Laura Smith
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are commonly used as recreational drugs and may have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. They have also been represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas and have been used in traditional ceremonies by indigenous people in Central America for thousands of years. Today, they are being studied for their potential therapeutic uses and health benefits, including the treatment of psychiatric and behavioural conditions such as anxiety and depression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, liberty caps |
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, perceptual changes, heightened emotions and senses, increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, muscle twitches, anxiety, fear, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, changes in brain activity, increased connectedness to the world |
| Onset of effects | 5-45 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 3-6 hours |
| Forms | Fresh, cooked, dried, powder, tablets, capsules, tea, soup, mushroom edibles |
| Legality | Illegal in Australia, Canada, and the United States. Decriminalized in some cities in the US. |
| Potential therapeutic uses | Treatment for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, problematic substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, pain, neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric and behavioral conditions |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
History and traditional use
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin when ingested. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultures for recreational, medicinal, and religious purposes.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in Indigenous American cultures, particularly in Mesoamerica, where they were consumed in spiritual and divinatory ceremonies. The Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún wrote about witnessing mushroom use in the Florentine Codex (published 1545–1590), describing how merchants would consume mushrooms to evoke revelatory visions. Spanish chroniclers first documented the use of psilocybin mushrooms in the 16th century, and after the defeat of the Aztecs, the Spanish forbade traditional religious practices that included ceremonial mushroom use. Despite this, the Indians of Mesoamerica continued their use of psilocybin mushrooms in secret for centuries.
Psilocybin mushrooms may also have been used in ancient times, as they are depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe and are represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. A statuette dating from around 200 CE, found in western Mexico, depicts a mushroom that strongly resembles Psilocybe mexicana. Psilocybin mushrooms were also consumed in Europe, although there is limited documentation of their use. Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius (1526–1609) described the "crazy mushroom" used in rural Hungary, and English botanist John Parkinson mentioned a "foolish mushroom" in his 1640 herbal, Theatricum Botanicum.
In the 20th century, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin and psilocin from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana in 1958, and his employer, Sandoz, marketed and sold pure psilocybin for use in psychedelic therapy. In the 1960s, American researchers began studying the healing properties and medical applications of psilocybin mushrooms, and they gained popularity in the United States during this time. Timothy Leary, a psychology professor at Harvard, became an advocate for the benefits of psilocybin mushrooms and introduced them to popular culture through his research and promotion of the drug. Despite their popularity, the restrictive drug laws of the 1960s and 1970s curbed scientific research into psilocybin mushrooms.
Today, psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. government, indicating that they have no accepted medical use. However, they continue to be used in traditional ceremonies by Indigenous American groups in Mexico, such as the Nahuas, the Matlatzinca, the Totonacs, and the Mazatecs. Psilocybin mushrooms are also used as recreational drugs and are often consumed fresh, cooked, or brewed into tea.
Mushroom Farms: Do They Need Light to Grow?
You may want to see also
Effects and risks
Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or simply "shrooms," are a type of fungus that contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds have been used for centuries by various cultures for spiritual and religious purposes. When consumed, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects that users experience.
Psilocybin mushrooms can induce a variety of effects, which typically depend on factors such as dosage, setting, and individual physiology. The most common effects include hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, distorted senses, and spiritual or mystical experiences. Visual hallucinations often include vibrant geometric shapes and patterns, and users may also experience synesthesia, which is a mixing of the senses, such as "seeing" sounds or "tasting" colors. The mushroom's effects usually begin within 20 to 60 minutes of consumption and can last for up to 6 hours, with the peak occurring between 2 to 4 hours.
While the effects can be pleasant and life-affirming for some, they can also turn unpleasant and cause anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. This is often referred to as a "bad trip," and it can be frightening and disorienting for the user. It is important for individuals to be in a comfortable, safe environment and ideally have a trusted companion present when taking psilocybin mushrooms to help navigate the experience.
Physical risks associated with psilocybin mushrooms are generally considered low, especially when compared to other recreational drugs. However, as with any substance, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction. More commonly, users may experience nausea and vomiting, especially during the come-up period. This is sometimes referred to as "psychedelic nausea," and it often passes once the full effects of the mushrooms take hold. It is also important to properly identify the mushrooms, as consuming unknown mushrooms can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Long-term risks are relatively rare but can include persistent psychosis or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which involves flashbacks or hallucinations that occur long after taking the drug. These risks are more common in those with a personal or family history of mental illness. It is crucial for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions or those who have a family history of mental illness to exercise caution and discuss potential risks with a healthcare professional before considering the use of psilocybin mushrooms.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms. They are currently listed as a Schedule I drug in many countries, including the United States, which means they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value. However, there is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and research is ongoing to explore its possible benefits in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Chaga Mushrooms: Can They Lower Cholesterol?
