, place, and reality can become distorted, contributing to feelings of panic and disorientation.
In addition to the immediate risks, magic mushrooms can also cause delayed adverse effects. Some users experience flashbacks or hallucinations that can be triggered days, weeks, months, or even years after consuming magic mushrooms. These flashbacks can be disturbing, especially if they involve frightening or negative experiences from previous trips.
It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms is not without risk. Poisonous mushrooms can closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms, and misidentification can lead to severe illness or even death. Furthermore, the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable, and individual responses may vary. Therefore, it is essential to approach these substances with caution and be aware of potential risks and adverse effects.
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They can be eaten raw, cooked, or in capsules, chocolate, or candy
While magic mushrooms are illegal in most places, they are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or in capsules, chocolate, or candy. Liberty caps, for example, are usually eaten raw and have a strong earthy taste and rubber-like texture. They can also be dried out and stored or brewed into a tea. However, it is important to note that the biggest risk associated with consuming psilocybin mushrooms is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
Some people may experience negative side effects from consuming magic mushrooms, such as nausea, excessive yawning, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. Higher doses can lead to hallucinations and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. It is also possible to experience flashbacks or delayed headaches after consuming magic mushrooms.
On the other hand, there is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. Some studies suggest that they could be useful in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, such as treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. However, it is important to note that these treatments are not yet approved by the FDA, and more research is needed to understand the effects of magic mushrooms fully.
It is crucial to be aware of the risks and potential dangers associated with consuming magic mushrooms. While they may have potential therapeutic benefits, they can also cause negative side effects and, in some cases, lead to long-term mental health issues. If you choose to consume magic mushrooms, it is important to do so responsibly and in a safe, controlled environment.
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They are not addictive, but regular use may cause tolerance and dependence
While magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, they can cause tolerance and psychological dependence. This means that with regular use, a person may need to consume higher doses of mushrooms to achieve the desired effect. This is similar to how the body develops a tolerance to LSD.
Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a substance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same impact. In the case of magic mushrooms, tolerance can develop quickly, leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. It is important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary, depending on factors such as freshness, season, and origin, making it challenging to determine the appropriate dosage.
Regular use of magic mushrooms can also lead to psychological dependence, where an individual feels they need the substance to function normally or achieve a desired mental state. This can result in a form of psychological withdrawal, with potential mild psychological effects or feelings of tiredness when discontinuing use.
It is important to highlight that magic mushrooms are illegal in many places and are classified as a Class A drug. Possession and consumption carry significant legal consequences. Additionally, the biggest risk associated with magic mushrooms is the possibility of consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake, as they closely resemble psilocybin mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness or even death.
While some advocate for the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, as well as substance abuse, more research is needed. Small clinical trials have shown promising results in treating treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, but these treatments are not yet approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
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They are a source of potassium, vitamin B6, selenium, and sometimes vitamin D
Mushrooms are a great source of potassium, vitamin B6, selenium, and sometimes vitamin D. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and heart function. It also aids in muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Vitamin B6, meanwhile, is crucial for energy metabolism and the formation of red blood cells. Selenium is a mineral that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin D, which our bodies produce naturally when exposed to sunlight, aids in calcium absorption and bone health.
Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, making them an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. The amount of vitamin D in mushrooms can vary depending on their exposure to sunlight or UV light. Mushrooms cultivated with sufficient UV light can provide up to 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D.
In addition to these nutrients, mushrooms also contain small amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals, including riboflavin, niacin, and copper. They are also a good source of dietary fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health and maintaining regular bowel function.
When incorporating mushrooms into your diet, it is important to cook them properly to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Raw mushrooms have tough cell walls that our bodies find hard to break down, so cooking them helps to release their nutrients. However, it is best to avoid overcooking or boiling mushrooms, as this can lead to a loss of certain nutrients.
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They are illegal in most places, but some cities have decriminalised them
Magic mushrooms are considered a powerful hallucinogen and a psychedelic drug. They contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are naturally occurring substances with psychoactive properties. The effects of these mushrooms can vary, with some people experiencing excessive yawning and nausea, while others may have hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. The effects typically begin 30 to 45 minutes after consumption and can last up to 6 hours. While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, they can cause flashbacks, and regular use may lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
The legality of magic mushrooms varies across different jurisdictions. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active compounds in magic mushrooms, are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, indicating a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use. Many countries have regulations or prohibitions in place, such as the US Psychotropic Substances Act, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. In the United States, the possession, manufacture, or sale of hallucinogenic drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, was federally regulated by the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965.
However, there has been a push for decriminalization and legalization in some places. For example, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Similarly, in October 2022, the Canadian province of Alberta announced it would regulate and permit the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes. Following this, in 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. In January 2023, Australia approved the use of psilocybin in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
Despite these changes, magic mushrooms remain illegal in most places. The possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms are prohibited in many national, state, and provincial drug laws. In the US, most state courts consider the mushrooms themselves to be "containers" of illegal drugs, and therefore illegal. Additionally, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is often considered drug manufacture and can be severely penalized. However, there is ambiguity in the legal system regarding the status of psilocybin mushroom spores, which are legal to possess in some areas, contributing to an underground economy and social network supporting their sale and cultivation.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin, which produces hallucinogenic and other mind-altering effects.
The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, can lead to hallucinations and intense mood swings, potentially causing panic attacks or even dangerous behaviour. The mushrooms can also cause an increased heart rate and nausea.
The biggest risk associated with magic mushroom use is mistaking them for poisonous mushrooms, which can be fatal. Psilocybin mushrooms can also cause psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability, and feelings of sadness or depression. Regular use may also lead to tolerance and dependence, increasing the risk of overdose.
Possession of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most places. However, in a few cities, possession has been decriminalised, meaning residents cannot be criminally charged for possession as long as they do not exceed a set amount.
