John Miller
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain the drug psilocybin. They are used as recreational drugs and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can include hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and an altered state of consciousness. While magic mushrooms have been shown to have a range of health benefits, they are mostly illegal in the US and are controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Key ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Chemical with psychoactive properties | Psilocin |
| Types | Golden tops, blue meanies, liberty caps, synthetic psilocybin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions, heightened senses, laughter, giggling, mental and emotional clarity, perceptual changes, distorted sense of reality, altered state of consciousness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate |
| Time taken to show effects | 5-45 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Negative experiences | Bad trip, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, flashbacks, delayed headaches |
| Risk factors | Taking with other drugs, taking in a noisy/crowded place, taking when in a bad state of mind, taking with psychiatric medication, driving under the influence |
| Legality | Controlled internationally under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions. Illegal in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) unless authorized by Health Canada. Illegal in the US at the federal level due to psilocybin being a federally banned substance, but buying spores of mushroom species containing psilocybin is legal in all states except Georgia, Idaho and California. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom
- They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin
- They can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality
- The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be unpredictable when mixed with other drugs
- There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin
Magic mushrooms are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom
Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from approximately a dozen other genera, including Panaeolus (including Copelandia), Inocybe, Pluteus, Gymnopilus, and Pholiotina.
Psilocybin and psilocin are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. Individuals using magic mushrooms experience hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Effects appear within 15-45 minutes and usually last for four to six hours. When consumed, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person. They can cause heightened emotions and senses, and people may feel happy and creative. They may laugh or giggle a lot and experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. Magic mushrooms can also cause perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or are distorted).
The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms. However, if a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms is consumed, the person may experience a "bad trip," which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self. In addition, magic mushrooms can interact with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, and increase the chances of a bad trip. For individuals with cardiac diseases, the short-term effects of magic mushrooms, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, could be potentially harmful.
It is important to note that buying mushrooms can be risky, as some mushrooms are drugs, while others are extremely poisonous and can make people violently ill or even kill them. Magic mushrooms look similar to poisonous mushrooms, and it is difficult to know how strong they are.
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They contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin
Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and investigational drug found in more than 200 species of mushrooms. It is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms and is consumed for its hallucinogenic effects.
Psilocybin is a prodrug, which is a chemical compound that, after administration, is metabolised by the body into a pharmacologically active substance. In the case of psilocybin, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the active form of the drug. Psilocybin is metabolised in the intestines, liver, kidneys, blood, and other tissues and bodily fluids. Psilocybin is dephosphorylated into psilocin via the acidic environment of the stomach or the actions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and non-specific esterases in tissues and fluids.
Psilocin is chemically related to the neurotransmitter serotonin and acts as a non-selective agonist of the serotonin receptors. It shows high affinity for most of the serotonin receptors, with the notable exception of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor. Psilocin's affinity for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is 15-fold higher in humans than in rats due to species differences.
Psilocybin is used as a psychedelic at doses of 5 to 40 mg orally. Low doses are 5 to 10 mg, an intermediate or "good effect" dose is 20 mg, and high or ego-dissolution doses are 30 to 40 mg. When psilocybin is used in the form of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, microdoses are 0.1 g to 0.3 g and psychedelic doses are 1.0 g to 3.5–5.0 g in the case of dried mushrooms.
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They can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality
Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or simply "shrooms," contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, these compounds can induce a range of effects, most notably hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality. The intensity and duration of the effects vary depending on factors such as the type of mushroom, the amount consumed, and the individual's body chemistry. Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in ritualistic and religious contexts, often with the intention of inducing spiritual experiences and heightened states of consciousness. They are also known for their ability to facilitate deep introspection and personal insights, which has led to their use in therapeutic settings as well.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause users to see, hear, and feel sensations that seem real but do not exist. These hallucinations can be intense and vivid, often incorporating elements from the surrounding environment. Visual hallucinations are particularly common, including geometric patterns, bright colours, and objects that seem to breathe or move. Auditory hallucinations may also occur, such as hearing voices or sounds that aren't there. The sense of time is often distorted, with moments feeling stretched out or condensed.