You may want to see also
Legality
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are often consumed recreationally for their hallucinogenic properties and psychological effects, which can include euphoria, mood changes, hallucinations, and perceptual changes.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to prohibit the substances. However, the mushrooms containing these drugs were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms is ambiguous in many jurisdictions, with some countries having different levels of regulation or prohibition.
In the United States, federal law and most states classify psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, there are some exceptions, such as in Oregon and Colorado, where certain uses of psilocybin mushrooms have been legalized, and in New Mexico, where growing psilocybin mushrooms is not considered "manufacturing" a controlled substance. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, Psilocybe spores are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin.
In Australia, federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms. Similarly, the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law also prohibit the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms.
Despite the prohibitions, there is a growing movement towards the legalisation and decriminalisation of psilocybin mushrooms in some jurisdictions, particularly in North America. This is due to increasing scientific research highlighting the therapeutic and medicinal potential of psychedelics, as well as their traditional medicinal and religious uses in various cultures throughout history. As a result, some localities have made the enforcement of psychedelics' illegality a low priority, while others have legalised specific psychedelics or are developing regulatory systems to allow consumer access.
Mushroom Block: The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Its Secrets
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Therapeutic uses
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This substance is converted into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion, producing psychoactive effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies and spiritual rituals, dating back to 3000 B.C. among indigenous people in Central America. Today, they are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating various mental health disorders and improving overall well-being. Here are some specific therapeutic uses that have been explored:
Depression and Anxiety Treatment: Research suggests that psilocybin may help treat depression and anxiety, particularly in people with end-stage cancer. A 2023 study found that adults who took a single 25-milligram dose of psilocybin with psychological support experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms over six weeks compared to those who took a placebo. Another review indicates potential short-term and long-term antidepressant effects.
Substance Use Disorders: Psilocybin is being investigated as a potential treatment for substance use disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other partners are actively researching its effectiveness and safety in this area.
Psychiatric Disorders: Psilocybin is being explored as a possible treatment for various psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, cluster headaches, and treatment-resistant depression. It has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia for the latter indication as of 2023.
End-of-Life Care: The National Cancer Institute is funding a multi-site clinical trial to investigate psilocybin's role in treating cancer-related mental health issues and improving well-being, quality of life, and acceptance of illness.
Smoking Cessation: NIDA is also exploring the potential of psilocybin to help people quit smoking.
While psilocybin mushrooms have shown therapeutic potential in these areas, it is important to note that they can also lead to adverse effects, such as disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and psychological distress. Therefore, they should only be used under the guidance of medical professionals in jurisdictions where their therapeutic use is permitted.
Mushroom Powder's High Cost: What's the Reason?
You may want to see also
How to take them
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are used as recreational drugs and may be ingested in fresh or dried form, or turned into extracts, edibles, or tea. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as soup, tea, or in extract form.
- Identify the mushrooms: Before consuming any mushrooms, it is crucial to accurately identify the species. Some mushrooms can be poisonous or harmful, so proper identification is essential.
- Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms to remove any dirt or debris. You can eat them fresh, or dry them for later use. Dried mushrooms can be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
- Decide on the dosage: The dosage of psilocybin mushrooms depends on their psilocybin and psilocin content, which varies between species and even within the same species. Start with a low dose, especially if it is your first time, and gradually increase the amount until you find your comfort level.
- Consume the mushrooms: You can eat the mushrooms directly, or cook them into food or brew them into tea. Some people find the taste unpleasant, so adding them to food or tea can make it easier to consume.
- Take precautions: Magic mushrooms can affect everyone differently, and it is important to be cautious. Consume them in a safe, familiar environment, and consider having a sober companion present to supervise and assist if needed.
- Understand potential risks: While rare, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms can lead to negative experiences. If you or someone you know is experiencing adverse effects, seek medical attention or call emergency services.
- Be mindful of legality: In some places, possessing, using, or selling magic mushrooms is illegal. Check the local laws and regulations before acquiring or using psilocybin mushrooms.
Remember, the use of any drug, including psilocybin mushrooms, comes with potential risks. Always be responsible, informed, and cautious when considering the use of substances.
Drying Mushrooms Outdoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as 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 effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary from person to person, but generally include hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, and an altered state of consciousness. People may also experience a distorted sense of reality, time, and space.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various ways, including eating fresh or cooked mushrooms, brewing them into a tea, or taking them in powder or capsule form.
While the use of psilocybin mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are risks associated with their consumption. It is important to be careful when taking any type of drug, including magic mushrooms, as they may lead to unpleasant physical and psychological effects, such as a ""bad trip".
The legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies by jurisdiction. In some places, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, it is illegal to possess, use, or sell magic mushrooms. However, there is ongoing advocacy to change these laws due to the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin.
