Emily Johnson
Psilocybin mushrooms, more commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms vary from person to person and can range from euphoria to hallucinations, anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches. The experience, or trip, is strongly dependent on the user's mood, personality, and expectations, as well as the setting or environment in which the mushrooms are consumed. While psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in various cultures and locations, they are currently controlled substances in many places due to their hallucinogenic effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms, Psychedelic Mushrooms |
| Scientific Name | Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Active Ingredient | Psilocybin (converted to psilocin in the body) |
| Effects | Euphoria, Hallucinations, Anxiety, Panic, Nausea, Paranoia, Relaxation, Drowsiness, Lack of Coordination, Flashbacks |
| Use | Recreational, Medicinal, Spiritual, Religious |
| Legality | Illegal in most of the U.S., Decriminalized in some cities |
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What You'll Learn
What are psychofelic mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms, more commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down by the liver and converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the mushrooms' psychedelic effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in various cultures and locations across the world for recreational, medicinal, spiritual, and religious purposes. In modern times, psilocybin use may be recreational, spiritual, or medicinal. In terms of the latter, psilocybin may show promise in helping to treat or manage certain mental health conditions. However, it is important to note that psilocybin is mostly illegal in the US and is considered a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning that it is believed to have a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary significantly depending on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and environment. Positive effects may include euphoria, hilarity, muscular relaxation, and sensory distortion. However, negative effects can include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, panic, and hallucinations. It is worth noting that the more often psilocybin mushrooms are taken within a short period, the weaker the resultant effects, as psilocybin and psilocin create short-term increases in tolerance. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms have not been known to cause physical or psychological dependence.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried mushrooms, extracts, edibles, or tea. They may also be covered in chocolate to mask their bitter taste. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary between and within the same species. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with psilocybin mushroom consumption, including the possibility of accidental poisoning from mistaking poisonous mushrooms for hallucinogenic ones.
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How are they consumed?
Psychoactive or psychofelic mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms, contain compounds that can induce hallucinations and profound mental and emotional experiences. They have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, often in religious rituals and for spiritual and medicinal purposes.
Fresh or Dried Mushrooms: One of the most direct methods is to consume the mushrooms directly, either fresh or dried. Fresh mushrooms can be eaten raw, but they often have a bitter taste, so some people prefer to cook them or add them to various dishes. Dried mushrooms can be ground into a powder and added to foods or drinks, such as smoothies or tea. When consuming the mushrooms directly, it's important to start with a small dose and gradually increase, as the effects can be potent and vary depending on the species and individual tolerance.
Tea: Mushroom tea is a popular method of consumption, as it can be easier on the stomach compared to eating the mushrooms directly. To make mushroom tea, grind or chop the dried mushrooms and steep them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Some people add lemon juice or other citrus to the tea, as the acidity is believed to help convert the psychoactive compounds into a form that's more easily absorbed by the body, potentially enhancing the effects.
Capsules: For a more precise and discreet method of consumption, some people opt for encapsulating the dried and powdered mushrooms. This method avoids the taste and makes it easier to consume a consistent dose. However, it's important to note that the effects may be delayed compared to other methods, as the capsules need to be digested and broken down in the stomach.
Infused Edibles: Mushrooms can also be infused into various edible products, such as chocolates, candies, or baked goods. This method masks the bitter taste and provides an alternative for those who don't enjoy the texture or flavor of the mushrooms themselves. When consuming edibles, it's important to be mindful that the effects may take longer to onset (up to an hour or more) and can last longer compared to other consumption methods.
It's important to note that the consumption of psychofelic mushrooms should be approached with caution and respect. They are potent substances that can induce intense experiences, and it's always advisable to consume them in a safe and controlled environment with trusted companions or sitters. Additionally, the legal status of psychedelic mushrooms varies widely across the world, and it's essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations before considering their use.
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What are the effects?
The effects of psilocybin vary widely and depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. The effects of magic mushrooms can also vary from person to person, and can be influenced by the user's mood, previous encounters with psychedelic drugs, expectations, and environment.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms. It is a naturally occurring psychedelic with effects similar to LSD. The effects of psilocybin usually occur within 15-50 minutes of ingestion and last between four and six hours. The effects include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion, such as the belief that one can see music or hear colours. It can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and a distorted sense of self. In some people, changes in sensory perception and thought patterns can last longer than the duration of the effects.
Some people who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, which are usually visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken, and can be triggered by using other drugs, stress, tiredness, or exercise.
There is currently no data on the safety of taking psilocybin during pregnancy, and there have been reports of serious harms associated with intravenous injection of mushrooms, including septic shock and multi-system organ failure.
