Magic Mushrooms: Understanding Psychoactive Fungi

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 vary widely, ranging from euphoria to hallucinations. They may be depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, but are more certainly represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs seen throughout the Americas. They occur on all continents, with the majority of species found in subtropical humid forests.

Explore related products

Psilocybin Mushrooms in Their Natural Habitats: A Guide to the History, Identification, and Use of Psychoactive Fungi

$22.16 $32.99

The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms

$31.9 $40

Mushrooms of the Southeast (A Timber Press Field Guide)

$18.5 $29.99

Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fungi of Coastal Northern California

$21.89 $35

Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide

$17.28 $32.5

The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms

$54.99

History of use

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly 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. Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies, with evidence of their usage dating back thousands of years.

The use of psychoactive mushrooms has a rich and varied history, spanning from ancient civilizations to the present day. Here is a detailed overview of the history of using psychoactive mushrooms:

• Ancient History: There is evidence suggesting that indigenous people in Central America and Mesoamerica used psychoactive mushrooms for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 B.C. Rock art from Tassili, Algeria, dating to around 9000–7000 BCE, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals about 6,000 years ago.
• Mayan and Aztec Cultures: Archaeological artifacts from Mexico and the Mayan "mushroom stones" of Guatemala indicate the ceremonial and ritual use of psychoactive mushrooms in Mayan and Aztec cultures. In the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, these mushrooms were called "teonanácatl," meaning "divine mushroom." Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century also reported the use of mushrooms by natives for religious and ceremonial purposes.
• European Exploration and Study: The first mention of hallucinogenic mushrooms in European medicinal literature was in the London Medical and Physical Journal in 1799, describing a family's experience after consuming Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms. In 1955, Valentina Pavlovna Wasson and R. Gordon Wasson became the first known European Americans to participate in an indigenous mushroom ceremony in Mexico. They publicized their experience, and in 1957, they published an article in Life magazine.
• Scientific Identification: In 1956, Roger Heim identified the psychoactive mushroom species brought back from Mexico by the Wassons as Psilocybe. Albert Hofmann, in 1958, identified psilocybin and psilocin as the active compounds within these mushrooms.
• Popularization in the 1960s: Timothy Leary, a Harvard professor, became known for promoting psilocybin mushrooms. He coined the phrase "turn on, tune in, and drop out," encouraging the use of hallucinogenic drugs. Musicians, celebrities, and the "hippie movement" of the 1960s further popularized magic mushrooms.
• Research and Classification: Magic mushrooms gained nationwide attention, and American researchers in the 1960s began studying their potential healing properties and medical applications. However, the War on Drugs campaign led by President Richard Nixon resulted in their classification as a Schedule I substance, halting research until the late 20th century.
• Modern Times: Today, the use of magic mushrooms is gaining prevalence again, with states like Oregon and Colorado legalizing their use. Research institutions are exploring the medical applications of psilocybin, and there is a new surge of interest in understanding its potential to treat conditions such as depression, PTSD, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Effects and risks

Psychoactive mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body to produce psychoactive effects.

The effects of magic mushrooms vary widely, and adverse side effects are often mild or moderate and may resolve with time. However, some people may require medical treatment. The effects of magic mushrooms include:

• Euphoria
• Hallucinations
• Sensory distortion
• Distorted sights and sounds
• Loss of sense of time and space
• Intense emotions ranging from bliss to terror
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Paranoia

The effects of magic mushrooms can be influenced by various factors, such as the quantity consumed, past experiences, expectations, mood, and environment. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and a safe environment can reduce the risk of having a "bad trip".

One of the main risks associated with magic mushrooms is the potential for misidentification with poisonous mushrooms, which can result in poisoning or even death. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing a ""bad trip""", which can be influenced by higher doses, anxiety, or combining magic mushrooms with other drugs.

Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to tolerance, cross-tolerance with other drugs, and the potential for flashbacks or disturbing hallucinations. While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, some physical side effects may occur, such as delayed headaches.

It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms may have unpredictable and dangerous effects, especially when combined with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications. They should not be taken by individuals on psychiatric medications as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of the condition.

While research is ongoing, magic mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health disorders and substance use disorders. However, unsupervised use outside of clinical settings may pose risks, such as impaired judgement and engagement in risky behaviours.

Therapeutic potential

Psychoactive mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into the psychoactive chemical psilocin, which produces psychedelic effects.

Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies, with evidence suggesting that indigenous people in Central America used them for healing and spiritual rituals as early as 3000 B.C. Today, some people use them recreationally or to enhance their mental health.

The therapeutic potential of psychoactive mushrooms has been an active area of research, with promising results suggesting their potential efficacy in treating various conditions:

• Substance Use Disorders: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is currently researching the potential of psilocybin in treating substance use disorders.
• Mental Illnesses: NIDA is also investigating psilocybin as a possible treatment for other mental illnesses, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and addiction.
• Neurological Conditions: Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated the potential of psilocybin in treating neurological issues such as chronic pain, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Neuropsychiatric Disorders: The psychotherapeutic use of indole alkaloids derived from magic mushrooms has been proposed as a promising alternative treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders, offering a safer option compared to synthetic drugs.
• Therapeutic Advantages Over LSD: Psilocybin has certain therapeutic advantages over LSD, another hallucinogenic drug. It has higher oral bioavailability and shorter psychedelic effect durations, making it more manageable for clinical patient interventions.
• Enhanced Brain Connectivity: Psilocybin has been found to temporarily disrupt the default mode network in the brain, which may reduce self-focus and increase feelings of openness and connectedness. This effect could be beneficial in therapeutic settings.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Magic mushrooms have a rich history of use in various cultures, and their inclusion in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe suggests their importance. This extensive history underscores the potential of indole alkaloids in drug discovery.

While the therapeutic potential of psychoactive mushrooms is promising, it is important to note that they can also induce negative experiences, such as "bad trips" and flashbacks, especially when combined with certain medications or substances. Therefore, it is crucial to approach their use with caution and under the guidance of medical professionals.

Explore related products

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides)

$81.78

Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs (Vol. 1 & 2): 50 Years of Research

$69.99 $125

Psilocybin Mushrooms: Psychedelic Mushroom Types and Their Safe Use - Psilocybin Identification Book (Entheogens 2)

$7.99 $14.99

Magic Medicinal Mushroom Gummies

$33.95

Road Trip - Desert Stardust - Mushroom Gummies - Nootropic Blend (1-Pack, Pineapple)

$29.99

Proprietary Nootropic Gummy 8000mg - Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordycep Nootropic Tripee Mushroom Blend (10, Blue Lemonade)

$34.99 $39.99

Legality

Psychoactive mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into the psychoactive chemical psilocin, which produces the drug's effects. Psychoactive mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional ceremonies and for healing and spiritual rituals. Today, they are often used recreationally or to improve mental health.

The legality of psychoactive mushrooms varies by jurisdiction. 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 drugs and restrict their use to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions. However, the mushrooms themselves were not specifically included in the convention due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of psychoactive mushrooms is ambiguous in many places, with some jurisdictions considering the mushrooms a container" of the illicit drugs and therefore illegal, while others have specifically amended laws to criminalize the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.

In the United States, the federal Psychotropic Substances Act criminalizes the possession and use of psilocybin, and most state courts have considered the mushroom itself illegal. However, there are some exceptions, such as in the state of California, where a bill has been proposed to legalize the possession, obtaining, giving away, or transportation of specified quantities of psilocybin. As of 2022, Colorado became the second US state to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms.

In Canada, psychoactive mushrooms are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and activities such as sale, possession, and production are illegal unless authorized by Health Canada. However, in 2023, the province of Alberta became the first to regulate and allow the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy.

Other countries with laws regulating or prohibiting psilocybin mushrooms include the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Australian Poisons Standard (October 2015), and the Japanese Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law of 2002. Despite the legal restrictions, there is ongoing research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, with organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supporting its investigation as a treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses.

Common types

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 and psilocin are highly subjective, depending on the type of mushroom, how it is prepared, and the dosage.

Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies, with evidence that indigenous people in Central America used them for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 BC. They are also used recreationally, and in recent years, there has been a surge of interest in their potential to treat mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and substance use disorders.

The most potent species of psilocybin mushrooms are members of the genus Psilocybe, with P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens being the most common. However, psilocybin has also been isolated from several other genera, including:

• Panaeolus (including Copelandia)
• Inocybe
• Pluteus
• Gymnopilus
• Pholiotina
• Galerina

The composition of magic mushrooms varies from genus to genus and species to species. While psilocybin is the principal component, other compounds such as norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin may also be present, potentially modifying the effects of the mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions