John Miller
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. These mushrooms are typically consumed dried, powdered, or brewed into a tea. The effects of psilocybin vary widely and can include perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, feelings of euphoria, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence, they can lead to adverse side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. It is also important to note that misidentifying mushrooms can lead to the consumption of toxic or poisonous mushrooms, which can have severe health consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Type | Psychedelic, hallucinogenic |
| Effects | Altered sense of reality, hallucinations, mystical experience, perceptual changes, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, nausea, yawning, drowsiness, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, euphoria, flashbacks |
| Onset of effects | 20-30 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours, up to 8 hours depending on dosage and preparation |
| Forms | Fresh, dried, powdered, brewed tea, capsules, chocolate-covered, mushroom edibles |
| Legality | Federally banned in the United States, legal to buy spores in most states except Georgia, Idaho, and California |
| Addiction potential | Low risk of addiction, no physical or psychological dependence |
| Risks | Misidentification with poisonous mushrooms, bad trip, adverse side effects, unpredictable behaviour, poisoning, delayed headaches |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic effects
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strength of the mushrooms can vary greatly. The mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, including eating them fresh or dried, mixing them with food, brewing them into a tea, or taking them in powder, tablet, or capsule form.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically begin within 20 to 30 minutes of ingestion and can last for approximately three to eight hours, depending on the dosage and preparation. During this time, users may experience perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as distorted senses of time, place, and reality. Other possible effects include nausea, vomiting, excessive yawning, euphoria, muscle weakness, relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and may vary considerably among individual users.
The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species. Psilocybin content typically ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight of the mushroom, while psilocin levels can be on par with or an order of magnitude lower than psilocybin levels. The popular species Psilocybe cubensis has been reported to contain approximately 0.6% of each compound, or about 1.2% combined.
While psilocybin mushrooms are currently illegal in most of the United States and many other countries, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses. Research suggests that psilocybin may have benefits for mental and physical health, including the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and problematic substance use. However, more research is needed, and these treatments have not yet been approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
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Physical effects
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This substance turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The mushrooms also contain β-carbolines, such as harmine, harmane, tetrahydroharmine (THH), and harmaline, which inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down tryptamine alkaloids.
The physical effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely among individual users. The effects typically begin within 20 to 45 minutes when ingested and can last up to 6 hours or longer. Some early effects include nausea, excessive yawning, and stomach cramps. In some cases, these physical effects can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. As the "trip" progresses, users may experience muscle weakness or relaxation, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The mind-altering effects of magic mushrooms can cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations, and a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.
The dosage and potency of magic mushrooms can vary significantly, even within the same species. Psilocybin content typically ranges from 0.03% to 1.78% of the dried weight of the mushroom, with an average of 0.5% to 1%. Psilocin, the compound responsible for the psychedelic effects, is also present in varying amounts, ranging from 0% to 0.59%. The popular species Psilocybe cubensis has been reported to contain approximately 1.2% of psilocybin and psilocin combined.
While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical dependence, there is a risk of experiencing a ""bad trip." This may include extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia. The risk of a bad trip is increased by higher doses or pre-existing feelings of anxiety. It is important to note that the only way to eliminate this risk is by not consuming magic mushrooms. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and accidentally consuming toxic or poisonous mushrooms, which can have severe consequences.
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Therapeutic potential
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, has been used by people for thousands of years, including in religious rituals. Also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", these mushrooms are typically consumed dried, powdered, brewed in tea, or cooked. While they are mostly illegal in the United States, there is growing interest in their therapeutic potential.
Psilocybin can induce euphoria and sensory distortion, similar to other hallucinogenic drugs like LSD. However, it is not considered addictive, and adverse effects are often mild to moderate. The subjective experience varies widely and can be influenced by personality, expectations, and the surrounding environment.
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms lies in their ability to profoundly alter consciousness and disrupt the default mode network in the brain, which is associated with self-reflection. This altered state of consciousness can lead to increased feelings of openness and connectedness to the world. Researchers are exploring psilocybin as a potential treatment for various mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The low toxicity of psilocybin suggests a low risk of fatal events, but more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and possible risks.