Along with hallucinations, magic mushrooms can significantly alter a person's perception of their surroundings and self. Objects may seem to warp, breathe, or glow, and colours can become more vibrant and intense. The user's sense of self may also be distorted, leading to feelings of ego dissolution, where the sense of self melts away, and a sense of unity with the environment or a higher power may be experienced. This distortion of reality can be disorienting and overwhelming, particularly for those who are unprepared or in an unsuitable setting.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically last for several hours, with the peak occurring about an hour or two after consumption. The experience can be influenced by set and setting, referring to the user's mindset and the environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. A calm, comfortable, and familiar setting with trusted companions is generally recommended to reduce the risk of a negative experience. It is also important to properly identify the mushrooms, as consuming unknown mushrooms can be dangerous and even fatal.
It is worth noting that the effects of psilocybin mushrooms are not always pleasant. "Bad trips" can occur, characterised by intense fear, anxiety, paranoia, and a loss of control. Such experiences can be deeply distressing and may lead to unsafe behaviour or harm to self or others. It is important for individuals to approach these substances with respect and caution, especially for those with a personal or family history of mental health issues.
While the hallucinogenic and reality-distorting effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be intriguing and even sought after in certain contexts, it is crucial to approach their use with caution and responsibility. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of these substances is essential for making informed decisions regarding their use.
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The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be unpredictable when mixed with other drugs
Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be unpredictable when mixed with other drugs.
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. Perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there or are distorted), are common effects of magic mushroom consumption. However, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on various factors unique to each individual.
The user's mental state, personality, and immediate environment can all influence their response to magic mushrooms. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. The environment in which magic mushrooms are consumed can also impact the experience. A calm, quiet, and relaxed environment can contribute to a pleasant experience, while a noisy and crowded place may lead to a negative experience.
Additionally, the quantity of magic mushrooms consumed, past experiences, and expectations can all affect an individual's reaction to psilocybin. Tolerance also develops rapidly with continued use, resulting in the drug having little to no effect over time. Discontinuing use for a week or so will return people to their normal tolerance level.
The effects of mixing magic mushrooms with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can be unpredictable and dangerous. Combining magic mushrooms with certain drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. Furthermore, individuals taking psychiatric medications should avoid magic mushrooms as they may trigger a relapse or worsen their condition.
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There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin
Psilocybin, the key ingredient in magic mushrooms, has a long history of use in religious and spiritual ceremonies. It is a psychedelic drug, which means it can alter a person's thinking, emotions, sense of time, and senses, resulting in hallucinations. Magic mushrooms have been consumed by various cultures around the world for thousands of years.
Despite the historical use of psilocybin, its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance in the 1970s significantly hindered scientific research into its therapeutic potential. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest and ongoing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. This shift in perspective has led to a growing body of evidence suggesting that psilocybin can cause positive personality modifications and have therapeutic effects in treating various mental health disorders.
One area of exploration is the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for hard-to-treat disorders such as addiction, depression, and end-of-life anxiety. Clinical trials have shown promising results, indicating that psilocybin can effectively reduce the burden of psychiatric conditions when combined with therapy before and after administration. Additionally, psilocybin has been proposed as a potential treatment for severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with ongoing studies exploring its benefits in this area.
The potential of psilocybin in psychiatry has also been highlighted, with evidence suggesting it can be safely combined with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to enhance the treatment of depression. This finding is significant as it challenges the common practice of discontinuing antidepressants before administering psilocybin. Furthermore, psilocybin has attracted attention from various fields, including neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, and anthropology, due to its unique effects on human consciousness.
While the research is ongoing and more studies are needed to determine the optimal utilization of psilocybin, the current evidence suggests that it has promising therapeutic effects. This has led to a growing discussion about the potential use of psilocybin in treating diagnosed conditions and even in healthy individuals, indicating a potential paradigm shift in mental health treatment approaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Drug mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
The effects of consuming drug mushrooms include heightened emotions and senses, hallucinations, and an altered state of consciousness. People may feel happy, creative, or giggly, and experience a sense of mental and emotional clarity. However, there is also the risk of a "'bad trip", which may include paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
Yes, there are several risks associated with consuming drug mushrooms. It is illegal to sell, possess, or produce magic mushrooms in many places, including Canada and the United States (with the exception of a few states). Additionally, it is difficult to know how strong mushrooms are, and some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death. Consuming drug mushrooms can also lead to short-term mental and physical effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, which could be harmful to individuals with cardiac diseases.