Magic mushrooms have a low risk of addiction, and there are no physical symptoms after stopping use. However, regular use may cause people to become tolerant to the effects of psilocybin, and cross-tolerance occurs with other drugs, including LSD and mescaline.
There is increasing interest in the potential therapeutic uses of magic mushrooms and psilocybin. Clinical trials have shown promising results for the treatment of substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Microdosing, or taking a very small amount of psilocybin, has been suggested to have benefits such as enhanced creativity, social interaction, and mood.
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What are the risks?
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin. This drug is converted by the body into psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms include hallucinations, heightened senses, euphoria, and an altered sense of time.
While magic mushrooms are not considered physically or psychologically addictive, there are still risks associated with their consumption. Here are some of the potential risks of taking psychedelic mushrooms:
Risk of Poisoning: Magic mushrooms closely resemble some types of poisonous mushrooms. Consuming these poisonous mushrooms can result in mushroom poisoning, which may lead to severe illness and even death. As such, it is crucial to correctly identify the mushroom species before consumption to mitigate the risk of poisoning.
Adverse Side Effects: While the side effects of magic mushrooms are often mild to moderate, some individuals may experience more severe adverse reactions. These can include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and heightened anxiety. In some cases, individuals may experience panic reactions, paranoia, or short-term psychosis. It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms are highly variable and depend on factors such as mental health, setting, quantity consumed, and individual expectations.
Bad Trips: The environment and state of mind in which an individual consumes magic mushrooms can significantly impact their experience. A negative environment or anxious state of mind may contribute to a "bad trip," characterized by heightened anxiety, paranoia, or panic. Consuming magic mushrooms with other drugs, such as ice, speed, or ecstasy, can also increase the likelihood of a bad trip.
Flashbacks: Some individuals who regularly use magic mushrooms may experience flashbacks, which are typically visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the last consumption and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or certain drugs. While rare, some people may develop hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder, experiencing persistent and distressing alterations in their perception of the world long after taking psilocybin.
Interaction with Medications: Magic mushrooms should not be consumed by individuals taking certain medications, especially psychiatric medications. Combining magic mushrooms with other psychoactive substances can lead to unpredictable and dangerous interactions. It may result in a relapse or worsening of the individual's condition.
Illicit Market Risks: When obtained illegally, magic mushrooms may be contaminated with other substances or incorrectly identified, leading to unintended consequences. Illicitly produced drugs are not subject to quality control measures, and their consumption may pose additional health risks.
It is important to note that the long-term effects of magic mushrooms are still being studied, and there may be unknown risks associated with their consumption. As with any substance, it is essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making an informed decision about using psychedelic mushrooms.
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What is their history?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, have a long and complex history that dates back thousands of years. Also known as hallucinogenic or psychedelic mushrooms, they have been used in various cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes.
The earliest evidence of psilocybin mushroom use comes from prehistoric times, with archaeological findings suggesting their use in religious and healing rituals. Rock art from around 9000–7000 BCE in Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users. Similarly, prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain indicates that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals about 6,000 years ago.
In Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztecs, psilocybin mushrooms were revered as "teonanácatl," or "flesh of the gods." They were consumed in religious ceremonies and psychedelic tea rituals to induce divination, healing, and communion with the gods. This practice was documented by Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century, who were both fascinated and horrified by these rituals.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms continued to be documented in various cultures. For example, the Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius described the "bolond gomba" ("crazy mushroom") used in rural Hungary for love potions. English botanist John Parkinson also mentioned a "foolish mushroom" in his 1640 work, "Theatricum Botanicum."
In the 20th century, psilocybin mushrooms gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s. This was largely due to the efforts of Timothy Leary, a psychology professor at Harvard University, who became interested in their potential after reading about banker R. Gordon Wasson's positive experiences with them in Mexico. Leary conducted experiments, such as the Concord Prison Experiment, to study the effects of psilocybin and advocated for its benefits on mental health and well-being. His work, along with the emerging hippie movement, contributed to the widespread popularity of magic mushrooms in popular culture.
Despite their long history and potential therapeutic benefits, psilocybin mushrooms have faced legal restrictions in many countries. They are listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the U.S. government, indicating a lack of accepted medical use. However, there is ongoing research and a growing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms for mental health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychofelic mushrooms, more commonly 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 psychofelic mushrooms are subjective and can vary considerably among individual users. The experience, often referred to as a "trip", is strongly dependent on set and setting. Common effects include hilarity, lack of concentration, muscular relaxation, hallucinations, and an inability to discern fantasy from reality.
While psychofelic mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in various cultures and locations across the world and continue to be used in some places, they are mostly illegal in the U.S. and considered a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which believes they have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose. In addition, the mushrooms themselves can be easily confused with poisonous varieties, which can cause illness or even death.
