John Miller
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin and psilocin, which are controlled substances under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, and this chemical is responsible for the psychoactive properties of magic mushrooms. These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by indigenous people in Central America for spiritual and healing rituals. When consumed, magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, altered senses, and changes in perception and emotions. The effects of magic mushrooms typically last for four to six hours and can vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the environment in which they are consumed. While magic mushrooms are not considered physically addictive, they can have negative side effects, such as bad trips, and may interact dangerously with other drugs or medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Conversion in the body | Psilocin |
| Drug type | Psychedelic |
| Effects | Altered state of consciousness, hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, increased creativity, laughter, mental and emotional clarity, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, flashbacks |
| Time taken to show effects | 5-45 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Risk factors | Misidentification of mushrooms, use with other drugs, pre-existing cardiac diseases, psychiatric medications, stress, anxiety |
| Legality | Controlled under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) in Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are psychedelic drugs that contain psilocybin and psilocin. They are typically consumed dried or powdered and have hallucinogenic effects. Psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, which is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive properties of magic mushrooms. These substances can affect all the senses, alter a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and sense of reality. They can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and changes in perception.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. The timing and intensity of the effects depend on various factors, including the amount consumed, the method of consumption, and individual differences. The experience of taking magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and it is important to be cautious when consuming any type of drug. The effects can range from feelings of happiness and creativity to negative experiences known as "bad trips," which may include paranoia, anxiety, and a distorted sense of self.
The use of magic mushrooms has a long history, dating back to ancient healing and spiritual rituals. Today, they are often sought for recreational purposes, but there is also ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin. Psilocybin is being investigated as a possible treatment for various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms are controlled substances under international and national drug regulations, and their possession, sale, and production are illegal in many places without proper authorization.
The effects of magic mushrooms can be influenced by both internal and external factors. An individual's personality, expectations, and state of mind ("set") play a significant role in how they respond to the drug. Additionally, the surrounding people and environment ("setting") can contribute to either a positive or negative experience. Being in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment with trusted friends can enhance the likelihood of a pleasant experience, while a noisy and crowded place may increase the risk of a "bad trip."
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically addictive, regular use can lead to tolerance, where the drug's effects diminish over time. Additionally, there are potential risks associated with magic mushroom consumption, including misidentifying mushrooms and ingesting toxic varieties. It is crucial to be cautious and informed about the potential benefits and dangers of magic mushrooms, as with any substance, to make informed decisions regarding their use.
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These substances are hallucinogens
The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a psychedelic drug. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties. Psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. They alter a person's sense of reality, leading them to see, hear, and feel things that are not happening in real life. These substances can also distort a person's senses, causing them to believe they can see music or hear colours.
Psilocybin is part of a group of drugs called psychedelics or hallucinogens, which have the potential to significantly alter a person's senses, thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes of ingestion and can last approximately four to six hours. The duration and intensity of the effects depend on various factors, including the amount consumed, the person's mood and expectations, and the surrounding environment.
Magic mushrooms can induce perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and distort a person's sense of reality. They can also cause heightened emotions and senses, leading to feelings of happiness, creativity, and giddiness. However, negative experiences, often referred to as "bad trips," can occur, especially at high doses. These experiences may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. It is worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the risk of a "bad trip" can be reduced by consuming them in a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment with trusted companions.
In addition to the hallucinogenic effects, psilocybin has been found to temporarily disrupt communication among regions of the brain known as the default mode network, which is most active during self-reflection. This reduction in self-focus may lead to increased feelings of openness and connectedness to the world. While there is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, it is possible to develop tolerance with regular use, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
The use of magic mushrooms has a long history, dating back to ancient healing and spiritual rituals. Today, psilocybin is being researched for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating substance use disorders and various mental illnesses. However, it is important to note that the sale, possession, and production of psilocybin and psilocin are controlled and illegal in many places unless authorized by health authorities.
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They can cause a bad trip
The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is the psychedelic drug psilocybin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties.
