Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or simply mushrooms, are psychedelic fungi that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin induces a range of effects, including sensory distortion, hallucinations, and euphoria. These mushrooms are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea, and their appeal lies in the altered states of consciousness they provide. However, the use of psilocybin mushrooms is not without risks. Aside from the potential for disturbing hallucinations and negative experiences, there is also the danger of ingesting poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to serious health issues or even death. As a result, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified psilocybin as a Schedule I substance, indicating its high potential for abuse and lack of recognized medical value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Psilocybin mushrooms, magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Appearance | Small, usually brown or tan with long, slender stems topped by caps that are dark on the underside. Fresh ones have dark brown caps or light brown caps with white in the middle and stems that are white or light gray. Dried ones may be reddish-brown with beige spots. |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, brewed into tea, dried material in capsules, crushed into powder, covered in chocolate |
| Effects | Hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, flashbacks, altered perception of space and time, loss of sense of reality, deep sense of anxiety, panic, terror, psychosis, psychotic-like episodes |
| Risk factors | Poisonous, carry pathogens, accidental poisoning, disturbing hallucinations, flashbacks, interactions with other drugs or psychiatric medications |
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What You'll Learn
Hallucinogenic effects
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms," is a hallucinogenic chemical that can induce a range of effects, including euphoria and hallucinations. Magic mushrooms are typically consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea, and their effects can vary depending on the individual and the environment in which they are consumed.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin are similar to those of other hallucinogens like LSD and PCP. Users may experience visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted sensory perceptions, and altered thinking, sense of time, and emotions. These effects can last for approximately four to six hours, with the onset of effects occurring within 30 minutes when ingested orally and as quickly as 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea.
One notable aspect of psilocybin's hallucinogenic effects is the potential for flashbacks, also known as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder. This condition involves experiencing visual distortions, changes in emotions or perception, or recalling previous hallucinogenic experiences, which can be disturbing. Flashbacks can occur anywhere from weeks to months or even years after the last use of psilocybin and can be triggered by various factors such as stress, tiredness, or exercise.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin are not limited to sensory distortions but can also impact an individual's mental state. Users may experience anxiety, panic, or a sense of euphoria. The environment and the individual's state of mind can influence the likelihood of a bad trip, with calm, quiet, and relaxed settings generally contributing to a more positive experience.
It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms carries risks. Psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical value. Additionally, there is a risk of ingesting poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to serious health consequences, including death.
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Physical and psychological risks
Psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms. While the use of magic mushrooms has been associated with various psychological and physical effects, the risks are mostly psychological rather than physical.
Physical Risks
The physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms are generally minor and can vary from person to person. Common short-term reactions such as dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, and increased heart rate are usually mild and considered side effects of emotional intensification. Other reported symptoms like nausea, increased perspiration, numbing, and tremors can sometimes make psychological symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and mood swings appear more pronounced.
The physical risks of consuming psilocybin mushrooms are rare, and the drug has a low level of toxicity. Lethal doses have been determined in experiments using animal models, but recorded cases of death solely attributed to typical doses of psilocybin mushrooms in humans are extremely rare. Poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms by mistake is a risk, and symptoms may include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium.
Psychological Risks
The psychological effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be intense and unpredictable. Users may undergo extreme emotional states, ranging from euphoria and bliss to sadness, anxiety, fear, paranoia, or panic. The emotional release facilitated by shrooms can help individuals process unresolved issues or trauma. However, the risk of psychological distress, extreme anxiety, or short-term psychosis is also present, particularly with higher doses or pre-existing mental health conditions.
The effects of magic mushrooms can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, with individuals engaging in activities that put themselves or others at risk of physical harm, such as driving dangerously or walking into traffic. The combination of magic mushrooms with other drugs or substances, including alcohol, over-the-counter medications, or psychiatric medications, can increase the chances of a "bad trip" and lead to more severe psychological consequences.
While the long-term psychological effects of shrooms are still being studied, they encompass a wide range of potential consequences on an individual's mental well-being. It is crucial to approach shrooms with caution and consider the potential impact on overall well-being.
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Street names and slang
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms," are hallucinogenic drugs that can cause a range of effects, from euphoria to hallucinations. They are often referred to as "mushrooms" or "shrooms" in slang and have various street names and nicknames used to discreetly reference their use. Here are some common street names and slang terms for psilocybin mushrooms:
- Magic Mushrooms: This is one of the most common street names for psilocybin mushrooms. It directly refers to the hallucinogenic properties of the mushrooms.
- Shrooms: This slang term is a shortened version of "mushrooms" and is commonly used to refer to psilocybin mushrooms.