In addition to its potential in treating mental health disorders, psilocybin has been studied for its ability to induce unique and spiritual experiences. Some people practice microdosing, taking very small amounts regularly to improve their mental state and productivity. While the risk of mental health problems in supervised clinical settings is low, caution is advised for unsupervised or recreational use, as it may lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour.
The advocacy for psilocybin's therapeutic potential has sparked discussions around decriminalisation and legal restrictions. Several cities in the United States have already decriminalised possession of small amounts for personal use. As more evidence of psilocybin's potential health benefits emerges, other regions may follow suit, but it is important to note that clinical trials and rigorous review processes are necessary to ensure patient safety and fully understand the benefits and risks associated with this complex substance.
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Misidentification risks
The main psychoactive substance in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug that occurs naturally in certain types of mushrooms. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and the experience can range from mild to intense, with perceptual changes such as hallucinations.
Mushrooms containing psilocybin are usually small and brown or tan. They can easily be mistaken for other mushrooms that are poisonous, as many mushrooms share similar physical characteristics. The consequences of misidentification can range from a harmless culinary mistake to a life-threatening emergency.
The Deadly Galerina, for example, is highly toxic and can be mistaken for the psychedelic Psilocybe cubensis due to their similar cap structure and habitat. Consuming Deadly Galerina can cause severe liver and kidney damage, which can be fatal. Similarly, Galerina and Psilocybe species are both small, brown, and sticky, and can be found growing together. However, Galerina contains amatoxins, the same poison found in the deadly Amanita species. Consuming even a small amount of Amanita phalloides or Amanita ocreata can be fatal, as the toxins attack the liver and kidneys, leading to potentially irreversible damage or death.
Other commonly misidentified mushrooms include the Yellow Stainer, which is toxic and causes gastrointestinal distress, and the Field Mushroom, which is edible. The Sulphur Tuft is bitter and can cause gastric upsets, while the Conifer Tuft is edible. The Amethyst Deceiver is edible, but several Cortinarius species are toxic. The Sickener is inedible and causes gastrointestinal problems, while the Bare-toothed Russula is edible and considered tasty.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consumption. Mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with the mushrooms they intend to collect and any similar-looking toxic species. If in doubt, refrain from consumption, as the risks of misidentification can be severe.
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Legality
The legality of magic mushrooms varies by location. In the United States, for example, psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, a few cities have decriminalised possession of small amounts for personal use. These cities include Washington DC, Denver, Oakland, and Santa Cruz.
In Canada, there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin, meaning the safety and efficacy of such products have not been assessed by Health Canada, and they have not undergone the required scientific review process for authorisation. Despite this, there is increasing interest in the therapeutic uses of psilocybin, and research is ongoing to explore its potential in treating various mental health disorders.
While the legality of magic mushrooms is largely defined by the presence of psilocybin and psilocin, the risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms is also a critical consideration. Many species of mushrooms look alike, making it challenging to distinguish between safe and toxic varieties. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and consult experienced guides or cultivate mushrooms safely at home to minimise the risk of poisoning.
The legal landscape surrounding magic mushrooms is evolving as research uncovers potential health benefits. As evidence of psilocybin's therapeutic potential mounts, it is possible that other jurisdictions may follow the lead of the cities that have decriminalised possession or explored alternative regulatory frameworks to balance the risks and potential benefits of these substances.
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Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic. They are commonly referred to as shrooms.
The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, potency, and personal characteristics. Effects may include hallucinations, perceptual changes, mystical experiences, and shifts in the sense of reality.
The effects typically occur within 20 to 30 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours, with some perceptual changes lasting longer.
Research suggests that magic mushrooms do not typically lead to addiction or physical dependence. Tolerance develops rapidly, and discontinuing use for a week can reset tolerance levels.
While magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, there are risks associated with their consumption. These include the possibility of a bad trip, poisoning from misidentifying mushrooms, and unpredictable behaviour that can lead to injuries. It is important to be cautious when consuming any type of drug, including magic mushrooms.