Magic mushrooms can cause a "bad trip", a negative psychedelic experience that can include fear or panic, paranoia, sadness or depressed mood, anger, confusion, dissociation, and disturbing hallucinations. A bad trip can also involve revisiting traumatic childhood experiences, painful insights, upsetting realizations, or anxiety attacks. Even a "nonexperience", where someone fails to have a mystical experience, can be a bad trip.
A bad trip can be caused or exacerbated by the environment in which the drug is taken. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and in a safe environment before taking magic mushrooms reduces the risk of having a bad trip.
Combining magic mushrooms with other drugs can also increase the chances of a bad trip. Combining mushrooms with ice, speed, or ecstasy can lead to panic, while mixing mushrooms with some psychiatric medications can cause a relapse or worsening of the condition.
While bad trips can be disturbing and leave individuals in a fragile mental state, there is little evidence that people can become physically or psychologically dependent on magic mushrooms.
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Magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada
Magic mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin, are illegal in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). The drug falls within Schedule III of the CDSA, which includes most hallucinogens. The prohibition applies to possessing, distributing, cultivating, importing, and exporting psilocybin and psilocin, the active compounds in these mushrooms.
Despite their illegal status, several mushroom dispensaries continue to operate in Vancouver, and there is a burgeoning interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people who advocate for the regulation of magic mushrooms argue that it could be a harm-reduction strategy similar to the regulation of cannabis.
While it is illegal to possess, produce, or sell magic mushrooms in Canada, there are minimal exceptions as part of clinical trials, the Special Access Program, or an individual exemption from the Minister of Health. For example, Veteran Kelsi Sheren was approved to use psilocybin through Health Canada's Special Access Program. Additionally, Filament Health, a natural psychedelic drug development company, is one of 69 license holders in Canada permitted to produce psilocybin for clinical trials.
The charges for possessing, trafficking, or exporting magic mushrooms can vary based on the quantity possessed and any aggravating factors involved. If treated as an indictable offence, possession of these mushrooms could result in a maximum of three years imprisonment. For a summary conviction, the maximum fine for a first offence is $1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. For a subsequent offence, the maximum fine is $2,000, one year in jail, or both.
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They are being researched as a treatment for mental illnesses
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms", has long been known for its use as a recreational drug. However, in recent years, it has attracted increased attention from media outlets, clinicians, and researchers for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Psilocybin is a fungal metabolite that interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain to trigger various psychedelic effects. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical responsible for its psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes when eaten and can last for approximately four to six hours. During this time, users may experience perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as altered thinking, emotions, and sense of time.
A growing body of research suggests that psilocybin, when administered in controlled conditions with supportive therapy, may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders. For example, multiple clinical trials have demonstrated psilocybin's ability to reduce depression symptom severity, even in people with treatment-resistant depression. The antidepressant effects of psilocybin can last from four weeks up to six to twelve months, and it has been shown to work rapidly, with effects observable just days after administration. In addition to depression, psilocybin has shown effectiveness in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and substance use disorders. It is also being investigated for smoking cessation, Alzheimer's disease, and eating disorders.
The potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin are further supported by significant anecdotal evidence, suggesting benefits for people with mental health disorders and overall wellness. However, it is important to note that the risks associated with psilocybin are effectively reduced in controlled study environments, where participants receive structured support, monitoring, and follow-up care from trained professionals. Outside of these controlled settings, the use of psilocybin carries risks, including experiencing undesirable and harmful effects.
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Frequently asked questions
The drug in magic mushrooms is called psilocybin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted to psilocin in the body, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties.
Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug, which means it can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and perception of reality. It can cause hallucinations, where a person may see or hear things that are not there or are distorted. It can also cause heightened emotions, creativity, and giggling.
Magic mushrooms affect everyone differently and the effects can be unpredictable. In rare cases, a large amount of mushrooms can cause severe side effects and even lead to death. There is also a risk of misidentifying mushrooms, as some mushrooms that look similar to magic mushrooms are extremely poisonous. Consuming magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be dangerous and increase the chances of a "bad trip."
Psilocybin is currently being researched as a potential treatment for various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. It has a long history of use in spiritual rituals and healing practices by indigenous people in Central America.