- Mushies: Another variation of "mushrooms," this term is often used casually to refer to psilocybin mushrooms.
- Blue Meanies, Golden Tops, Liberty Caps: These are specific types of psilocybin mushrooms, and their names are used as slang and street terms for the drug.
- Caps: Psilocybin mushrooms are often sold in capsule form, so "caps" is used as a slang term for the drug.
- Tea: Since psilocybin mushrooms can be brewed into a tea, this term is used to refer to the drug in a brewed form.
- Cubes: This slang term refers to the cube-shaped caps of some psilocybin mushrooms.
- Dried Mushrooms: As psilocybin mushrooms are often dried before consumption, this term is used to refer to the drug in its dried form.
- Fresh Mushrooms: This term refers to psilocybin mushrooms in their fresh, unprocessed form.
It is important to note that the slang and street names for psilocybin mushrooms can vary across different regions and cultures, and new terms may emerge over time. Additionally, emojis are sometimes used as a form of slang to discreetly communicate about psilocybin mushrooms and other illegal drugs.
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Methods of consumption
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms," "mushrooms," or "shrooms," are typically consumed orally. The methods of consumption vary, including eating them fresh, cooking them, or brewing them into a tea. Here are some common ways people consume these mushrooms:
Eating Fresh or Dried Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed fresh or dried. When fresh, they have dark or light brown caps with white in the middle and stems that are white or light grey. When dried, they may be reddish-brown with beige spots. People may eat the mushrooms directly, although they have a bitter taste. To enhance the flavour, some people cover the fresh mushrooms with chocolate.
Brewing Mushroom Tea
Another common method of consumption is brewing mushroom tea. This involves soaking the mushrooms in hot water, which helps to mask their bitter taste. The tea can be made with just the mushrooms and water or combined with other ingredients to create a more palatable beverage.
Cooking with Mushrooms
Psilocybin mushrooms can also be cooked and incorporated into various food items. Cooking the mushrooms may help to improve their taste and make them more appetizing. It is important to note that cooking or brewing mushrooms may reduce their potency, so a larger quantity may be needed compared to consuming them fresh.
Mushroom Capsules and Powders
Dried mushrooms can also be crushed into a fine powder and encapsulated. This method allows for easier consumption and precise dosing, as each capsule contains a measured amount of psilocybin. Mushroom powder can also be added to various foods or beverages to make consumption more convenient and discreet.
It is important to note that consuming psilocybin mushrooms can have various effects, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. The effects can last for approximately four to six hours, and the experience may vary depending on individual factors such as mood, setting, and previous encounters with psychedelic drugs. Additionally, there are risks associated with mushroom consumption, including the possibility of ingesting poisonous mushrooms, which can lead to serious health issues or even death.
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Addiction and treatment
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms", is a hallucinogenic chemical that can be ingested by eating certain types of mushrooms. It is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain that affect mood, cognition, and perception. The effects of psilocybin are similar to other hallucinogens, such as LSD and PCP (angel dust). It can cause hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, anxiety, panic, and an altered perception of space and time. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Although current research does not consider psilocybin addictive, users may experience disturbing hallucinations, flashbacks, and a loss of sense of reality. In some cases, psychedelic mushrooms can trigger a deep and abiding sense of anxiety, panic, terror, or psychosis. The risk of medical emergencies, which may be physical or psychiatric in nature, may increase if the person is already living with a mental health disorder and/or if a large dose of the drug is ingested. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from mistaking poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
Treatment for psilocybin addiction typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to drug use. Support groups and 12-step programs can also provide valuable social support and accountability during recovery. Additionally, medication may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. It is important for individuals struggling with psilocybin addiction to seek professional help and support to safely navigate the treatment process.
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Frequently asked questions
Street mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", "shrooms", or simply "mushrooms", are psychedelic or hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the chemical psilocybin. They are often consumed for their ability to induce hallucinations and distort sensory perception.
The effects of street mushrooms can vary depending on the individual and the environment in which they are consumed. Common effects include hallucinations, sensory distortion, euphoria, anxiety, panic, and an altered perception of space and time. The effects typically last between four to six hours and usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or 5-10 minutes when taken as a tea or soup.
Yes, street mushrooms can be dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, they may be mistaken for poisonous mushrooms, which can result in mushroom poisoning with symptoms such as muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium. Secondly, consuming a large dose of psilocybin can lead to psychosis or psychotic-like episodes. Additionally, mixing street mushrooms with other drugs or medications can have unpredictable and dangerous consequences. Lastly, some individuals may experience flashbacks or disturbing hallucinations, even weeks, months, or years after the drug was last taken.
